Grand Annual winner Al Garhood dead at 18

Champion jumper Al Garhood, winner of 2 Brierly and 2 Grand Annual Steeplechases, has died at 18.

Trainer Ciaron Mahar is devastated to hear his former jumper Al Garhood has died, aged 18.

A winner of 11 jumps races, Al Garhood last raced in 2012 and was living out his retirement at the property of Col McKenna who races Jameka with Maher.

Al Garhood was famous for his deeds during the May Warrnambool three-day carnival, winning two Brierly Steeplechases along with two Grand Annual Steeplechases in 2010 and 2011.

He also won a Von Doussa Steeplechase at Oakbank and amassed more than $500,000 prize money.

“Devastated to hear that the legendary Al Garhood has passed away in his field aged 18. He helped get my name on the map by winning two Grand Annual’s, two Brierly Steeplechase’s and a Von Doussa, earning over $530,000, before enjoying a happy retirement,” Maher tweeted.

Al Garhood started his career with John O’Shea, winning a 2300m maiden at Newcastle before a short stint with Cliff Brown.

But it was with Maher that he made his name, winning 13 times.

Al Garhood is the elder half-brother to Regina Coeli, also a winner of two Grand Annuals for Maher.

The trainer is on an extended overseas trip as he serves a six-month suspension imposed over the ownership bona fides of five horses in his stable.