Limestone Lad, one of the most popular Irish hurdlers of the modern era, has died at the age of 32.

Trained, owned and bred by the late James Bowe, Limestone Lad won 35 of his 65 races during a six-year career that featured four victories in Grade One company.

Three of those top-level triumphs were achieved in the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse, most famously beating a familiar foe in the brilliant three-time Champion Hurdle winner Istabraq when bagging his first win in the race in 1999.

His other Grade One success was achieved in the 2002 Champion Stayers’ Hurdle at Punchestown, while he was also narrowly beaten in the 2003 Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown by Like-A-Butterfly and was twice placed in the Stayers’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

“It is a sad day, Limestone Lad was a one-off and he actually died in the field he was reared in,” said Bowe’s son and long-time assistant, Michael.

“He was a great horse who for whatever reason captured the public’s imagination. He was a bit like Robin Hood as he took from the rich and gave to the poor!

“Beating Istabraq in the Hatton’s Grace was a big day, but there were lots of good days. I remember him winning the Morgiana in Punchestown one year when he looked well beaten and somehow fought back to get back up – it had to be seen to be believed.

“He wore his heart on his sleeve and whenever he ran there was nowhere to hide for the opposition. He was a one-off and I only wish I was able to clone him.

“It is sad that he’s gone, but he had a great retirement and he enjoyed every minute – and we’ve still got the memories…and the trophies!”