The 2011 Grand National winner Ballabriggs, who enjoyed his retirement in the Isle of Man, has died.

Tributes have been paid to the 25-year-old that was ridden by Jason Maguire when tasting success at Aintree.

It was the first Grand National victory for trainer Donald McCain Jr and the second victory over the famous fences for island-based owner Trevor Hemmings CVO.

Trevor, who died in 2021 aged 86, was a highly successful businessman who went on to become one of the most recognised figures in British and Irish horse racing winning the Grand National as an owner three times with Hedgehunter, then Ballabriggs and finally Many Clouds in 2015.

Ballabriggs enjoyed a happy retirement at owner Trevor Hemmings’s Ballaseyr Stud in Andreas.

Trevor Hemmings and his three Grand National winning trophies

A statement posted to X by Donald McCain Racing paid tribute to the horse.

It said: ‘I'm really sad to report that our Grand National-winning hero Ballabriggs has passed away at the age of 25. We're all eternally grateful for the amazing days and memories he gave us, and for allowing me to achieve a lifetime ambition of winning the Grand National in 2011.

‘After the most fantastic career, he got to enjoy a long and wonderfully happy retirement at Mr Hemmings' Ballaseyr Stud on the Isle of Man, where he will be laid to rest.’

Ballabriggs won seven of his 28 starts and finished in the first three on a further nine occasions. His best day away from Aintree came at the Cheltenham Festival in 2010, when he won the Kim Muir at odds of 9-1.

Aintree Racecourse also shared a touching tribute, saying: ‘We're sad to learn that Ballabriggs has passed away at age 25. He lived a long and happy retirement at Trevor Hemmings' Ballaseyr Stud where we visited him earlier this year.

‘The 2011 Grand National winner is etched into racing history and our thoughts are with all connections.’