A film documenting the rise to prominence of Many Clouds, owned by Isle of Man businessman Trevor Hemmings, has won an award at the Equus Film Festival in New York.

The short film was directed by the 2015 Grand National hero’s former work-rider Nathan Horrocks.

Horrocks was honoured with the award for best international director at a ceremony at the Helen Mills Theatre for his feature titled Many Clouds: The People’s Horse.

Mr Horrocks said: ‘I entered the film into the festival to share the Many Clouds story with an American audience, to show how much he was loved, but I never expected to win.

‘This is my tribute to him to say thank you for what he has done for me, both personally and professionally, he literally changed my life.’ He added: ‘A special thank you to trainer Oliver Sherwood and owner Trevor Hemmings for bringing him into my life.’

He added:’Thank you to the Equine Productions team who put up with my tears and emotion whilst piecing together the Many Clouds footage.

’The investment and hard work that goes into these top horses allows us to appreciate and love these incredible animals.’

Tragically, Many Clouds collapsed and died after beating Thistlecrack in a big race at Cheltenham last January.

He was a firm favourite of Manx racing punters and spent holidays with his owner Mr Hemmings near Andreas in the north of the island.

Mr Hemmings, a passionate follower of jumps racing, adored the horse,as reported previously in Isle of Man Newspapers