Derby winner Motivator dies aged 24

Michael Bell hailed Motivator as an “exceptional racehorse” following his death at the age of 24.

It is 21 years since the son of Montjeu’s career-defining victory in the Derby at Epsom, with the manner of his five-length win over Walk In The Park, with super-sire Dubawi back in third, living long in the memory.

Motivator was unbeaten in four starts following his Classic triumph and while he did not win again afterwards – finishing a close second to Aidan O’Brien’s Oratorio in both the Coral-Eclipse in the Irish Champion Stakes before rounding off his seven-race career with a fifth place finish in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe – he will always be held in high esteem by his trainer.

Bell told the Press Association: “I was very lucky to have him as part of my life and he obviously gave us many special days, but one in particular.

“He was a very, very high-class horse and I think on Derby day he would have won a lot of Derbys. He was absolutely on his game that day and was very impressive – it would have taken a good Derby winner to beat him, I think.

“He never had the rub of the green after that. On Eclipse day it rained everywhere bar Sandown and then we played away in the Irish Champion Stakes and were beaten by Oratorio again, but playing away against Ballydoyle is very difficult.

“Although he started favourite for the Arc, I think he’d slightly gone by then, but he was an exceptional racehorse and I was very privileged to have him.”

Motivator went on to enjoy an excellent career at stud, producing a string of high-class performers including the brilliant dual Arc-winning filly Treve.

During his racing career he carried the colours of the Royal Ascot Racing Club, which is managed by Harry Herbert.

“He was one of the most impressive Derby winners any of us have seen really – he won by five lengths eased down,” said Herbert.

“It was wonderful that he was owned by Ascot, running in the name of the Royal Ascot Racing Club, and he gave over 200 members the day of their lives.

“He went on to be a successful stallion, being the sire of Treve, and he had a very high black type strike-rate with his runners in France in particular.

“Michael Bell trained him supremely well and everyone involved with the horse will be saddened by his passing, but he leaves a wonderful memory.

“The life-size bronze of him by the pre-parade ring at Ascot is something very special. I certainly know every time I pass it I smile.”