Death of Lady Rothschild

Lady Rothschild, 84, a renowned owner/breeder who enjoyed her greatest success with 2011 King George winner Nathaniel, has died.

Nathaniel was twice beaten by Frankel on the racecourse but he became the first of the two to sire a Classic winner when the brilliant Enable won the 2017 Oaks at Epsom.

Two other notable winners for her were Great Heavens (2012 Irish Oaks) and Pounced (2009 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf ).

Lady Rothschild was married to investment banker Lord Jacob Rothschild and leaves four children and eight grandchildren.

Felix Desjy, trained by Gordon Elliott, made all to win yesterday’s Sky Bet Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle at Punchestown, beating some highly-regarded rivals in good style.

The race always takes some winning and the likes of Vautour, Douvan and Min have lifted the prize in recent years, so the performance should not be underestimated.

“He disappointed us a few times, but we were dropping him in early on and I’d say it was the wrong way to ride him,” said Elliott.

“He likes striding along and jumps well. He’ll probably go to the Dublin Racing Festival and I’d imagine the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham.”