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Dan Skelton has issued a heartfelt tribute after announcing the death of dual Cheltenham Festival winner Langer Dan to a heart condition.
Owned by Colm Donlon, the nine-year-old won back-to-back runnings of the Coral Cup at the festival in 2023 and 2024, and was retired last March after being found to have an underlying heart problem.
Langer Dan spent the last ten months in the care of Amber Blythe, who works for Skelton, but the leading trainer announced on social media on Friday that the six-time winner had died.
In a post on Instagram, Skelton said: “We’re saddened to say we lost Langer Dan suddenly yesterday to the heart condition he was diagnosed with in February last year. He enjoyed a wonderful, well-deserved retirement and was thoroughly spoilt by Amber Blythe, who rode him during his time in training.”
Dan Skelton (second left) with Langer Dan after winning the Coral CupCredit: Edward Whitaker
Langer Dan made 27 appearances for Skelton, and as well as two victories at the Cheltenham Festival, he won a Grade 3 at Aintree in 2022, the Grade 3 Paddy Power Imperial Cup in March 2021, and finished second behind subsequent Gold Cup winner Galopin Des Champs at Cheltenham the following week.
Skelton added: “Thank you to owner Colm Donlon for his devotion to Langer Dan both during his racing career and throughout his retirement. We’ll never forget what he achieved on the racecourse, and he will be greatly missed by all.”
Read more on Langer Dan . . .
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Popular dual Coral Cup winner Langer Dan retired after underlying heart condition is found
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Published on 9 January 2026inBritain
Last updated 15:03, 9 January 2026
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