National Hunt hero and seven-time Grade 1-winner Native Upmanship (Ire) (Be My Native) passed away at Coolmore Stud on Monday at 31, the farm announced via presser.
A back-to-back victor of the G1 Melling Chase, the first of which coming in 2002, he visited the winner's enclosure on 16 occasions with 13 coming at the Graded level. Other career highlights included an eased down 30 length victory in the Powers Gold Cup at Fairyhouse in April 2000, and two renewals of the John Durkan Memorial Chase at Punchestown in non-consecutive years. Native Upmanship had retired from racing in 2006 and lived out his days in the fields of Coolmore Stud.
“Native Upmanship was an unbelievably tough horse that loved his racing. He gave me some of my most memorable days on a racecourse and we were extremely fortunate to have had him,” said trainer Arthur Moore. “I want to pay tribute to the staff at Coolmore who cared for him exceptionally throughout his retirement.”
His longtime caretaker Trish Kearney said, “Native Upmanship will be greatly missed by all of us who looked after him here. He lived out his days receiving the greatest of care from all of the team. We have very fond memories of him, especially considering we cared for him throughout his long retirement and also during his summer holidays in his racing career. It's a sad day but Native Upmanship will always have a special place in our hearts.”
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