A dark bay gelding with a narrow blaze and white hind feet, he developed a reputation for being rather inconsistent, but was one of the most talented hurdlers of his era with a peak rating of 165.
Hors La Loi's dam was the non-thoroughbred mare Quintessence (described in some sources[3] as a Selle Français), who also produced his full-brother Cyborgo, winner of the 1996 Stayers' Hurdle.
Hors La Loi III first went into training with François Doumen in France and was ridden in most of his early races by the trainer's son Thierry.
Returned to François Doumen's stable for the 1999/2000 season, Hors La Loi began with two disappointing efforts at Auteuil, but once again showed improved form when raced in England.
Moved to the stable of James Fanshawe, he managed a fair second in the Kingwell Hurdle, but was pulled up in his other three starts, including a substitute Championship race at Sandown[15] (the Cheltenham Festival was cancelled because of the foot-and-mouth outbreak).
[19] His retirement was announced in June 2003, with his owner citing ongoing back problems,[20] but, more than two years later, Hors La Loi re-appeared as a Novice Chaser, now under the care of Paul Nicholls.
According to RTÉ he produced some "magnificent leaps"[21] to win at Taunton in December 2005 and recorded placed efforts in good races later in the season, including one back at Wincanton.