Landing Light

He failed to reproduce his best form in subsequent National Hunt campaigns, but returned to the flat as an eight-year-old in 2003 and won the Cesarewitch Handicap on his final racecourse appearance.

As a breeding stallion, his other progeny included the multiple Group One winner Singspiel and the outstanding long distance hurdler Inglis Drever.

[3] Gay Hellene was a daughter of the Irish 1,000 Guineas winner Gaily, whose other descendants have included Pilsudski[4] Landing Light was sent into training with Roger Charlton at Beckhampton, but was transferred to the stable of David Smaga in France before his racecourse debut.

[7] Henderson praised Fitzgerald for giving the horse "a very good educational ride" but some observers criticised the winner for his tendency to carry his head at a high angle.

[8] Two weeks later he was made 4/1 favourite for the Grade III Tote Gold Trophy, the most valuable handicap hurdle in Europe at Newbury Racecourse in which he carried 142 pounds.

Fitzgerald repeated the tactics employed at Cheltenham, holding the gelding up in the early stages before moving up to take the lead after the second last and won by three lengths from Rooster Booster.

[12] At the Boxing Day meeting at Kempton Park Racecourse he faced Bilboa, Hors La Loi III and Azertyuiop in the Grade I Christmas Hurdle.

[13] On 12 March 2012, Landing Light made his first appearance at the Cheltenham Festival and started 100/30 third favourite behind Istabraq and Valiramix for the Champion Hurdle.

[14] On his final appearance of the season he was sent to Ireland for the Grade I Punchestown Champion Hurdle on 26 April but ran poorly, finishing last of the six runners behind Davenport Milenium.

[15] He finished seventh behind Rooster Booster at level weights in the Champion Hurdle in March and fourth behind Deano's Beeno over three miles at Ascot in April.

After a break of more than three and a half months, Landing Light returned in the Cesarewitch Handicap over two and a quarter miles at Newmarket Racecourse in October.