Emotional scenes as Grand National-winning horse pays ‘wonderful tribute’ by attending funeral of beloved owner

THERE were emotional scenes as a legendary Grand National-winning horse paid a 'wonderful tribute' to his beloved late owner - by attending his funeral. Stunning grey Neptune Collonges led the procession at the funeral of iconic owner John Hales at St Mary Magdelene's Church in Shropshire yesterday. Upstaging the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson and trainers Paul Nicholls and Dan Skelton who also paid their respects, Neptune Collonges stood perfectly still at the door of the church as the life of his famous owner was remembered.

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Hales, a close personal friend of Sir Alex and multi-millionaire cuddly toy magnate, died aged 85 last month. His greatest day as an owner came in that unforgettable finish to the 2012 Grand National at Aintree. Carrying Hales' own distinctive yellow silks and ridden by the recently-retired Daryl Jacob, 33-1 Neptune Collonges prevailed by a nose in an all-time thriller with Sunnyhillboy. To this day it is the closest-ever finish in the world's most famous race.

Hales lovingly referred to his awesome grey - who won over £1.3million on the track courtesy of 16 wins - as 'Nipper'. And racing fans were moved to see the much-loved horse turn out as his owner was remembered. One said: "This is a truly wonderful thing to do.". And another commented: "What a beautiful tribute. Very moving.". Hales continued to go to the races in his final days. Exactly a month ago he was in the winner's enclosure at Windsor after Protektorat won the Fleur De Lys Chase and its £86,000 prize.

There were emotional scenes at the Berkshire track as Hales, helped by trainer Dan Skelton, walked over to his beloved horse. Hales made his money in the toy world, with the Teletubbies, Thomas the Tank Engine and Basil Brush soft toys all being crafted by his Golden Bear company. Launched in 1978, Golden Bear went from strength-to-strength and soon meant Hales could dip his toe into the world of racehorse ownership.

In the mid-Nineties Hales had his first runner, the well-named The Toyman. Sadly he fell and died in his first race. But his luck quickly changed and he enjoyed huge success with the likes of Champion Chase winners Azertyuiop and Politologue and King George hero One Man. In more recent times Hales teamed up with Sir Alex to land the then world-record purchase of Regent's Stroll for £660,000. That came after their ownership group set the previous record for a jumps horse when they bought Caldwell Potter for £634,000.

Hales and Sir Alex shared some amazing scenes at last year's Cheltenham Festival. They roared home two winners alongside Sam Allardyce and Coronation Street actor Alan Halsall, who plays Tyrone Dobbs. On a money-spinning day that saw them collect just shy of £300,000, Sir Alex and Hales jumped up and down as Protektorat and Monmiral won the Ryanair and Pertemps respectively. Trainer Skelton said Hales will be remembered 'as a great man'.