Aintree stalwart Vieux Lion Rouge has died at the age of 17, trainer David Pipe has announced.

He ran in the Grand National five times and the Becher Chase on six occasions, winning the latter twice.

In all he jumped 254 Grand National fences, which Pipe believes to be a modern-day record.

“I am saddened to report that Vieux Lion Rouge passed away on Friday after a short battle with colic at the grand old age of 17,” Pipe wrote on www.davidpipe.com.

“He spent his recent retirement living with Toby and Callie Coles on the edge of Dartmoor from where he loved his ventures onto the moor and also his trips to various Devon sandy beaches and blackberry picking.

“Previous to that he had been on Exmoor and out regularly with the hounds and he really did love his active retirement. He was also back for spells at the yard quite regularly in the build up to his days out at Aintree parading.

“His favourite pastime has always been going to Aintree racecourse, both during his racing career and then in more recent times he loved his twice yearly outing to Liverpool. You could really see the twinkle in his eye when he stepped out of the lorry at Aintree.

“He was due to be there for Grand National day this year but now he will be looking down on them all from above and saying I hope you enjoy jumping those fences as much as I did!”.

His owner Professor Caroline Tisdall said: “He has been amazing for us, the horse of a lifetime. He has given us so many memorable moments and the fact that he was able to remain sound and happy for 10 years of racing is testament not just to his toughness, but to the care and attention given to him by the trainer and the whole team at Pond House.”