One of New Zealand's greatest-ever racehorses Might and Power has died aged 26.
The New Zealand born-and-bred gelding has a special place in many Kiwi hearts, including the jockey who rode him through their biggest wins, Jim Cassidy.
"His will to win that day [1997 Caulfield Cup] was enormous," Cassidy told Newshub.
"I've never seen anything like it, he walked in the yard, he paraded well.
"He just looked so big, bold and strong, he treated the rivals with contempt, he beat them by seven and said thanks for coming."
Late Saturday afternoon, Might and Power was diagnosed with colic and rushed to emergency surgery but had to be euthanised.
"Talking about him now brings me goosebumps on my arm and on the back of my neck," Cassidy told Newshub.
"I was lucky to become one with him when we were on the track, we were a good team."
Born and bred at Windsor Park Stud in Cambridge, Might and Power was only the second-ever horse to win the treble, the Caulfield Cup, Melbourne Cup and the Cox Plate.
"He was a very special horse to us, he was a tremendous racehorse and a big ambassador for New Zealand and for our stud," Windsor Park Stud studmaster Rodney Schick told Newshub.
"If I'm having a down day, I just bring up his Caulfield Cup or his Melbourne Cup and it gives me a great thrill."
He claimed 15 wins from 33 starts. A New Zealand Hall of Famer even in retirement, Might and Power was special.
"I put my hand out and he put his head on my chest and that was a special moment because I hadn't seen him for a couple of years and for a horse to do that, whether he remembered me or not, it brought a tear to my eye."
