Owner Graham Wylie paid a heartfelt tribute to Inglis Drever after the three-time World Hurdle hero died on Friday morning.

The winner of the World Hurdle at Cheltenham, a remarkable three times, the Howard Johnson-trained ten-year-old had to be put down after a fatal bout of colic.

"It's a sad day, but I walked round the house this morning and there are pictures everywhere and trophies, so I have some fantastic memories," Wylie said.

"It is very difficult to pick out one day, but I suppose my greatest memory is of him winning his third World Hurdle as that day he was making history.

"He was the first horse that ever went to Cheltenham to run for me, he was the first horse that won at Aintree for me and has just been a fantastic horse to be involved with.

"He was a difficult horse to run against as he could be up at the front or at the back of the field and he just had that turn of foot that nobody could live with.

"He just loved coming down that Cheltenham hill second time around and you could just think it wasn't going to be his day and before you knew it, he was jumping the last hurdle in the lead.

"He was such a tough, tough horse and I don't think we'll ever find another one like him, but we'll try our best."

Johnson said: "Without a doubt he'd be number one when it comes to horses I've trained.

"He went to Graham's for a good retirement - it is just one of those things."

Inglis Drever began his career on the Flat for Sir Mark Prescott, for whom he won four races.

"Mr Johnson kindly faxed me this morning. It's very sad," said the Newmarket trainer.

"They transformed him from a useful horse into a legend at White Lea Farm stables. I can imagine how very upset they will be, but they gave him a wonderful career.

"He deserved a long and happy retirement, but like lots of people who've done well and worked hard they don't always get lucky enough."

Inglis Drever was transferred to Johnson's yard in 2003, when he made a winning debut for his new team in November.

Johnson said: "He's been a fantastic servant to me and the yard and has kept me going since we bought him off Sir Mark.

"He won three World Hurdles and was the first horse to win the Order of Merit.

"You could always tell when he was right and he was a peach to train.

"He wouldn't hurt a butterfly and you always knew he would come up hills because as soon as he saw our hills at home he used to fly.

"It's very upsetting and I've said to Mr Wylie that we'll get him cremated and get him back into what I call the 'Millionaire's Field' in front of our house.

"He used to love it in there, and spent his summers in there every year since he arrived, so I think we should bury his ashes in there."

Jockey Dennis O'Regan was understandably stunned by the news after riding the horse to his third World Hurdle victory and said:  "It's shocking news. I won the World Hurdle on him and the Long Distance Hurdle as well.

"He was a lovely horse and it's a shame.

"He was a top-class hurdler and it's a shame he's died so young, but he's a horse that will stick in the memory for a long time.

"He's the best horse I've ridden and will probably be the best horse I'll ever ride.

"He's brought my career to the fore and it's a sad ending to a great career for that horse."