TRIBUTES TO LEGEND BRAVE INCA

COLM MURPHY paid tribute to Brave Inca after his death at the age of 27, describing the experience of overseeing the dual Cheltenham Festival winner's career as "the nearest thing you could get to winning the Lotto.

- BY BRIAN FLANAGAN

COLM MURPHY paid tribute to Brave Inca after his death at the age of 27, describing the experience of overseeing the dual Cheltenham Festival winner's career as “the nearest thing you could get to winning the Lotto.

Alongside regular foes Hardy Eustace, Macs Joy and Harchibald, Brave Inca became a central figure in a vintage era for two-mile hurdlers, as he took his then-rookie handler on a phenomenal journey.

He remained with Murphy following his retirement in 2009 until his death, with the Wexford trainer saying he will always be “indebted” to the winner of 10 Grade One contests and 15 races in total.