The dual King George winner Silviniaco Conti has died after suffering an accident while team chasing.

His trainer for eight years Paul Nicholls revealed the news on Monday. The 12-year-old son of Dom Alco had retired at Aintree this time last year having won £1.1 million in prize money in the colours of Chris Giles & Sullivan Bloodstock Ltd.

RIGHT: Winning the King George in 2014

He ran 36 times for 16 wins which included seven Grade 1 wins – his most noteworthy being in the King George in 2013 and 2014. He ran in the Gold Cup three times, starting favourite in Coneygree’s year in 2015. He had been leading in 2013 when falling three out when Bobs Worth won and led over the last the following year when finishing fourth to Lord Windermere.

Silviniaco Conti jumps alongside the winner Bobs Worth and Sir Des Champs in the Gold Cup in 2103

Photo HEALY RACING.

His seven Grade 1 wins include two King Georges, two Betfair Chases and the Betfair Bowl at Aintree twice and Ascot's Betfair Chase.

He also ran at Down Royal where he took second to Valseur Lido in the JN Wine Chase in 2016.

Nicholls said: "I'm really upset to report that Silviniaco Conti has died following an accident while team chasing on Sunday.

left: After winning the Betfair Chase in 2012 with Ruby Walsh

"He was a brilliant horse with great scope and won seven Grade 1 chases for us, including the King George VI in successive years, and also six Grade 2 chases."

The initial diagnosis at the vets on Monday suggested he would be fine, but unfortunately he took a turn for the worse and died early this afternoon."