The 2003 and 2004 Cup winner had been enjoying his retirement on the hilly Raglan property and appeared to have several years of enjoyment left when tragedy struck today.

Mitchell’s partner Sandy Stewart was on her regular feeding out tour of the property when she found 'Lordie'.

"I felt sorry for Sandy to find him like this," said Mitchell.

"He has been such a great horse for us and really didn’t deserve to go like this."

Just An Excuse had only 39 lifetime starts for 17 wins and lifetime earnings of $1,047,157 for his Cambridge owners Ollie and Irene Haines.

He had five Group One victories including the two NZ Cups, the 2004 New Zealand Free For All, 2003 Taylor Mile and NZ Messenger Championship.

He also had success across the Tasman taking out the 2004 Ballarat Cup defeating Sokyola and Double Identity.

"We have so many great memories both on and off the track but the one that stands out was his performance to win his second NZ Cup (2004) after everyone had written him off," said Mitchell.

"He gave them a start and ran his last mile in about 1.54 and beat Elsu who was flying at the time."

Greg O'Connor, New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club