Geoff Billington's Olympic partner, It's Otto has been put to sleep aged 23.

The stunning dark bay gelding, won many a fan with his exuberant jumping style and big personality. He was described by many as 'a horse they would love to own’.

It’s Otto amassed over £650,000 winnings during his career and represented Great Britain at two Olympic Games; in 1996 in Atlanta where he took sixth place in the Individual Final and again four years later in Sydney.

He also added European (1997 in Mannheim) and World (1998 in Rome) Team Bronze medals to his list of career highlights, along with over fifteen British Nations Cup appearances.

In 1996 It’s Otto was voted the “Outstanding Horse of 1996” by Horse & Hound and this was followed in 2001 with the BSJA British Team Lifetime Award. At the time, Geoff said: "There's nothing Otto can't jump; he's a once in a lifetime horse. I'll never ride another like him.

The gelding retired in 2002 but since then has enjoyed making appearances with Geoff at deoms and lectures.

Speaking from Dublin this week, an emotional Geoff Billington said: “It’s so sad, he was the best horse I have ever had. I look forward to winning the Aga Khan in Dublin in his memory.”