He was our 2011 Ruby World Cup lucky charm.
But it appears luck has run out for Richie McCow - the cup's unofficial mascot - after the 3-year-old was sold to the meatworks last year.
Richie's owner, Kyle Underwood of the Maungaturoto Hotel in Northland, confirmed the news when we rang to check if he would be playing any role in this year's World Cup.
"Unfortunately I have some bad news. He was sent to the works last year.
"I didn't even realise," Mr Underwood said.