Actually, since Gene Autry's career spanned nearly 4 decades, there were a number of "Champions". The one that most are familiar with is the "T.V" Champion of the early 50's or so. I had the thrill, as a very young boy, of seeing Gene Autry ride this Champion into a darkened arena at the Denver Stock Show in 1952. A single spot light focused on them. This horse was a flaxen chestnut (rarely seen) with whitened mane and tail. Gene Autry's saddle and bridle were silver adorned with long, flowing
tapaderos and it was quite a sight... Scroll towards the bottom of this site for a picture...
http://www.b-westerns.com/hoss-ga.htm