Ascot trainer's ‘heartbroken' message after horse's death seconds into race
A Royal Ascot trainer has posted an emotional tribute after the death of one of his runners on Wednesday.
Richard Hannon had enjoyed mixed success on Tuesday having been left gutted by the nose defeat of stable star Rosallion in the Queen Anne Stakes and then elated by Haatem's victory in Wolferton Stakes. He had hoped for more success in Wednesday's opening race with Harry's Girl who came into the Queen Mary Stakes with a record one one win and a second.
But Harry's Girl broke down two furlongs into the five furlong race and was quickly pulled up by jockey Sean Levey.
"Unfortunately, Harry's Girl suffered a fatal injury during The Queen Mary Stakes," a statement from Ascot Racecourse said. "Our thoughts go out to all connections at this time."
ITV Racing presenter, Ed Chamberlain, confirmed the sad news during the broadcaster's coverage of the meet shortly after the conclusion of the race, saying her sad passing 'cast a shadow' over True Love's triumph.
He said: "We've just had this confirmed by Ascot - Harry's Girl did suffer a fatal injury. Our thoughts go out to connections. It's desperately sad for the Hannon team after they celebrated with their winner Haatem yesterday."
The tragic incident came ten days after Norman's Cay, another horse trained by Hannon, died during the Derby meet at Epsom.
Speaking before the race, the horse's handler said of Harry's Girl: "She's a very precocious filly who won well on debut at the Craven meeting and did everything right bar win at York in the Listed Marygate Fillies' Stakes.
"I really thought she'd win that day and she appeared home and hosed but got caught close home by a fast finisher on the other side of the track which she didn't see coming.
"Her work has been very good, and she looks magnificent in her coat. It's a typically competitive Queen Mary, but she's a strong traveller with plenty of boot and this race has been the plan all along so I'm hopeful of a bold show."
Hannon later posted his own tribute to the filly on the stable's social media account.
'After the highs of yesterday, we are absolutely heartbroken to have lost Harry's Girl this afternoon at Ascot. She was a lovely filly with a fantastic character," he said.
'Our sympathies go out to everyone that looked after her and loved her at home, and of course to her owners.'
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