Royal Ascot horse dies seconds into race as ITV viewers left devastated
There were tragic scenes on the second day of Royal Ascot
There were tragic scenes at Royal Ascot on Wednesday
There was tragedy on the second day of Royal Ascot as a horse died just moments into a race.
Harry's Girl was racing for the Richard Hannon-Sean Levey combination in The Queen Mary Stakes at the world-famous racecourse when she broke down and died seconds into the five furlong race on Wednesday afternoon. The tragedy left racing fans in the stands and viewers at home devastated, with ITV presenter Ed Chamberlin saying it "cast a shadow" over the day's action.
It was the dame's third race, having won on her debut at Newmarket in April before also racing at York last month.
A statement from Ascot Racecourse on Wednesday read: "Unfortunately, Harry's Girl suffered a fatal injury during The Queen Mary Stakes.
"Our thoughts go out to all connections at this time."
Shortly after the race, Chamberlin confirmed the sad news to viewers watching at home, describing it as "desperately sad".
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He said: "We've just had this confirmed by Ascot - Harry's Girl did suffer a fatal injury.
"Our thoughts go out to connections," he added.
"It's desperately sad for the Hannon team after they celebrated with their winner Haatem yesterday."
The tragedy left ITV viewers devastated, as one took to X to write: "A sad start to the day, with a horse lost in the Queen Mary.
"It's hard to celebrate or feel excited for the rest of the meeting when this happens. Thoughts with Harry's Girl and those who loved her. Rest easy, love."
Another added: "Sadly Harry's Girl suffered a fatal injury. Talented horse, gone too soon."
Tragically, Harry's Girl's death comes just weeks after another horse trained by Hannon, Norman's Cay, died during the Derby meet at Epsom.
The Queen Mary Stakes was ultimately won by True Love, ridden by Ryan Moore for Aidan O'Brien.
She finished ahead of 100-1 shot Flowerhead in second, while Lennilu finished third.
The win also gave O'Brien his first ever victory in the Queen Mary Stakes.
Speaking before the race Harry's Girl's handler said: "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.
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"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."
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