Absolutely heartbroken to see this reported. I wasn’t impressed anyway to see Stagecoach Pearl running again so soon after such a hard race last time. It didn’t surprise me though. I was very worried to see him fall – he’s only fallen once before (and one unseat and was brought down once). Too sad for words. I think I’ve backed him every time he’s run – I just liked him. A bonny, brave horse. I’m finding it hard to cope with this one – deserved a bit of a rest.
And Embsay Crag – game as a lion. Too, too sad. Philip Kirby has reported this on his website although he doesn’t even train him anymore. I don’t think I’ll even be able to watch racing for a while.
UPDATE – Micky Hammond – already – has posted a lovely tribute to little Embsay Crag. This is the sort of thing that influences your decision when it comes to which trainer you place your horses with. If you can ever bear the pain of having a racehorse.