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I was at work when the race was run, but a colleague of mine had a late lunch and saw it. I asked him who won, and he said ‘Madison de Berlais won, but Denman had a really bad fall, and I’m not sure if he’s OK’. I was back at my computer later in the day and quickly checked the Internet to see the headline ‘Tragedy mars Totesport Bowl’, so I simply put 2 and 2 together and thought that it was Denman that had perished. It was only when I got home, got on line and went on this forum that I realised it was Exotic Dancer who had died.
I met Jonjo O’Neill back in December at Kempton, and he was a wonderful chap, seemed to have time for everybody, and had a broad smile on his face, even if I remember correctly, results didn’t quite go his way. The incident today was an absolute tragedy which has deprived us of one of the most consistent top class 3 mile chasers of the last couple of years, and condolences to all the connections, especially Sir Robert Ogden, such a good supporter of National Hunt racing both here and in France, where his colours can regularly be seen at places like Auteuil and Enghien.
Darren – AngloGerman
________________________________________‘The Hungarian’s going hell for leather’ – Jim McGrath
He was a bloody good horse who happened too run into superstars.
May he rest in peace, My heart goes out for the staff who lookd after him, they must be feel like they have been hit by a truck.
Sir Robert must be upset, the horse was the best staying chaser he had, you can buy dozens of horses with insurance money but you can never replace one you loose in action, such hors come along in their own time.
Those bloody park fences at Aintree seem too claim victims every year, I remeber One Man dying.
Has died.
Suffered a heart attack.
Awful news, a beautiful looking horse and a decent racehorse.
RIP.
"Your F****n jokin were the first words to leave my mouth, having just read that!! I backed him everytime Kauto beat him and always thought that one day he would get his revenge! Some horses have a magic about them and he was one of them, Loved him!
What a horrible race – watching Denman gingerly walking into the horse ambulance after the race made my stomach knot.
But to hear the news about Exotic Dancer was absolutely terrible. It has been said before he was a horse who always gave his all and was just unfortunate to be around at the "wrong time" – without Denman and Kauto Star around he would have been with the greats.
It is days like today which really make you wonder about this sport.
Rest peacefully brave Dancer and thanks for the memories – I don’t even care you cost me a fortune.
Of course commiserations to all connections but especially to his poor lass – it must feel as if the bottom has fallen out of her world.
Didn’t see any of it but heard about it. Terribly sad about both horses. I’ve been following horse sports in all forms for all of my life (I’m 51) and hate to see fatalities and I’ve seen them eventing and show jumping as well, never get used with it, but know that the horses are given the best of lives with the people who love them, which makes it no easier. Thanks, Exotic Dancer, Mel in Blue and dear old Rimpton Boy who died in a point to point last weekend in Wales.
Quite simply the best chaser never to have won a Gold Cup.
Very well said mate, I like it.
I remember a couple of years ago when Exotic Dancer won the Paddy Power then came back a month later to win the Boylesports. Than a month later to win the Cotswold chase, and managed a 2nd in the King George in between.Superb performances. What a great consistent horse at the highest level. At least he died peacefully and by the sound of it was not in pain. Not a bad way to go really.
Poor Mel should not have died like that, the race is terrible. Followers of NH racing have to accept in their minds there is an element of risk, just as in other equine sports, but hope that it is minimised as far as possible. The national fences I think unneccessarily increase the risk for the sake of spectacle, and that race in particular has amateur riders in a short, therefore fast, race.
Quite simply the best chaser never to have won a Gold Cup.
It’s probably inappropriate to debate it in this thread, but this is wide of the mark, imo.
Poor Mel should not have died like that, the race is terrible. Followers of NH racing have to accept in their minds there is an element of risk, just as in other equine sports, but hope that it is minimised as far as possible. The national fences I think unneccessarily increase the risk for the sake of spectacle, and that race in particular has amateur riders in a short, therefore fast, race
Again, not the thread for this but I wholeheartedly agree. As well as Mel there was a horrendous X-rated fall at the chair. How that horse got up and ran off I will never know.
This is a horrible race, with too many riders who are simply not good enough and being only a circuit – too fast.
But back to the matter in hand. Tragic news about Exotic Dancer, so gallant so many times. RIP
As well as Mel there was a horrendous X-rated fall at the chair. How that horse got up and ran off I will never know.
De Luain Gorm was the one that really had me worried as he approached the fence. You don’t charge at The Chair and get away with it, and I was really worried for him as it was clear about 5 strides away that he was on a stride to jump it. Horse and rider were very lucky to come away from that.
Particularly for amateurs this huge fence comes far too near to the start for a field of 30 to be taking it on.
Very sad about Mel In Blue and a disturbing sight to witness his death throes.
As for Exotic Dancer, he’s performed at a consistently high level for sometime now and will be sorely missed. R.I.P., and you won’t be forgotten.
Rob
It is desperately sad about Exotic Dancer – classy, consistent and beautiful horse. Moscow Catch another fatality today. His owner lost Roman Ark early in the season. I’ve had enough of Aintree this year and shall not watch the National tomorrow.
I personally don’t feel the National fences are a fair challenge to many (most?) chasers; For my money they can demolish them for good and make a less sharp, conventional steeplechase track. I know there will always be accidents jumping but I’m beginning to feel sickened by it – and after a good Cheltenham this year as well (of course the ground was slower).
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