Jockey breaks down in tears at Cheltenham after ‘one of the star horses of the year’ Gesskille suffers fatal injury
THERE were scenes of ‘utter devastation’ at Cheltenham races after one of the star horses of the year sadly suffered a fatal injury.
Gesskille, who was trained by expert duo Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero, was put down after the Glenfarclas Crystal Cup Cross Country Handicap Chase.
The seven-year-old gelding was sent off 18-5 for the big race but jockey Henry Brooke pulled him up sharply once the injury had become clear.
Gesskille had won his past two races for heartbroken owners The Nevers Racing Partnership I.
He had won almost £300,000 from just 24 races and had been turned into a superstar by his up-and-coming trainers.
They put a silver lining on the dark cloud by winning the last race with White Rhino.
But as Racing TV host Martin Dixon said, the tragic loss of Gesskille ‘will drown out everything else’.
A crying Brooke said: “A winner at Cheltenham and it’s the worst day of my racing career.
“I’m gutted to lose the horse, he means so much for the whole yard.”
Gesskille landed his owners £51,000 with his final win, the Grand Sefton over the National fences at Aintree last month.
And he had turned into a real lover of marathon trips who was being talked of as a possible Grand National winner.
Speaking on ITV, Brooke said: “This is one of the hardest days racing I’ve had to do in a long time.
“It’s just a sad day all round. We’ve lost a star. I’m very emotional.
“I’m absolutely gutted for everybody.”
Viewers were heartbroken to see how hard the loss of a beloved horse hit the jockey.
One said: “That interview from Henry Brooke has got to go down as one of the most heartbreaking I’ve ever watched.”
While another wrote: “Absolutely heartbreaking interview with Henry. The poor lad is clearly devastated.”
And one comment read: “What a powerful and emotional interview.”
Punters were quick to send their well wishes to everyone involved with the horse.
One wrote: “My heart is shattered, run free Gesskille. You beautiful, beautiful boy. You were so, so loved.”
While another said: “So tragically heartbroken for all those connected to Gesskille after the freak fatal injury.
“A stunning, much loved and talented horse who threw his all into his races.”
A gutted Guerriero said: “Gesskille was a stable star and he literally put us on the map.
“He has been amazing. To lose him is so sad, but that is racing unfortunately.”