Top-class novice hurdler Spirit Son has died at the age of eight
Wednesday 8 October 2014 11:00, UK
Top-class novice hurdler Spirit Son has died at the age of eight at the Greatwood charity centre near Marlborough.
Nicky Henderson trained the Michael Buckley-owned gelding to win three of his four starts in Britain, capped by a 13-length defeat of Cue Card at Aintree.
He also finished second to Al Ferof in the 2011 Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham.
Henderson had hoped Spirit Son could be a live Champion Hurdle horse but he first suffered from a tendon problem and later required surgery to a complicated and potentially life-threatening fracture of his neck.
Helen Yeadon, Greatwood's founder, said: "It's very sad. He came to Greatwood about a year ago and he was a sweet horse who had become very popular with the staff and people who came to visit.
"He was always quite uncoordinated but sadly his coordination had deteriorated and we had to make the decision.
"I've spoken to Nicky and Michael, and it's a sad day for all of us.
"He was obviously a very good racehorse and he deserved a longer time here as he had settled in so well."
