Gordon Elliott-trained horse dies after going wrong during race
The Gordon Elliott-trained D B Cooper suffered a fatal injury at Fairyhouse on Wednesday in a devastating blow to connections.
The five-year-old son of Getaway was pulled up quickly after the third last hurdle after going wrong under Jack Kennedy during the two-mile maiden hurdle.
D B Cooper was the second most expensive purchase at last April’s Goffs Aintree Sale during the Grand National meeting, costing €263,000.
Running in Caldwell Construction’s red and white colours, the point-to-point winner finished runner-up in a Fairyhouse bumper on his racecourse debut in late November before finishing a length and three quarters second to No Flies On Him in his first start over hurdles at Leopardstown a month later.
He was sent off the 10/11 second favourite behind Mirazur West for the Easter Festival Early Bird Maiden Hurdle at Fairyhouse on Wednesday, but sadly suffered a fatal injury during the contest.
A number of people took to social media to express sympathy with his connections. One person wrote: “Awful to see D B Cooper go wrong there. Thoughts with all involved.”
Another commented: “Gutted for D B COOPER and connections. Horrible to see.”
Someone else said: “Sadly D B COOPER broke down jumping the third last and it’s such a shame to see. Really feel for connections.”
Gordon Elliott
Mirazur West (8/11 f) won the two-miles contest by 11 lengths under Mark Walsh for trainer Willie Mullins, who recorded a four-timer at the meeting.
The JP McManus-owned gelding was left unchanged at 14-1 for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle by Paddy Power and Betfair following his success.
“He’s still learning and settled a lot better today than he did in Leopardstown,” said Walsh.
“He’s well able to jump, there is no issue with that anyway, it’s just keeping him relaxed.
“I only found out when I pulled up that Jack’s horse had gone wrong. It takes away from the race and is very unfortunate.”
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