Derby runner dies in 'freak accident' days before scheduled return to action at Ayr

Derby challenger Stanhope Gardens has died in a “freak accident” just days before he was due to return to action. The exciting colt had won two of his six starts and went on to finish fifth, beaten five and a half lengths by Lambourn, in the Betfred Derby at Epsom in June.

He had been described by trainer Ralph Beckett as potentially the most talented three-year-old in his stable this season. Stanhope Gardens last ran at York in July where he took on older horses for the first time and finished fifth behind Royal Champion.

READ MORE: Hollie Doyle to become latest British jockey to secure winter Hong Kong licence

READ MORE: Jockey from famous racing family delivers devastating update on spinal injury

He was on schedule to resume his campaign at Ayr this week but suffered a fatal injury in training.

The news was broken on the Nick Luck Daily Podcast with Emma Spencer, racing manager to co-owners New Chelsea, describing the colt’s demise as “really sad”.

“He was a lovely horse and sadly we didn’t get to see the real potential of him,” she said. “He was fifth in the Derby and was also supposed to run at Ayr this Saturday, which would have been a perfect stepping stone to get him hopefully back on track.”

She said he had been the victim of a “freak accident at home”, adding, ”He was a lovely soul of a horse as well.”

Stanhope Gardens began his career jointly owned by Marc Chan and Chelsea Thoroughbreds, whose founder Richard Morecombe died last year.

“We did have a runner in the Derby a few years back but to own a horse that ran really creditably in the Derby is everybody’s dream,” said Spencer.

“Being by Ghaiiayath and the way he was, I think he would have been a really lovely four-year-old. I think Ralph felt everything was back to where he wanted it and everyone was really excited about him going to Ayr.

“It’s desperately sad, gutting for Ralph and all the team at home. Nobody likes to see a horse suffer. For something so freak to happen is a real tragedy.”