Henry Brooke rides White Rhino to emotional victory at Cheltenham Photo: PA/Simon Marper
Jockey Henry Brooke burst into tears twice on live television after winning at Cheltenham, still mourning the death of his previous mount.
Brooke was beaten when he led the 3-1 favorite White Rhino to the winning post in Friday's steeplechase. map.
White Rhino's triumph came just half an hour after stablemate Hesskiel, considered a Grand National contender after winning the Grand Sefton Chase last month over the same fences at Aintree, was fatally shot injured in a cross-country race at Glenfarclas.
“It’s definitely one of the toughest daytime races I’ve been in for a long time,” a tearful Brook told ITV Racing.
“That guy [White Rhino] was great there, but nothing can't do any good Also, we lost a friend in Gesskil and an important member of the team today, and it's just a sad day all around.
“But don't take anything away from this guy. We lost one star, maybe we will have another.
“But very emotional, and I’m very sorry for everyone.”
🗣️ “Today we lost a friend in Hesskiel and an important member of the team, it's just a sad day.”
Henry Brooke is understandably emotional about Hesskiel's passing. pic.twitter.com/1FnI0zK78c
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) December 15, 2023
In a later interview with Racing TV, Brook said he had managed to “pull himself together” before breaking down again, saying: “This is the worst day of my racing experience so far.” career.
“I am very upset to lose this horse. He means so much to the whole court, not just to me. But you can't take that away from this guy [White Rhino]. It has done its job and shows you what racing is all about. And, unfortunately, we will have to pull ourselves together.
“That horse [Gesskil] played a huge role in my career, and I will be in his debt for a long time.”
Gesskiel, who won eight of his 24 races and earned £280,000 in prize money, was the most successful horse in the yard of training partners Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero.
It was his first attempt to beat a Cheltenham cross. Of course, the seven-year-old was in touch with the leaders until he broke down after jumping the 16th fence.
Having held himself well enough to end the day with a win, Brook's emotions came to a head. the water then overflowed.
The bittersweet victory was followed by many hugs in the winners' enclosure, including the stable's Rachel Leatham, who led Gessill.
🗣️ 'Racing here is one big family, everyone wants to hug Rachel.' ❤️ pic.twitter.com/i4gxA2cUWX
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) December 15, 2023
Cheltenham Racecourse issued a statement following Geskille's death in the race won by Latenightpass.
It said: “Gesskiel was immediately attended by experienced veterinary professionals. during our sixth race, but unfortunately suffered a fatal injury. We express our sincere condolences to his relatives.”
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