27 April 2024 , 17:41
465
0
Jockey Freddie Gingell called popular grey chaser Elixir De Nutz his "absolute hero" in a heartbreaking tribute.
The ten-year-old chaser could not be saved after he fell in Sandown's bet365 Celebration Chase won by Jonbon.
Reports from the track stated that the grey walked into the horse ambulance and was taken for further examination. However a few hours later Gingell informed his social media followers of the sad loss.
Accompanying a picture showing the aftermath of their biggest success together, he posted: "R.I.P. You've been an absolute hero for me and I won't be forgetting you anytime soon. She's up there with you boy."
Gingell, 18, lost his mother Kim to cancer four years ago and she was in his thoughts when Elixir De Nutz defeated today's scorer at Cheltenham earlier in the season.
Officials hunt New Year's Eve revellers who threw beer cans towards race horses
Bookmakers gave horse and jockey little chance, at 22-1, up against Jonbon, the 1-4 favourite. However superior jumping and determination for Prestbury Park's final hill saw the outsiders win a hard-fought battle by a neck.
“That was definitely the most emotional success I’ve had,” said Gingell after the My Pension Expert-sponsored race – his first Grade One triumph. “Mum was up there looking down on me today.”
Elixir De Nutz defeated hot favourite Jonbon to give his rider a Grade One breakthrough at Cheltenham (Getty Images)The young rider was also on-board when Elixir De Nutz, trained by his uncle Joe Tizzard, scored at their local circuit Exeter in the Haldon Gold Cup.
In the 2023-4 season, which concluded today, the chaser achieved a career high mark of 161 – and gave Gingell his first Queen Mother Champion Chase ride at Cheltenham. Elixir De Nutz won ten times in 29 appearances, collecting just over £275,000 in prize money carrying 92-year-old owner Terry Warner's colours.
"Sleep easy you beautiful grey," one X user said. "RIP Elixir De Nutz as a sad way to round off the jumps season."
Another person posted: "Awful news about Elixir De Nutz. Gorgeous grey who had a brilliant season, thoughts with all but especially young Freddie Gingell who rode him to his first G1 success in January."
While a third added: "Such a shame we lost Elixir De Nutz today. Did his connections proud. RIP."