Heartbroken owner John Fairley paid tribute to “the horse you dream of owning” after the death of four-time Group One heroine Highfield Princess was announced.
Fairley and joint-trainers John and Sean Quinn had planned to campaign Highfield Princess, who rose from a lowly British Horseracing Authority rating of 57 to lift Deauville’s Prix Maurice de Gheest, the Nunthorpe Stakes at York, and the Flying Five Stakes at the Curragh in 2022 - she then secured victory in the Prix de l’Abbaye de Longchamp last October - as a seven-year-old this season.
But 11 days ago connections announced that Night Of Thunder’s daughter had run her last race following an accident in her stable at the Quinns’ North Yorkshire yard. It had been hoped the 14-time winner would make a recovery to take up duties as a broodmare.
John Quinn reported: “It is with the greatest sadness that we have to announce the death of our wonderful mare, Highfield Princess.
“She suffered an inoperable fracture following an accident in her stable and although over the past week she fought with the same extraordinary spirit she showed on the racecourse, last night she lost her battle for life.
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"We would like to thank Jonathan Anderson and the team at Rainbow Equine Hospital, who did everything possible to help the Princess and keep her comfortable."
Quinn added: "Highfield Princess took us all on the most remarkable journey. She possessed Group 1 ability but also a Group 1 attitude. Whether it was a routine canter or a big sprint race around the world she put 100 per cent effort into what she did.
Highfield Princess racing in 2022 (PA)“I am grateful for all that she did for herself and for our team. We will miss her more than words can say.”
Former Channel 4 Racing boss Fairley had purchased Highfield Princess in utero when he paid 18,000 guineas for the in-foal mare Pure Illusion in 2016.
"It has been the privilege of our lives to have known Highfield Princess,” said Fairley. “We are all heartbroken. She was the horse you dream of breeding and owning. She took our family on an extraordinary adventure around the world and created so many precious memories.
“She loved to race and her intelligence, toughness and will to win were incredible. She was a truly special horse, a member of our family.
"There were so many people involved in her incredible journey. From the stud where she was born, to the people who helped her take her first steps under saddle and the farm where she spent her holidays.
“We know the team at John and Sean Quinn Racing, who have looked after the Princess with dedication and love, will also be devastated. We would like to thank them all for their tender care over the years. She was so happy in that yard.
"Highfield Princess was the pride of Yorkshire, a superstar on the racecourse and adored by so many, for her irrepressible spurt at home and on the racecourse. We're thinking of everyone who loved and admired her in the UK and all around the world. She will be forever held in our hearts.”
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