Nurburgring, the winner of the 2024 Galway Hurdle, has died after suffering a fatal fall at Leopardstown on Boxing Day. The five-year-old gelding, trained by Joseph O’Brien for Bronsan Racing, was competing in the Grade 1 Racing Post Novice Chase when he took a heavy fall at the sixth fence, unseating jockey Richie Deegan.
Neil O Sands, whose family runs Bronsan Racing, confirmed the horse did not survive. In a statement, he said: “It is with a heavy heart that Bronsan Racing today say farewell to your beloved Nurburgring. The ‘Ring gave our family unforgettable memories - from his superb victory in the Galway Hurdle last year, to the privilege of seeing him compete at Royal Ascot, and most recently his win at Killarney.”
Nurburgring had a successful career on both the Flat and over jumps, winning once on the Flat as a two-year-old before transitioning to hurdles. He finished fourth in the 2024 Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham and third in the Punchestown equivalent. This year, switched back to the Flat, he was beaten a neck into second in the Ascot Stakes at Royal Ascot.
O Sands described the horse as “a horse of rare courage and character” and said it was an honour to have him carry the Bronsan Racing colours. He added: “Our thoughts however, are with jockey Richie Deegan, whom we wish a full and speedy recovery.”
