A promising jumper suffered a fatal fall at Wetherby on Wednesday while on course for a winning British debut. Anaconda, the 4-5 favourite, led from the start and opened a wide advantage before collapsing at the final flight of hurdles.
The three-year-old gelding, previously trained in France, was making his first start for trainers Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore. Under claimer Jack Power, he extended his lead to 25 lengths jumping the second last hurdle.
Commentator Richard Hoiles called the race: “Coming down towards the last it is Anaconda, heading towards the final flight of hurdles, Genbu has closed to within 20 lengths. Anaconda’s gone, didn’t touch the flight of hurdles, and just pitched on landing and has handed that to Genbu.”
Anaconda crumpled to the ground clearly injured, but jockey Jack Power was quickly on his feet. It was later confirmed that the horse could not be saved.
Victory went to Genbu, trained by Sam England and ridden by Jonathan England for Ursa Major Racing. The winning syndicate tweeted: “Genbu wins at Wetherby. That’s not how we want to win a race however we would of happily been 2nd for Anaconda to be ok.” One follower replied: “A nice run from Genbu but so sorry to hear about Anaconda. Thoughts with Lucinda and team.”
