Racing at Kempton Park's Saturday jumps meeting was delayed after the Dan Skelton-trained favourite Precious Man suffered a fatal injury following a fall in the Adonis Juvenile Hurdle. The four-year-old, who went off at Evens, had been held up by jockey Harry Skelton but fell approaching the second-last hurdle. Despite initially getting back to his feet, he collapsed and died despite veterinary treatment.
The incident caused a ten-minute delay to the Pendil Novices' Chase as green screens were erected around the horse. A statement from Kempton Park expressed condolences to the connections of Precious Man, who was treated by expert veterinary professionals but could not be saved.
The race was won by La Luna Artista, trained by Jane Williams, who said she thought the filly was up against it on ratings but knew more about her than anyone else. Williams confirmed the horse is not entered in the Triumph Hurdle but has a Fred Winter entry, adding that she is a nice big filly destined for chasing.
Earlier in the day, the Skelton stable also saw Double Measure fall in the Dovecote Novices' Hurdle, but he was given the all-clear after treatment. However, the Emma Lavelle-trained Loaded And Locked was fatally injured when falling at the first obstacle.
