Racing at Kempton Park's major jumps meeting on Saturday faced significant delays after a tragic incident involving a favourite trained by Dan Skelton. Precious Man, who started as the Evens favourite for the Adonis Juvenile Hurdle, sustained a fatal injury after falling during the race, leading to an extended postponement of the day's schedule.
Race Incident and Immediate Response
Precious Man, a four-year-old gelding, was competing in the 2-mile Adonis Juvenile Hurdle, a feature race broadcast live on ITV. Held up by jockey Harry Skelton, the horse experienced interference after the fourth last hurdle but appeared to be making progress as it approached the second last obstacle. At that point, Precious Man fell, with initial reports indicating he got back to his feet before collapsing again on the track.
Veterinary professionals rushed to the scene, where green screens were erected around the injured horse to provide privacy during treatment. The medical attention lasted for several minutes, prompting stewards to delay the subsequent Pendil Novices' Chase by ten minutes. However, as jockeys prepared for the next race, it was confirmed that Precious Man had not survived his injuries.
Official Statements and Condolences
Kempton Park issued a formal statement expressing sorrow over the incident. The statement read, "Precious Man sustained an injury during our second race. He was immediately attended by expert veterinary professionals, but sadly could not be saved. Our heartfelt condolences are with his connections." This announcement underscored the track's commitment to horse welfare while acknowledging the loss felt by the racing community.
The delay impacted the day's racing programme, with organisers working to adjust timings to accommodate the unforeseen circumstances. The incident cast a sombre mood over the meeting, highlighting the inherent risks in jump racing despite stringent safety measures.
Background on Precious Man and Race Outcome
Precious Man had shown promising form prior to this race, having secured a course and distance victory at Kempton in January. His debut for the Dan Skelton stable in November resulted in a second-place finish at Cheltenham, establishing him as a contender in juvenile hurdles. His Evens starting price reflected strong confidence from bettors and connections alike.
In the race itself, La Luna Artista, trained by Jane Williams, won the Adonis Juvenile Hurdle by an impressive 13 lengths without being extended. Williams commented on her filly's performance, noting, "I thought she was up against it on the ratings today, but then I suppose I knew a bit more about her than anyone else." She added that La Luna Artista is not entered in the Triumph Hurdle but has a Fred Winter entry, with future plans focused on chasing.
Williams elaborated, "She's going to go chasing at some point, it's not all about today and her pedigree certainly isn't, we're trying to buy chasers of the future." Her remarks provided insight into the strategic planning behind racehorse careers, contrasting with the tragic end for Precious Man.
Broader Context and Racing Community Impact
This incident follows other recent news in the sport, such as a legendary champion jockey being hospitalised after a surfing accident and Constitution Hill's influence on betting turnover. It serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by horses in competitive racing, particularly in jump events where falls are more common.
The fatality has sparked discussions within the racing community about safety protocols and veterinary response times. While delays like the one at Kempton are implemented to ensure proper care, outcomes can still be devastating, as seen with Precious Man. The use of green screens during treatment has become standard practice to shield the public from distressing scenes, but it also symbolises the urgent efforts to save equine athletes.
As the sport moves forward, this event may prompt reviews of hurdle designs, track conditions, or emergency procedures to mitigate risks. For now, the focus remains on mourning Precious Man and supporting those connected to him, from trainers and jockeys to owners and stable staff.
