Horse Racing

Derby day marred by fatal injury to horse in one of racing’s fastest sprints

Published

7 months ago

June 1, 2024

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Derby day marred by fatal injury to horse in one of racing’s fastest sprints

Tears Of A Clown was pulled up near the grandstand about half a furlong from the finish of the 5f Dash for three-year-olds at Epsom but could not be saved by vets

The field leave the gate for the 3yo Dash at Epsom(PA)

By

Jon Lees
16:24, 1 Jun 2024

Derby day was marred when a horse suffered a fatal injury competing in one of the fastest races of the meeting.

The Betfred 3YO Dash is a handicap staged over Epsom’s lightning quick downhill 5f sprint course. It’s one of the fastest sprint courses in Britain in which the races are regularly completed in under 60 seconds.

The Henry Candy-trained Tears Of A Clown was having the fifth start of her career and her first in a handicap.

She raced in the middle of the field for three furlongs but then began to struggle and had been eased back at the furlong pole by jockey Trevor Whelan who eventually pulled her up.

Tears Of A Clown was quickly attended to by vets behind a black screen but she did not survive.

A spokesperson for Epsom Downs Racecourse said: “Tears Of A Clown was immediately attended by expert veterinary professionals after our fourth race but sadly passed away. Our heartfelt condolences are with all of her connections.”

Many fans on X posted tributes. One said: “Absolutely awful to come back from a walk to see that Tears Of A Clown died in the three year old dash. Thoughts with Henry Candy, the team, Trevor Whelan and Andrew Davis. Terribly sad.”

Another said: “Thoughts are with Henry Candy and team after the death of Tears Of A Clown and to my friend Charlotte who was with the horse at Epsom.”