Racing fans ‘heartbroken’ at double Ascot tragedy as L’Ami Serge suffers fatal injury and Sevarano dies of heart attack
RACING fans were left ‘heartbroken’ as the mercurial L’Ami Serge suffered a fatal injury at Ascot.
Nicky Henderson’s popular veteran appeared to break his right hind leg while racing in the Betfair Free Bet Pot Builder Handicap Hurdle.
The 11-year-old was having his first start of the season under regular rider Daryl Jacob.
He won twice at Grade 1 level during his career, bagging the Tolworth Hurdle in 2015 and the Aintree Hurdle three years later.
But the quirky hurdler gained a cult following for his performances in defeat as much as his wins.
He often travelled strongly through his races but didn’t always find a great deal off the bridle.
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ITV Racing host Ed Chamberlin said: “The sadness from the race, it looked like a fatal injury there for L’Ami Serge, who’s been such a hero over the years.
“He is so loved by Simon Munir and Isaac Seude, they will be absolutely gutted, likewise the Henderson team and Daryl Jacob. That didn’t look good, very sad indeed.”
Racing fans were quick to express their sadness on social media, with one Tweeting: “Heartbreaking to see L’Ami Serge suffer that injury. What a great character.”
Another said: “Oh gosh no not poor old L’Ami Serge. That is so so sickening.”
While another added: “RIP L’Ami Serge thoughts go out to everyone that looked after him and loved him.”
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It was the second tragic loss of a talented horse at Ascot on Saturday, as Sevarano died after a suspected heart attack.
The horse was pulled up mid-way through the Reynoldstown Chase, and he passed away shortly afterwards.
Oliver Sherwood said via his Twitter account: “We are all devastated to loose Severano today @ascot_races. He had the world at his feet.
“He was such a lovely laid back gentleman who didn’t deserve his life to end this way! Thank you for all your wonderful memories Stevo……RIP.”
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