Gray Pearl put down after suffering spinal chord injury
The second Classic of the season was delayed for nearly 30 minutes after the Charlie Hills-trained filly tried to escape beneath the starting stalls and became stuck.
Gray Pearl could not be moved for some considerable time, despite the best efforts of the stalls handlers, and was taken away in a horse ambulance.
A decision was then taken by racecourse vet Simon Waterhouse and Chris Hammond, the attending BHA veterinary officer, to put her down.
Hammond said: “Gray Pearl went down in the stalls and incurred an injury in the process.
“On examination by the racecourse vet, it became evident that she had lost the use of her hind legs and was suffering from an apparent spinal chord injury.
“To minimise distress to the filly, a decision was made to have her put down on welfare grounds.
“This decision was taken after consultation between myself and the racecourse vet.”
