Top hurdler Solwhit dies after schooling fall
The 10-year-old struck at the highest level on eight occasions during a stellar career, most recently claiming the Ladbrokes World Hurdle at last year’s Cheltenham Festival and the Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree a month later.
Solwhit missed the entirety of last season, the second lengthy absence of his career, but was due to return to action later this year before tragedy struck earlier today, resulting in him having to be put down.
Byrnes said: “It happened around midday. He was schooling over hurdles in Tipperary and unfortunately he tipped over and broke his shoulder.
“It’s very sad and we’d been delighted with him during the week.
“He’s the best horse I’ve trained by a very long way. He won eight Grade Ones and we had a great day with him in Cheltenham.
“He’s been a very special horse for all of us.”
Solwhit won 15 of his 28 starts and was placed on a further nine occasions, amassing over £950,000 in win and place prize-money.
As well as his eight Grade One wins, he also chased home the brilliant Hurricane Fly in a number of memorable clashes.
