Injury claims Celestial Wave

Adrian Maguire’s smart staying hurdler Celestial Wave has had to be put down shortly after retiring to the paddocks.

The seven-year-old mare, winner of seven of her 10 starts and placed in the other three, was due to be covered next weekend but veterinary examination revealed her plight.

“She was examined on Tuesday morning by the vet and he found there was a rupture inside her and nothing could be done so she had to be put down,” said Maguire.

The Co Cork-based handler paid tribute to the mare who had given him a flying start to his fledgling training career.

“She was a superstar. We all thought she was going to enjoy the rest of her days at stud. It’s very unfortunate what has happened,” he added.

Celestial Wave had been fancied for the Ladbrokes World Hurdle at Cheltenham after completing a hat-trick in Graded company but was found to be cast in her box the week before the Festival.