Backspin suffers suspected heart attack

Backspin, who was due to run at the Cheltenham Festival, has died after suffering a suspected heart attack in his box at Jonjo O‘Neill‘s stables.

The six-year-old had won his first three starts, including the Grade One Challow Hurdle at Newbury, before losing his unbeaten record when fourth to Bobs Worth on Festival Trials Day at Cheltenham in January.

He held entries in the Stan James Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and the Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle at the big meeting in two weeks‘ time.

“He died in his box last night. It‘s one of those things,” said Frank Berry, racing manager to owner JP McManus.

“It was possibly a heart attack but we‘re waiting for the autopsy before we know for sure.

“He was a nice horse, but unfortunately these things happen.”