Denis Hogan dealt a 'devastating' blow with death of star sprinter Sceptical

Hogan recently announced his retirement from the saddle to concentrate on his training career

Sceptical (left) finishes third to Hello Youmzain (checks) in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot in June. Picture: Healy Racing

Denis Hogan has been dealt a “devastating” blow with the death of crack sprinter Sceptical.

Unraced for Godolphin, the four-year-old cost just £2,800 at the sales and proved a real star for Hogan and owners Hilltop Racing. He won four races in a row, including the Listed Woodlands Stakes at Naas, before travelling to Royal Ascot for the Diamond Jubilee Stakes, finishing a close third under Frankie Dettori to Hello Youmzain and Dream Of Dreams.