'Devastated' Hollie Doyle and Alan King tributes to legendary Trueshan after fatal injury

A ‘devastated’ Hollie Doyle paid an emotional tribute to legendary stayer Trueshan after he suffered a fatal injury during the Goodwood Cup on Tuesday.

Doyle, 28, owed a huge debt to the Alan King trained star, riding him to ten of his 16 career successes, which included the 2021 edition of Goodwood’s 2m Group 1 race. The pair were contesting the race for the fourth time when Trueshan suddenly broke down and was quickly pulled up on the opening day of the Glorious Goodwood meeting.

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It subsequently emerged he had suffered a fatal injury, news which cast a pall was cast over the racecourse when it was confirmed that Trueshan had been put down.

James Given, the BHA’s director of equine welfare, told ITV Racing: “I want to express my sincere condolences to all the connections and anyone associated with the horse, no one is going to feel this more than them. He’s been a stalwart, he’s been a firm friend, he’s been everything to them

“What has happened unfortunately is just an accident, mid-race, in a straight line going up a hill. His left-hind pastern broke and left him in a situation that wasn’t recoverable from.

“Alan was able to get down there and assess him with the vet and they felt there was no option really but to put him down.”

Doyle's wins on Trueshan included not only the Goodwood Cup, but two wins in the Prix du Cadran, two in the Long Distance Cup at Ascot and an extraordinary success in the Northumberland Plate in which the horse carried 10st 8lb to victory.

She said: “I'm just devastated. It couldn't be any worse. He was a special, special horse, I can't think of anything else to say. I am gutted. He's been amazing for me, a star, and those memories we have together are some of my very best."

King told Mirror Racing: “It's a hell of a shock. We have protected him all these years from fast ground for his front tendons and I was happy to run him today.

"He sadly shattered a hind pastern. He just put his foot down slightly wrong and it was a freak injury - it's very rare.

"We will miss him terribly. We have organised he will be cremated and come back to Barbury Castle with some of the old superstars like Katchit and Viking Flagship.

"He won 16 from 35 races, over £2million in prize money and took us to some wonderful places. He's a kind horse and nice person.

"The team at home will be devastated - I am sorry for everyone and the owners have been wonderful.

"To say we don't care, you couldn't be further from the truth. I have had more than 100 messages and I am grateful to everybody.

"He is gone but he will never be forgotten."