Horse dies in Vodaphone Derby
10 June 2002
Coshocton, a 28-1 outsider was put down after falling within sight of the finishing line in the colts’ Classic
The glamour and excitement of the Vodaphone Derby at Epsom on Saturday (8 June) was marred by the death of one of the three-year-old racehorses chasing the elite achievement of becoming a Derby winner.
The American-owned chestnut colt, Coshocton, collapsed in sight of the finishing postto the horror of racegoers, which included the Queen.
The colt was in fourth place when he lurched and fell in front of the stands, throwing his jockey Philip Robinson to the floor.
Vets found that Coshocton had fractured his near-foreleg and he was destroyed by lethal injection. Philip Robinson was taken to Epsom General hospital by ambulance as a precaution.
Coshocton’s trainer, Michael Jarvis was visibly upset by the colt’s death. A post-mortem willtake place.
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Coshocton was not the only casualty in the race. Fight Your Corner finished fifth, but was later found to have damaged a cannon bone in his near hind. He has been operated on and his trainer is hopeful that he will make a full recovery.
United Racecourses managing director Sue Ellen said: “The tragic death of Coshocton cast a shadow and was very sad for everyone, but I believe our vets and doctors could not have dealt with things more quickly and efficiently.”
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