‘Sad scenes’ as Fakenham races hit by ‘sizeable delay’ with screens put up to treat horse

FAKENHAM races have been delayed after Stop This Train fell in the Greene King Handicap Chase.

The horse suffered an injury and was treated on the course.

GettyFakenham Races was halted as horse Stop This Train received treatment[/caption]

A screen was put up as Stop This Train received medical attention.

Jockey Niall Houlihan suffered bruises following his fall too but is reportedly okay.

However he will not participate in the races he was scheduled to ride in, with Dylan Whelan taking his place aboard Jolyjump in the 3.45.

While in the Norfolk National Handicap Chase Sean Quinlan took Houlihan’s place, riding Jigginstown King.

The Greene King Handicap Chase was won by Kankin, ridden by Bryan Carver, with Noah’s Light second.

Stop This Train’s fall comes just a week after the death of a ‘horse of a lifetime’ Sire Du Berlais and his fellow warrior Kilbeg King at Punchestown Festival.

Three-time Cheltenham Festival winner Sire Du Berlais, 12, sadly went wrong in the Grade 1 Champion Stayers’ Hurdle.

While Anthony Honeyball’s nine-year-old Kilbeg King was pulled up with a fatal injury in the very next race.

Owner Gordon Elliott said ‘everyone’s in bits’ after learning of the passing of two-time Pertemps and 2023 Stayers’ Hurdle king Sire Du Berlais.

He said: “Absolutely heartbroken.

“He’s been the horse of a lifetime for us at Cullentra and everyone is in bits over there, the girls and the lads in Ireland.

“He’s been unbelievable so we are all gutted. All thoughts to JP, Noreen and the whole family.

“It takes the gloss off the whole week to be honest – I’m heartbroken.

“He was just the horse of a lifetime, you couldn’t write what he’s done for us. He always wore his heart on his sleeve, a great horse.”