BBC News Online: Sport

One Man killed at Aintree

The grey horse fell at the ninth fence in the Mumm Melling Chase. He suffered a broken right rear tibia and had to be put down.

The fence was not one of the big fences used in Saturday's Grand National.

Jockey Brian Harding, who won last month's Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham on the gelding, was inconsolable. He was led from the scene of the accident in tears.

One Man had been one of the most popular chasers in training ever since his victory in the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Newbury in 1994.

He twice won the King George VI Chase and finally overcame his Cheltenham Festival "hoodoo" after two well-publicised flops in the Gold Cup by winning the Champion Chase last month.

The gallant grey had become the "house-wives favourite" after his great victories and his bubbly, high jumping attitude. He will be remembered as the most popular horse since Desert Orchid, another grey, who captured the nations hearts."

In the race on Friday it had been a well backed favourite but there will not be a punter that will be concerned with his lost stake. The memory of such a noble, brave horse will remain long after the betting slips have been thrown away.

Family in shock

Nicky Richards, son of trainer Gordon Richards, spoke about the impact of the horse's death: "This is the worst day ever. Dad is very upset."

"On his day he was one of the greats and he's given Dad many happy days."

Immediately after One Man was put down, Gordon Richards went to console the owner John Hales.

"I can't say anything about this, I'm just devastated," Mr Hales sobbed.

Vets at the scene confirmed there was nothing that could be done to save One Man.

No hope

Peter Webbon, the Jockey Club's chief veterinary adviser, said: "He fractured the tibia bone in his leg above the stifle.

"Unfortunately it was the sort of injury for which there is no possible treatment. There was absolutely no alternative."

"He didn't seem to take off at the fence. One possibility is that he could have had a heart attack. Any number of factors could have led to the fall."

Fire alert

It has been an eventful day at the Grand National meeting. Racing was suspended for several minutes when a fire alarm went off in one of the main stands.

Racegoers were told to leave the County Stand shortly after 3.25pm BST.

But Police were quick to re-assure punters that it was not a repeat of the paramilitary alert which led to the postponement of the Grand National race last year.

People were allowed back into the stand after the fire service had completed a search. The 3.45 race was only slightly delayed.

One Man history

• Foaled: 1988.
• Bought for 4,000 Irish guineas as an unraced three-year-old.
• Owner: John Hales.
• Trainer: Gordon Richards.
• Races: 35
• Wins: 20
• Prize money earned: £459,000.

Relevant Stories

Commentating habit hard to break (03 Apr 98 | Sport)
'The world's favourite steeplechase' (03 Apr 98 | Sport)
The quest for national glory (03 Apr 98 | Sport)

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