Derby Day celebrations marred by tragedy
Monday, 29 May, 2023 19:10
Jockey Lemaire dismounted from Skilfing
Tastiera emerged victorious from a hectic finish in the 90th running of the G1 Japanese Derby. Avenging his second-place finish in the Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas), Tastiera claimed the most prestigious title for his generation, from a domestic crop of 7,708 foals he became the Tokyo Yushun winner. Australia-born jockey Damian Lane secured his first Derby winner on his fourth attempt.
However, celebrations for Tasiera's win were unfortunately tainted by a tragic incident involving second favourite, Skilfing. Shortly after passing the finish line, Skilfing collapsed and died, casting a shadow over the entire day.
Skilfing had made smooth progress entering the home straight, holding every chance. Jockey Christophe Lemaire significantly eased his mount in the final two furlongs. As the pair pulled up, Lemaire quickly dismounted Skilfing. Seconds later, Skilfing collapsed, and audible cries echoed across Tokyo's grandstand.
Racecourse staff and vets scrambled to attend to the stricken Skilfing, it quickly became apparent that the situation was not going to have a happy outcome. Lemaire, with his head in his hands, was consoled by JRA staff as they stood over the motionless Skilfing.
According to the official announcement by the Japan Racing Association (JRA), Skilfing suffered acute heart failure during the race. Carrot Club, the owner's group of the horse promptly updated their website and jockey Christophe Lemaire expressed his profound sadness saying, "It is incredibly heartbreaking as Skilfing was a horse I was always excited to ride." Trainer Tetsuya Kimura also shared his deep sorrow, stating "Skilfing ran with great effort and tried his best. I believe he passed away peacefully without any suffering. It is a tremendous loss, not just for the Derby but for our stable as well. It pains my heart, but I sincerely hope Skilfing finds happiness in heaven."
The imposing bay was a near physical replica of his renowned sire Kitasan Black, Skilfing was a constant public favourite in all his racecourse engagements. His finest moment on the track was when winning the G2 Aoba Sho, an official Derby trial race.
However, celebrations for Tasiera's win were unfortunately tainted by a tragic incident involving second favourite, Skilfing. Shortly after passing the finish line, Skilfing collapsed and died, casting a shadow over the entire day.
Skilfing had made smooth progress entering the home straight, holding every chance. Jockey Christophe Lemaire significantly eased his mount in the final two furlongs. As the pair pulled up, Lemaire quickly dismounted Skilfing. Seconds later, Skilfing collapsed, and audible cries echoed across Tokyo's grandstand.
Racecourse staff and vets scrambled to attend to the stricken Skilfing, it quickly became apparent that the situation was not going to have a happy outcome. Lemaire, with his head in his hands, was consoled by JRA staff as they stood over the motionless Skilfing.
According to the official announcement by the Japan Racing Association (JRA), Skilfing suffered acute heart failure during the race. Carrot Club, the owner's group of the horse promptly updated their website and jockey Christophe Lemaire expressed his profound sadness saying, "It is incredibly heartbreaking as Skilfing was a horse I was always excited to ride." Trainer Tetsuya Kimura also shared his deep sorrow, stating "Skilfing ran with great effort and tried his best. I believe he passed away peacefully without any suffering. It is a tremendous loss, not just for the Derby but for our stable as well. It pains my heart, but I sincerely hope Skilfing finds happiness in heaven."
The imposing bay was a near physical replica of his renowned sire Kitasan Black, Skilfing was a constant public favourite in all his racecourse engagements. His finest moment on the track was when winning the G2 Aoba Sho, an official Derby trial race.
Article Creds:Daily Sports