We are very sad to report that
Shanaderry Kin (Derek) had to be put to sleep yesterday at just 5 yrs old. We feel for our owner John Powell and the
team at EPDS and everyone who knew him.
He was such a lovely, young horse with enormous potential.
Derek was recommended to us
through a contact I have in Ireland after he had finished 2nd in his
point-to-point. John and I travelled to
Ireland to see him and were immediately impressed and John bought him. He ran twice for us - after his last run over
hurdles at Fontwell it was stated in The Racing Post that his run was
‘promising’. Paddy Brennan who rode him
that day said great things about him and said he reminded him of Tidal
Bay! He was such a kind and lovely horse
and was so genuine with great presence for a young horse. He was also an absolute gentleman and easy to
do in every way. I know that he would
have done so very well for John and given him heaps of fun. We were very much looking forward to his
coming season.
Derek had a wind op in the
summer and whilst recovering somehow injured himself behind. We do not know exactly how it happened but he
was well and bright when I saw him that morning first thing to feed. An hour later he was in a lot of agony with
his bed all array. My local vet, David
Francis at Bellevue Veterinary Clinic and also Kevin Bishop from Summerhill
were amazing that day. It was suspected
immediately that he had damaged himself behind and David worked with Kevin (who
came from a call out in Birmingham) to see him rather than risk moving him to
Langford. It really was touch and go
back then (2 months ago) and there were many sleepless nights spent up with
him. I would like to thank the vets in
particular for the amazing care they gave him and relentless will to save his
life. Also thank you to my team here for
caring for him and not giving up. He did
eventually turn a corner and as soon as he was fit and well enough he was travelled
to Rossdales in Newmarket to see Marcus Head to understand the extent of his
injuries. Unfortunately there was
nothing that could be done, his injuries were just too severe and he would
never properly walk again. It was
heartbreaking to hear this as I never truly gave up hope of saving him. Most importantly Derek was the bravest of
horses through out. He was such a
fighter and when you looked at his head you wouldn’t have known there was
anything wrong with him. His eye was always
bright. Thank you too to John and Tracey
at EPDS who forgo their pockets and whose ultimate aim was life (for any horse)
even if he couldn’t make it as a racehorse.
It makes it an extremely sad outcome as they do anything to see a
racehorse re-homed despite injury.
Below are some pictures of this
beautiful horse and it breaks my heart to see them. Rest in peace Derek.
Shanaderry Kin being ridden at home by Alice Mills
Shanaderry Kin enjoying coming back from his last race with Paddy Brennan
No comments:
Post a Comment