The Willie Mullins trained Wicklow Brave has died following a fall in the American Grand National at Far Hills on Saturday night.
The 10-year old's remarkable career came to a heartbreaking end in the race after he fractured his right shoulder in a final fence fall when having the race at his mercy and could not be saved.
He will go down in the history books as one of the most versatile horses of all time, and was all set to add an American Grand National victory to his amazing CV but took the crashing fall at the last under Paul Townend, leaving Brain Power to land the spoils for Nicky Henderson and Nico de Boinville.
Very sad to hear Wickow Brave has lost his life tonight after a fall in the American Grand National. The 10-year-old's 17 wins included the 2015 County Hurdle, 2016 Irish St Leger and 2017 Punchestown Champion Hurdle. Sympathy to all associated with a great friend to racing. pic.twitter.com/4jRQibQLmX
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) October 19, 2019
Speaking to the Racing Post, Patrick Mullins paid tribute to Wicklow Brave, who he partnered to seven victories, including the 2017 Punchestown Champion Hurdle.
He said: “Wicklow brought us all around the world and on a unique adventure. Jason Dear [groom]looked after him brilliantly and rode him every single day.
“He deserves huge credit for everything the horse has achieved in his career. Wicklow will be sorely missed in Closutton. It’s a sad day.”
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