Hogan pays tribute following death of star sprinter Sceptical
Trainer hails “horse of a lifetime”.
Denis Hogan has been dealt a “devastating” blow with the death of crack sprinter Sceptical. Unraced for Godolphin, the four-year-old cost just GBP 2,800 at the sales and proved a real star for Hogan and owners Hilltop Racing. He won four races in a row, including the Listed Woodlands Stakes at Naas, before travelling to Royal Ascot for the Diamond Jubilee Stakes, finishing a close third under Frankie Dettori to Hello Youmzain and Dream Of Dreams. The son of Exceed And Excel then went on to the July Cup at Newmarket, where he found only Oxted too good. He had been due to run in the Rathasker Stud Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh this weekend.Expressing his sadness, Hogan, who recently announced his retirement from the saddle to concentrate on his training career, tweeted: “We have been dealt a devastating cruel blow at Boherna this morning with the loss of our superstar sprinter Sceptical. “He was a horse of a lifetime and a game changer for my training career and everyone at Boherna. “Thoughts with @RacingHilltop @JamesGough1942.”
Follow us on Twitter racing365dotcom and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Ramatuelle ruled out of Breeders’ Cup Mile bid
French ace scratched from Del Mar contest following veterinary advice.
-
Horse Racing
Yahagi has every faith Forever Young is ready for Classic battle
‘Perfect preparation’ for Kentucky Derby third heading into City Of Troy clash.
-
Exciting times as Brighterdaysahead starts off at Down Royal
‘One step at a time’ for Grade One-winning mare, who was expected to go chasing this season.
-
Joseph O’Brien expecting Classic show from ‘right type’ Troy
But Kieren Fallon sounding note of caution ahead of Del Mar blockbuster.
-
Grand Sefton not on the agenda for Minella Drama
Donald McCain happy to wait for other targets with Old Roan winner.
-
Eydon back on familiar ground at Newmarket this weekend
High-class five-year-old was fourth in the 2000 Guineas two years ago.
-
Charlie Appleby launching dual assault on Juvenile Turf
Aomori City and Al Qudra chasing Breeders’ Cup gold at Del Mar.
-
Wathnan juveniles all set for Breeders’ Cup battle
And Mick Appleby hunting race repeat, this time with Big Mojo.
-
‘It will be great if he could win’ – Bin Suroor rooting for City Of Troy
Godolphin trainer knows what it is like to come close to Breeders’ Cup Classic glory.
-
Hobson ‘can’t wait’ to unleash Fugitif at Cheltenham
Paddy Power Gold Cup again the aim for Prestbury Park fan.