“Put His Heart on the Line for Me”: Double Tragedy Strikes Equestrian Event Leaving Horse Racing World in Shambles

It is absolutely heartbreaking to see any of the innocent beings pass away. A similar incident has shaken the equestrian community. Two of the most talented horses have left the field and the world forever and the racing world cannot be more heartbroken. I am Me just had a victory in the Missile Stakes, but it was tarnished by the death of comeback sprinter Big Parade. Another tragedy was witnessed at Flemington where another talent First In Line collapsed just after the win.

The equestrian world has completely gone silent with this unexpected tragedy and is mourning the loss of their two best horses. The celebrations have been covered by dark clouds of sadness after their loss this Saturday.

The equestrian world saddened by the loss of their two best horses

The celebrations of winning the Missile Stakes by Big Parade were saddened by his death at Rosehill Gardens. And similar was the case with First In Line, as he collapsed after winning the VRC Barbara Stephens Trophy (2500m). It is a big tragedy to witness such a heartbreaking incident. Big Parade was trained by Ciaron Maher and David Eustace and this was the biggest win he gave them.

The best riders Josh Parr and James McDonald were quite lucky to stay intact on the saddle when Big Parade lost his balance midway down the straight. John Parr had Parade riding outside the speed when the disaster took place. According to Fox Sports, both riders Parr and McDonald did a great job by staying aboard and not participating ahead in the race. Big Parade was euthanized as a fracture on the shoulder was suspected. Joseph Pride, his trainer expressed about Big Parade, “He was coming to the race a sound horse today.”

Another incident that has left the equestrian world silent is the death of First In Line at Flemington. He collapsed right after winning the VRC Barbara Stephens Trophy. His rider Blake Shinn was stunned after the loss just after his big win. He got off the horse before he collapsed. First In Line was suspected of a heart attack. The riders and the entire racing world expressed their sadness.

The equestrian community expresses their feelings about the great loss 

Blake Shinn consoled the connections of the horse as he passed away after winning. He stayed with the First In Line before getting back to the mounting yard. Shinn expressed, “It’s hard not to break down when that happens to any horse but after such an effort like that from First in Line. He gave his all.” He further added, “But when a horse puts in a performance like First In Line did, he just put his heart on the line for me.”

Read more: Horrifying Video Captures ‘Dead Body’ of Horse Found on Equestrian Racecourse

For Big Parade, it was a big shock for everyone. Joseph Pride mourned his loss by expressing, “Rest easy Big Parade. You were a champion of a horse to be around, and we all have very heavy hearts tonight.” It is a sad moment for everyone, Emma Freedman a presenter of Channel 7 also broke down in tears. She expressed, “I feel for the connections, it’s just so sad.” Tragic incidents like this always stay instilled in the hearts of the equestrian world.

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