Gesskille, a promising seven-year-old gelding trained by the expert duo Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero, met a devastating fate. The Glenfarclas Crystal Cup Cross Country Handicap Chase marked the final race in his horse racing career. Jockey Henry Brooke made the tough call to pull Gesskille out of the race upon realizing the severity of the injury suffered during the event, ending the gelding’s run in the competition.

However, in a poignant moment, Jockey Henry Brooke broke down in tears live on Racing TV, marking what he described as an utterly “Heartbreaking day” in his riding career. His fans rallied behind him with an overwhelming show of sympathy and comfort, sensing how emotionally intense it may have been for him.

Henry Brooke’s rollercoaster of emotions

Recently, Racing TV aired a deeply affecting interview in which Henry Brooke was questioned about the tumultuous turn of events. When asked about the significant setbacks faced by Henry Brooke and the team, from the devastating loss of Gesskille in the Cross Country Chase to the subsequent triumph of White Rhino in the winners’ enclosure, he responded, “I’m feeling emotional; I need a moment to compose myself. Winning at Cheltenham was a highlight, one of the most recent peaks of my racing career.“

He further added, “He means so much to the whole yard, not just to me. He can’t be taken away from this ladder; he’s done his job. You know, he shows you what racing is about, and suddenly we’ve got to pick ourselves up and ask for a bit of magic in my career. I’ll never, ever—I’ll hold him in high regard for a long time. So, thank you”

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Jockey Henry Brooke faced contrasting emotions at Cheltenham as he guided White Rhino to victory in the handicap hurdle just 35 minutes after the tragic loss of stablemate Gesskille in the Glenfarclas Cross-Country Chase. Gesskille, a top horse, had earned over £280,000 and held a significant position in Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero’s stable. As soon as this post was shared, fans also shared their views.

Echoes of empathy in the horse racing community

One individual expressed, “Tearing up myself, what a brave man he is”

Another sentiment echoed the unwavering support of family, stating, “No matter how bad a day you might have at work, your kids love dad and are always on hand to make you feel better with a hug.”

Expressing deep empathy, a contributor conveyed, “Truly heartbreaking and emotional. Thoughts are with connections.”

Reflecting on the interview’s emotional depth, another comment praised, “What an emotional interview which encapsulated the love that all connections have for their horses, beautifully handled as ever by Lydia. Well done Henry for keeping it together.”

In a reflective tone, a poignant tribute read,  “Heartfelt. As much as we love the sport it does have its sad moments such as this. Condolences to the connection for their loss.”

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