Sir Alex Ferguson’s horse Hermes Allen suffers fatal fall at Sandown, leaving trainer Paul Nicholls bereft, as the promising novice chaser looked to impress in a Grade One race
- Hermes Allen, co-owned by Sir Alex Ferguson, suffered a fatal fall at Sandown
- The promising novice fighter wanted to impress in a class one race
- Nickle Back, a 10-1 shot, won for jockey James Best and trainer Sarah Humphrey
Hermes Allen, the promising rookie fighter co-owned by Sir Alex Ferguson, suffered a fatal fall at Sandown on Saturday in an incident that left trainer Paul Nicholls bereft.
The gelding was sent off as favorite for the Grade One Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase for his performance at Kempton on Boxing Day when he tried in vain to keep an eye on the magnificent Il Est Francais.
But Hermes Allen, whose biggest success came in Newbury’s Grade One Challow Hurdle in December 2022, collapsed at the penultimate fence yesterday and suffered irreparable damage.
He had worn the yellow silk of co-owner John Hales.
The race was won by Nickle Back, 10-1, who gave jockey James Best and trainer Sarah Humphrey their first win at the top level.
Hermes Allen suffered a fatal crash at Sandown on Saturday (pictured in Kempton in December)
Sir Alex Ferguson and John Hales were the co-owners of the promising upstart fighter
Nickle Back gave James Best and Sarah Humphrey their first victory at the highest level
Best said: ‘I just can’t believe it. Growing up, you watch these races on TV and dream of becoming a jockey.
‘I love being a jockey, let alone winning races like this.
“I was astounded to be following him for his first chase start at Warwick and for everyone to put their trust in me with this beautiful horse means so much.”
Earlier on the Sandown card, Peking Opera – once managed by Aidan O’Brien – emerged as a Triumph Hurdle contender with a gutsy debut victory over obstacles for new trainer Gary Moore.