The horse died earlier today just seconds into the first race of Royal Ascot 2025
A horse at Royal Ascot has tragically died just seconds into Wednesday’s opening race. Harry’s Girl passed away after suffering an injury during the Queen Mary Stakes – the first race held on the second day of the meeting.
It was the dame’s third ever race, having won on debut at Newmarket in April before an appearance at York in May. But racing for the Richard Hannon-Sean Levey combination, she sadly broke down just seconds into the five-furlong race, the Mirror reports.
A statement from Ascot Racecourse said: “Unfortunately, Harry’s Girl suffered a fatal injury during The Queen Mary Stakes. Our thoughts go out to all connections at this time.”
ITV Racing presenter Ed Chamberlain confirmed the sad news during the broadcaster’s coverage of the meet shortly after the race finished, saying her sad passing ‘cast a shadow’ over True Love’s triumph.
He said: “We’ve just had this confirmed by Ascot – Harry’s Girl did suffer a fatal injury.
“Our thoughts go out to connections. It’s desperately sad for the Hannon team after they celebrated with their winner Haatem yesterday.”
The tragic incident comes just weeks after Norman’s Cay, another horse trained by Hannon, died during the Derby meet at Epsom.
Aidan O’Brien, under Ryan Moore, saw victory at the race today with True Love, despite the tragic events. True Love had chased home Tuesday’s Coventry Stakes winner and stablemate Gstaad on her latest start and was duly sent off the 9-4 favourite.
She took some time to work her way into the race as Zelaina set a scorching early pace, but she stayed on to real effect in the final furlong to beat 100-1 shot Flowerhead, with Patrick Biancone’s American raider Lennilu third.
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