I was there and watched it happen :-(
was absolutely horrific, never seen anything that awful in my life.
they were clear so far, last pair to go, came up to the triple bar but he took a stride out and just got in a tangle in the poles. the cups and everything gave way like they were meant to but i think it broke on landing anyway.
Gemma was really lucky, he missed her by millimetres and she managed to roll out of the way in time but poor pony tried to get up and everyone could see how bad the break was. Truly awful, Gemma, groom and family were absolutely distraught aswell, as you can imagine. Such an awful end to a good week. :-(
These versions are correct, he picked up at least a stride too early, God only knows why. Has been brought home to be buried in the garden, along with the foal they lost the same day
Eddie was not only a breath-taking talent who was just starting to spread his wings - recently successfully jumped his first Grand Prix and had already qualified for HOYS - but was the sweetest, kindest, sunniest horse you could imagine, you would never have known he was a stallion. He was everyone's favourite and is totally irreplaceable, an absolute tragedy. My thoughts are with Gemma and ber family, as well as Nicola who loved him like a baby Run free, Eddie...