Horse dies after injury on Burghley cross-country
South Africa event horse Heartbreak Hill died after breaking his leg on the flat during the cross-county at Burghley Horse Trials on Saturday.
Hart reported that his 16-year-old South African bred thoroughbred, known as Harry, broke his leg between jumps 19 and 20 and was euthanised.
“I have lost my best friend trying his heart out for me like always. Held him in my arms until he was gone. He died so bravely doing what he loved best. I will miss my Harry so much who took me places I dreamed of as a kid. He will be so missed as my friend. He has served and shared so much with me so willingly,” Hart said.
The pair represented South Africa at the 2012 World Equestrian Games and was to compete at the Olympic Games of London 2012 until a dispute by Alex Peternell with the country’s Olympic committee.
Heartbreak Hill, a 16.2hh gelding, was by the US-bred stallion Rocky Marriage out of The Alchemy Stud’s Jungle Cove mare Boomy Hill. Rocky Marriage stood at Ivanhoe Stud. Rocky Marriage is a son of 1972 Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes winner Riva Ridge, who was Penny Chenery and The Meadow Farm’s first champion, until Secretariat burst onto the scene. Rocky Marriage raced in Britain and stood at stud there for a season before going to South Africa in 1988.
Heartbreak Hill had 222 British Eventing points.
He had 29 race starts for two wins and 11 placings, winning R81,123.
» Horse and rider eventing accidents
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Deeply sorry for your: and everyone that loved Heartbreak Hill “Harry” loss. Pauls’ homebred homey, like he said took him places he wouldn’t of been able to ever go. Tears falling now. ;( RIP
I do feel very sad at your loss of a beautiful horse it must be devestating to you all, my thoughts go out to you all
This horse united the country like no other and inspired so many people to dream big and go for it – no matter that we are a tiny little isolated country at the back end of nowhere . . . he showed us that if you have the heart and the passion, it can be done. His relationship with Paul was goosebump stuff. We are all in mourning tonight. Good bye Harry. Paul, stay strong and know that he died having the round of his life and 100% with and for you as always!!!
r.i.p harry i was standing right beside you when it all went cruelly wrong i shed a tear watching paul holding you tight run free now xx
What a terrible thing to happen after all the drama this couple of Superstars had to go through. To Paul, my heartfelt condolences to you-I know exactly how you feel to lose a best friend. To HeartBreak Hill – we will see you over the rainbow bridge. RIP.