Tributes have been paid to four-time Grade 1 winner Mighty Potter who suffered a fatal fall at Fairyhouse on Sunday dealing a massive blow to the Gordon Elliott stable at the start of Grand National week.
Elliott and owners Andy and Gemma Brown said they were heartbroken to lose a horse regarded as a future Cheltenham Gold Cup contender during the WillowWarm Gold Cup Chase.
The six-year-old had been sent off the 6-5 favourite but took a heavy fall at the tenth fence, which proved to be fatal. In the next race Elliott won the bumper with Brigtherdaysahead, Mighty Potter’s half-sister.
“It’s heartbreaking to lose a horse like him, but we won’t lie down and we’ll try to find the next one,” said Elliott.
“I have good owners behind me and good staff. It’s hard for Andy and Gemma Brown (of Mighty Potter’s owner Caldwell Construction) but they are a big part of Cullentra and we’ll get behind them and find another one.
“Everyone is very upset but on a brighter note this is a good mare. It’s bittersweet.”
Mighty Potter won seven of 11 starts, earning more than £275,000. He won Grade 1 novice hurdles at Leopardstown and Punchestown last season.
This term after completing a hat-trick of wins over fences he started odds-on favourite for the Turners’ Novices Chase at the Cheltenham Festival but finished third behind Stage Star.
His owners paid their own tribute on Twitter, saying: “Heartbreaking to be saying these words.
“Rest in Peace to our much loved, multiple Grade 1 winner, Mighty Potter you have given us (all involved) so many fantastic memories that we will never forget. Thank you to everyone involved who helped him be the super star he was.”
