Hermes Allen, the promising novice chaser co-owned by Sir Alex Ferguson, endured a career-ending fall at Sandown on Saturday in an altercation, leaving trainer Paul Nicholls bereaved.
The 7-year-old was sent off favourite for the Grade One Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase following his performance at Kempton on Boxing Day, when he tried to no avail to keep up with the gobsmacking Il Est Francais.
But Hermes Allen, whose most impressive success came in Newbury’s Grade One Challow Hurdle in December 2022, collapsed at the second last fence this Saturday and suffered an irreparable injury, wearing the yellow silks of co-owner John Hales.
Nickle Back (10-1) triumphed in the race, thus bringing jockey James Best and trainer Sarah Humphrey their first win of the highest degree.