Tributes Paid to Ferny Hollow After Tragic Loss at Cork

Patrick Mullins has expressed heartfelt sorrow following the loss of Ferny Hollow, the exceptionally talented winner of the 2020 Champion Bumper, who succumbed to injuries sustained in a fall during the Grade Two Hilly Way Chase at Cork on Sunday.

Mullins was riding the nine-year-old for his father, Willie Mullins, in the race won by stablemate Energumene. Despite a career marred by long absences, Ferny Hollow showcased his extraordinary ability, including a remarkable victory in the Grade Three Newlands Chase last November after a 791-day layoff.

Returning to action after 287 days, Ferny Hollow was delivering a strong performance at Cork before falling at the penultimate fence. Although he initially walked back to the stable yard, his condition worsened, and he could not be saved.

Reflecting on the tragic loss, Patrick Mullins told Sporting Life:

“I was probably just about to land into third, so we’d have finished second given what happened at the last with Banbridge, which would have been a great run. He’s just come down at the back of the second-last.”

“He got up and walked back into the stable yard, but unfortunately deteriorated there and didn’t make it. It’s very, very sad. He didn’t really get to fulfil his potential.”

Ferny Hollow’s brief, but brilliant career left a lasting impression, and his loss is deeply felt across the racing community.