Death Duty out for the season

It was announced this morning that the Gordon Elliott trained Rapid Escape sadly passed away during the Summer having suffered a bad colic.

The Rathcannon point-to-point winner looked set to have a bright future under rules.  Since winning his point-to-point maiden in February last year he then went on to record a hattrick of bumper wins including a listed event at Navan last year.

The son of Doyen was bought by his owners at the Tattersalls Ireland Cheltenham Sale for £240,000.

The Cullentra Stables were also hit with another blow as another one of their stable stars Death Duty will be out for the remainder of the season.

The Gordon Elliott trained gelding was last seen when falling at the last in the Grade 1 Racing Novice Chase at Leopardstown in December.

The seven-year-old had a small operation but has yet to return to action. 

The gelding had done damage to ligaments early in the race which is the main reason why he never travelled well in behind eventual winner Footpad.

Death Duty looked an exciting prospect having won the Grade 1 Drinmore Chase last month.

The son of Shantou started his career between the flags when winning his point to point maiden at Cragmore for handler Pat Doyle.  He also supplied his rider Derek O’Connor with his 1000th point to point winner.