Devastated Begley praises horse she loved after 'Dollarbean' dies on gallops

An emotional light has been shone on the bond between horse and human following the death on Saturday morning of sprinter Bahamian Dollar, whose heartbroken rider Kathy Begley posted a social media message, saying: "Love you always."

Begley, who works as secretary to David Evans, was twice successful on the handicapper she called 'Dollarbean' and was also in the saddle when he finished third at Windsor two weeks ago on what proved to be his final outing.

The five-year-old, who ran in the colours of the Jon Babb-fronted Shropshire Wolves, won four of his 30 career outings.

Describing what happened on Evans' Monmouthshire gallops, Begley said: "I don't usually ride him at home because he's so easy. I don't know if that means it was fate we were together today.

"I thought he had broken a leg because he lost his action. Then I could see blood coming out of his nose and he collapsed through the rail. He never got up again.

"I stayed with him until he had gone and the other horses had walked past him. Then I took his tack off him and said goodbye."

Recalling their racecourse relationship, Begley added: "Of all the horses I've ever ridden in a race he was my favourite. I rode him ten times, I was placed on him seven times and we won twice together.

"He was a star and always tried his heart out. I've gone back to being an amateur, but after riding him in a race at Windsor a couple of weeks ago I said if all horses were like him I would still be riding professionally."

Begley spent the rest of her day working for Evans at Ascot.

"You just have to keep going," she said. "I'm heartbroken but that won't bring him back. He was such a legend and a complete gentleman, just lovely in every way.

"He was a beautiful mover, a beautiful horse, a beautiful soul. I loved him and cannot believe he has gone. Life is cruel."

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