McEntee pays tribute after 'heartbreaking' death of stable favourite Gentlemen

Phil McEntee experienced the glorious highs and devastating lows of racing in a fraction over 24 hours, his winner at Southwell ridden by daughter Grace on Wednesday being followed by the loss of stable favourite Gentlemen at Chelmsford on Thursday.

Trevor Johnson's eight-year-old won ten times, with six of those coming at Chelmsford, where he sadly suffered a fatal fall in the final furlong.

The Essex track is set to pay tribute by planting a 'Perfect Gentleman' rose bush in honour of the son of Ad Valorem, with a ceremony and a table in the restaurant adding to their marks of respect.

McEntee said: "It was heartbreaking and everyone is feeling a bit distraught. He was in the process of running a big race, which makes it much harder. It was awful.

"He was a great horse for so many people, he was a stalwart for our yard. He helped Josephine Gordon's career and he won for a lot of other jockeys too."

He added: "He was a big favourite at Chelmsford and a lot of the people there were very upset. I'm really touched by Chelmsford for planting the bush, it will be a lovely touch."

Grace McEntee: rode her first winner for dad Phil on Contingency Fee at SouthwellCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Wednesday had been a day of celebration for the McEntee family as Grace rode her first winner for her dad at Southwell on Contingency Fee.

The win was a second career success for the apprentice, who had scored aboard the Stuart Williams-trained Lunar Deity earlier this year.

The Newmarket trainer added: "Less than 24 hours ago we were ecstatic and the tears of joy changed to tears of sorrow.

"It was a great result at Southwell and we were really happy on Wednesday. This game can give you some real highs and lows."

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