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George pays tribute after Sir Valentino dies in Tingle Creek fall

Panellist Adrian Heskin and Sir Valentino, who could be best of the rest in the Betway Champion Chase
Sir Valentino: lost his life after a fall in the Tingle CreekCredit: Phil Mingo/Pinnacle

Trainer Tom George paid tribute to last season's Champion Chase third Sir Valentino after he lost his life following a fall at the final fence of the Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown on Saturday.

"He was a fantastic and very straightforward horse," said George. "He made unbelievable progress, climbing the ratings from 122 to 162.

"This is a very sad day for us but we have to remember he used up a few lives earlier in his career when he had some very bad falls. He showed his toughness by coming back from them and doing so well.

"The irony is his Sandown fall was probably the softest of the lot and yet we've lost him."

Sir Valentino, who ran for owners Doone Hulse, Susie Saunders and Lady Cobham, and was ridden by Adrian Heskin on Saturday, won eight of his 34 races, earning £240,741 in prize-money.


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Lee MottersheadSenior writer

Published on 9 December 2017inNews

Last updated 18:21, 9 December 2017

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