Blow for Gavin Cromwell team as Gabynako dies following Galway Plate injury

A sad postscript has emerged from Wednesday's Tote Galway Plate after Gavin Cromwell announced Arkle runner-up Gabynako has died following an injury suffered in the seven-year-old's final-fence fall.

Owned by the Mick and Molly Syndicate, Gabynako was placed five times in Grade 1 company and collected prize-money on all bar one of his 14 completed starts.

It looked as though the 155-rated performer was about to throw down a serious challenge in Ballybrit's premier chasing prize prior to his unfortunate fall, having been given a confident ride by Keith Donoghue.

Cromwell revealed on Friday that the gelding by Tirwanako had to be put down after he "sustained an untreatable back injury".

The Cheltenham Festival and Royal Ascot-winning trainer said: "Gabynako was a very smart horse. He was only just starting to get going when he came down in the Plate. It's a terrible loss for everyone.

Gabynako carried the colours of the Mick and Molly SyndicateCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

"He's owned by a family syndicate having their first ever horse and they're devastated. Many fond memories were had throughout the years and he will be sadly missed by all."

Having gone unsold for €13,000 as a three-year-old, Gabynako then went on to change hands for £130,000 a year later when second in a Moig South point-to-point for Shane Ryder and Elaine Bleahen from Lakefield Stud.

A promising 2020-21 novice hurdle campaign saw the talented youngster sent off a well-fancied 9-2 shot for the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham, but he was unfortunate to be effectively brought down at the first by a faller.

His Galway chase debut last October saw him beaten a head by subsequent Grand National hero Noble Yeats, while he traded as low as 1.39 in-running on Betfair before making a crucial blunder that relegated him to second in the Grade 1 Drinmore Novice Chase the following month.

Gabynako (yellow and black silks) chases home Edwardstone in last season's ArkleCredit: Edward Whitaker

Connections then decided to supplement him for the Arkle at Cheltenham in March, a decision which was vindicated when he finished runner-up to Edwardstone.

With his two wins coming in a Naas maiden hurdle and Fairyhouse beginners' chase, Cromwell suggested the bright talent's winning haul was not representative of his true ability.

Cromwell said: "You could say he was an unlucky horse in the sense he probably didn't get to achieve more than he did. He finished second in two Grade 1s last season and was a little unlucky in the Drinmore. It's just unfortunate."

Gabynako details

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