The first day of the year has opened horribly, as Cameron Hanley’s top horse Antello Z has been put to sleep. An accident in the ring during the CSI4* Liverpool International Horse Show left the 13-year-old gelding seriously injured, and forced Hanley to take the heartbreaking decision.

On his Facebook account, Hanley writes: “Its with unbelievable sadness I let you know that my partner Antello had to be put down today due to an injury sustained in the ring, he was such a fighter and he never quit. I had some of my best days in the ring with him, he brought me and those of us who were lucky enough to work with him so much happiness, he will always be in my heart. I loved him so much. R.I.P my friend.”

Earlier this year, in an interview with World of Showjumping Hanley expressed how special Antello Z was to him: “He was the last horse I sat on before my injury, and then when I was back he gave me my first big victory.”

The two were forced to part ways when Cameron sustained a knee injury in 2011, and was bought back for the Irish rider for his 2013 comeback. Last year the two were separated again, when Antello Z’s owners ended their partnership with Hanley – but the gelding returned a few months later in a settlement that finalized the co-operation.

With Hanley in the saddle, Antello Z had major wins in Wiesbaden, Calgary, Millstreet, Donaueschingen and Stuttgart over the last years – as well as numerous 2nd and 3rd place podium finishes.

Our thoughts go out to Cameron and his entire team. 

Source: Facebook // Text © World of Showjumping // Picture © Jenny Abrahamsson