Shane Sweetnam has sadly announced that his partner Main Road (Heartbeat x Irco Marco) has passed away, at the age of 11. 

Sweetnam and Main Road had huge success together, winning a CSI3* Grand Prix in Tryon last year as well as finishing 2nd in the Hampton Classic 1.60m Grand Prix. In 2017, the two won the Longines Cup at the Hampton Classic and came 2nd in the World Cup in Toronto. 

On his Facebook page Sweetnam has shared the following announcement: ”I am devastated to have to share the bad news that Main Road passed away unexpectedly this evening in his stall at the show. He was the little horse with a big heart and a bigger personality. He was a fighter, a winner and a star. Mister will be greatly missed by all, especially by his beloved grooms Seamus and Maria, myself and Ali, and his amazing co-owners (Mister's "mom") Kathryn and John Gilbertson. We are all shocked, numb, and just incredibly sad. Rest easy, Mister. Keep kicking up your heels in horsey heaven.”

Our thoughts go out to Sweetnam’s team, and all those connected to Main Road.  

Text and photo © World of Showjumping