Cian O'Connor has released an official statement that announces the death of the 10-year-old mare Lady Cracotte (Quaprice x Galoubet A), that he purchased at the beginning of October. 

The official statement reads: 

"I am devastated to announce the freak accident which resulted in the death of Lady Cracotte last evening at the horse show in Montpellier. The mare was being groomed at the stables and rugged up for the night when something startled her and she panicked on the cross ties and flipped over. Thank you so much to my dedicated staff particularly my show groom Mie. 

I’m so sorry for this wonderful mare who had been so successful with Belgian’s Niels Bruynseels and recently joined my stable. I was looking forward to getting to know her and was planning on doing some smaller shows to develop our partnership. Life can be so cruel sometimes but the only consolation for “Cracky” was that she didn’t suffer. Thank you to the full team at Montpellier horse show who did everything possible to help.

Cian"

With Bruynseels in the saddle, Lady Cracotte won the CSI5* Grand Prix in Waregem at the end of September, and also took wins in Aachen, Rome, Valkenswaard, Lier and Bonheiden during the summer season. She made her international show debut with O'Connor earlier this month in Belgium. 

Our thoughts go out to O'Connor and Bruynseels' teams, and all those connected to Lady Cracotte.

Text and photo © World of Showjumping