TRIBUTE TO ERIC'S CHARM.

TRAGIC END FOR VETERAN CHARM

Oliver Sherwood's crowd favourite Eric's Charm lost his life in the Blue Square Supporting Greatwood Veterans' Handicap Chase at Newbury.

The 13-year-old was the most venerable of the old stagers in the event and appeared to have broken a leg when unseating Leighton Aspell at the end of the back straight.

It was soon announced on the public address system he had been put down.

A charismatic white-faced chestnut, Eric's Charm won 12 of his 41 previous starts and was particularly effective around Sandown, finishing second in the 2006 renewal of the Bet365 Gold Cup and enjoying what was to be his swansong in the totesport Masters Handicap Chase at the Esher track last month.

Sherwood looked visibly shaken by his loss, while Peter Deal, who owned him in partnership with Martin St Quinton, said: "He was a complete star. It always seems to happen to the bravest horses and you just don't own one like him very often.

"He was a great stable favourite and a serious character. I think he ran for us for nine seasons and we were really hoping he could bow out at Sandown next month."

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R I P . ERIC'S CHARM

Poor old Eric's Charm sadley lost his life at Newbury on saturday 5th March 20011. The 13 year old teenager suffered a broken leg when stumbling after the16th fence.

A charismatic white faced chestnut, Eric's Charm won 12 of his 41 race ans was particularly effective around Sandown Park. He was alos a different horse when regular pilot Leighton Asp...ell was on board. It was just poetry watching the pair storm up the Sandown Hill.

He ran 10 times at Sandown winning The Sunderlands cup in 2006, The London National 2009 and The Master final in 2001, he was also 2nd four time, 3rd once, and of the other two runs he finished 5th and pulled up.

He was areal crowd puller at Sandown, tragically he was due to have one more run at Sandown in Aprill 2011 and then retire.

Eric was a half brother to Bet365Gold cup winner Monkerhostin. He was bought for £40.000 as an unraced 4 year old.

He was not short of speed in his early days and started his career bt landing a debut bumper at Fontwell and then another bumper in his next run at Huntingdon.

He proved a quick learner over hurdles too, winning 3 times in his novice season and finishing 2nd in the EBF final at Sandown. But it was over fences that he came onto his own taking 7 chase and earning the bulk of his prize money haul of £195.000:



We think it would be only fitting if Sandown Park named a race after thr old boy. Maybe the Masters Chase which he won this year, could be renamed 'the Eric's Charm Masters Chase'

join our campaign if you agree:

Thank you.

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mail - HONEST JOHN