Royal Ascot update on horse that failed to finish race after fans feared the worst

A Royal Ascot-winning handler has given an update on a horse that failed to finish a race at the prestigious meeting.

Many fans of the sport were concerned for Betty Clover when the Eve Johnson Houghton-trained hope dramatically dropped out of the TV picture during coverage of the Sandringham Stakes on Friday.

Positioned in the near-side group, the grey had completed over half of the mile journey when she came under pressure.

Jockey William Buick noticed Betty Clover was not striding out properly and acted quickly to pull her up on the course.

Vets were on hand and the two-time winner was able to leave the track for further assessment.

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Trainer Eve Johnson Houghton has since told Mirror Racing that her horse has shown positive signs and is expected to make a full recovery.

"Luckily she walked away sound and seems fine this morning," she said. "The vet has checked her over. She will have another thorough check over early next week, but fingers crossed she is OK. Thanks to the great veterinary care and my staff at the racecourse."

The handler, who took the Windsor Castle stakes with Charlie Bishop-ridden Havana Hurricane on Wednesday, also posted a picture on X of Betty Clover enjoying a pick of grass.

Johnson Houghton has previously said how attached she is to the daughter of Time Test, as she bred her from an unraced mare called Reprieval.

After preparing her for a racing career on gallops in Oxfordshire, the trainer cried tears of joy when Betty Clover debuted successfully at Bath in April 2024 and took the Listed Clipper EBF Marygate Fillies’ Stakes at York a month later.

Watching from Newbury, she said: “That was amazing! I think everyone here knows I won with her!

“I bred her and I’m so wildly excited, I just can’t believe it."

The positive update from Ascot comes after Richard Hannon was left "absolutely heartbroken" by the death of Harry's Girl in the Queen Mary Stakes.

Sean Levey stopped her just seconds into Wednesday's five furlong juvenile event and the devastated handler posted a tribute on social media.

"She was a lovely filly with a fantastic character," he said. "Our sympathies go out to everyone that looked after her and loved her at home, and of course to her owners."