RaceHorseHeroes

jejquade · Posted: Thu Aug 27, 2009 1:18 pm Post subject: Biniou

By Jon Lees1.58PM 27 AUG 2009

BINIOU, who was being primed for the William Hill Ayr Gold Cup, has been put down after suffering a serious injury on the gallops, robbing trainer Robert Cowell of the best horse he has trained.

Biniou was entered to run in the Grenzen Flying Give Stakes at the Curragh this weekend but sustained a catastrophic injury to his off-fore sesamoid on the Newmarket gallops on Wednesday morning.

"He was galloping in preparation for the Flying Five on Sunday when he sustained the injury," said Cowell. "We kept him in the stable overnight when we sought second and third opinions and the general consensus was the damage was almost irreparable.

"It's a devastating blow for the owners and especially for the staff who worked with him. We are absolutely gutted. He was the best horse I have handled in my career."

Cowell bought Biniou, who has won three of his four starts this year, at the Arc sale in 2006 when he finished fourth in the Prix de l'Abbaye.

"He won a Listed race at Fontainebleau in his first full year with me and then had a blank year after developing foot problems," Cowell added.

"I had him right this year thanks to our blacksmith Dermot Barry and he has been a revelation. It is a major loss."