The racing world was plunged into mourning on July 29, 2025, when Trueshan, one of Flat racing’s most beloved stayers, suffered a fatal injury during the Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup. The nine-year-old gelding, a fan favorite known for his tenacity and remarkable career, left an indelible mark on the sport and a void in the hearts of those who knew him. Hollie Doyle, his regular jockey and partner in countless triumphs, led tributes to the horse she called a “special, special horse,” capturing the profound grief felt across the racing community.

Trueshan’s story is one of grit, glory, and an extraordinary bond with Doyle. Purchased for 31,000gns at the Tattersalls Breeze-Up sale in 2018, he defied expectations to amass over £2 million in prize money for his owners, the Barbury Lions and later the Singula Partnership. With 16 wins from 35 starts, including three at Group One level, Trueshan’s longevity and versatility made him a rare gem in Flat racing. His victories spanned prestigious races like the 2021 Goodwood Cup, two Prix du Cadran titles at Longchamp, and three consecutive Long Distance Cups at Ascot on British Champions Day. In 2022, he delivered one of the most stunning handicap performances in recent memory, carrying 10st 8lb to win the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle.

The Goodwood Cup was meant to be another chapter in Trueshan’s storied career. It was his fourth appearance in the race, having claimed victory in 2021 under Doyle’s expert guidance. But tragedy struck halfway through the two-mile contest. As the field galloped uphill on the far side of the track, Trueshan faltered, sustaining a fracture to his left-hind pastern. Doyle, sensing the severity of the injury, pulled him up immediately, sparing him further distress. The veterinary team rushed to his side, but the injury was deemed unrecoverable. Trainer Alan King, alongside veterinarians, made the heartbreaking decision to put Trueshan down.

Doyle, who rode Trueshan to 10 of his 16 victories, was visibly devastated. Speaking to the PA news agency, she shared her anguish: “I’m just devastated. It couldn’t be any worse. He was a special, special horse, I can’t think of anything else to say. I am gutted. He’s been amazing for me, a star, and those memories we have together are some of my very best.” Her words resonated with fans, many of whom had followed Trueshan’s journey and admired the synergy between horse and rider. Their partnership was more than professional—it was a connection built on trust and shared triumphs.

Alan King, Trueshan’s trainer, echoed Doyle’s sentiments, describing the loss as a “hell of a shock.” In an emotional interview with The Mirror, King revealed the freak nature of the injury: “He sadly shattered a hind pastern. He just put his foot down slightly wrong and it was a freak injury—it’s very rare. We will miss him terribly.” King’s voice broke as he recounted rushing to Trueshan’s side to say goodbye, a moment made bearable only by the professionalism of the veterinary team. He noted plans to have Trueshan cremated and his ashes returned to Barbury Castle, where he would rest alongside other stable legends like Katchit and Viking Flagship.

The racing community rallied around Doyle and King, with tributes pouring in from fans, fellow jockeys, and industry figures. ITV Racing’s Ed Chamberlin captured the somber mood, saying, “It’s just how cruel this sport can be. My heart absolutely goes out, not just to the owners and Alan King, but Cheryl Binner who led up Trueshan today. Cheryl will be devastated, Hollie Doyle will be absolutely gutted with the connection she had with this horse.” James Given, the British Horseracing Authority’s director of equine welfare, emphasized that Trueshan had been thoroughly examined before the race and showed no signs of concern, underscoring the unpredictable nature of the accident.

Trueshan’s appeal extended beyond his on-track achievements. His preference for softer ground meant he was often a last-minute withdrawal from major races, adding an element of anticipation to his appearances. When he did run, he delivered performances that thrilled spectators and cemented his status as a public favorite. His battles against top stayers like Stradivarius and Coltrane were the stuff of racing legend, showcasing his heart and determination. The 2021 Long Distance Cup, where he outdueled Stradivarius, and the 2022 Northumberland Plate, where he defied a crushing weight, were moments that defined his legacy.

The tragedy cast a shadow over Glorious Goodwood’s opening day. Even as Scandinavia and Illinois, trained by Aidan O’Brien, fought out a thrilling finish to the Goodwood Cup, the atmosphere remained subdued. Fans on social media expressed their sorrow, with posts on X reflecting the depth of Trueshan’s impact. One user wrote, “Hollie Doyle mourns Trueshan after a tragic injury ends the beloved stayer’s legendary career,” encapsulating the collective heartbreak. Another praised Doyle’s composure, noting, “Matt Chapman full of praise for how Hollie Doyle dealt with the loss of Trueshan, a horse that played such a crucial part in her career.”

For Doyle, Trueshan was more than a racehorse—he was a partner who helped elevate her to the top ranks of jockeys. Their victories together, from Group One triumphs to that unforgettable Northumberland Plate, were milestones in her career. At 28, Doyle has already achieved remarkable success, but Trueshan’s loss is a poignant reminder of the emotional toll of the sport. Her tribute to him, raw and heartfelt, struck a chord with readers, making it a story that resonates far beyond racing circles.

Trueshan’s death is a stark illustration of racing’s highs and lows. It’s a sport where moments of exhilaration coexist with the ever-present risk of tragedy. Yet, it’s also a sport defined by bonds like the one between Trueshan and Doyle—connections that endure through victory and loss. As King said, “He is gone but he will never be forgotten.” Trueshan’s legacy lives on in the races he won, the fans he inspired, and the memories he created with Doyle, a jockey whose career he helped shape.

The racing world will move forward, but Trueshan’s absence will be keenly felt. His story, one of triumph and tragedy, is a testament to the beauty and fragility of the sport. For those who loved him, from Doyle to the fans who cheered his every stride, Trueshan was more than a horse—he was a hero whose spirit will linger in the annals of racing history.