Alan King pays tribute to Trueshan following death of stay stayer at Goodwood

King spoke of the wider response to Trueshan's sad demise, from racing fans all around the world, and stated that the horse would be buried alongside some of his former stars at his base, Barbury Castle Stables.

An emotional trainer said on ITV Racing: "It was very tough, obviously. The one thing I will say is that the outpouring of messages has been unbelievable. I mean, I knew he was popular but... well over 200 (messages) and we're still getting them now.

"The vets were superb, it was peaceful, it was calm, and they were professional.

"It means an awful lot, it's helped me and it's helped the staff.

"He's been a friend, a very straightforward horse to train. He's been incredibly sound, what happened yesterday was a freak accident - nothing to do with the training or the ground. Just one of those awful things and it can happen.

"I remember, and a lot of the viewers will remember, old Viking Flagship - he was retired and he was my hack and on a Monday afternoon we turn them out to just have a little chill. He got down, had a roll, he took off to have a canter around and he broke a hind leg. It happens. It's bloody awful but it does happen.

"Trueshan is coming back to Barbury, and he will be buried next to Viking Flagship, Balder Succes and Katchit so... that helps."

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