LAST Saturday was a tough one for Joseph and Daira Vella of Wingrove Park and the Fliedner stable, who tragically lost their talented galloper Sparks Burn at Flemington.
The three-year-old son of Niello suffered a fracture to the off-fore fetlock at the 200-metre mark and was humanely euthanased on course.
From the Vellas’ prolific broodmare Dual Spark, Sparks Burn was stakes-placed as a two-year-old in the St Albans Stakes and was a multiple race winner with more than $46,000 in earnings from 13 starts.
Unfortunately, we were yet to see the best of this horse, who has been buried at Wingrove Park.
We all know that “Neil” and his cheeky attitude will be missed at the track and at home.
Photo courtesy: Ben Sporle ©