Trainer Denis Hogan Gives Sceptical Glowing Tribute After Shock Death

Irish trainer Denis Hogan has given his late horse Sceptical a glowing tribute as the exciting sprinter passed away on Tuesday after having a complication on the gallops.

Having never raced for Godolphin the four year old was bought for just £2,800 at the sales and proved a real sprinting star for Hogan and owners Hilltop Racing.

Sceptical became one of the stories of the season having bounced onto the racing scene at the back end of last year when scoring at Dundalk at the second time of asking in very nice fashion.

From there the son of Exceed And Excel went on to land two more races at the Irish all weather track and showed plenty of ability which gave his trainer dreams of being a very useful runner.

After a small break due to the virus he returned at Naas in a Listed event and he went on to bolt up, which meant all roads lead to Royal Ascot in the Diamond Jubilee where he showed his strong credentials to finish a very close third in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes

Frankie Dettori took the ride again on him on his final start when he was a narrow loser in the July Cup but with two strong black type runs under his belt he was set for a crack at the Nunthorpe this month at York.

Expressing his deep sadness, Hogan, who recently announced his retirement from being a jockey to concentrate on his training career, tweeted: “We have been dealt a devastating cruel blow at Boherna this morning with the loss of our superstar sprinter Sceptical.

“He was a horse of a lifetime and a game changer for my training career and everyone at Boherna.

“Thoughts with @RacingHilltop @JamesGough1942.”

Sceptical's owners also tweeted out a few words that read: “We had a terrible tragedy this morning as Sceptical was fatally injured on the gallops.

“He was an amazing horse for us and we’ll remember all the great days we enjoyed with him. We’d like to thank @d_g_hogan @joeysheridan8 & all the staff & we feel so sad for everyone.”