Horse Racing

Plaisir D’Estruval – 22nd March 2003 to 9th April 2010

The racing world was rocked by the tragic death of Plaisir D’Estruval when the Topham Chase at Aintree went horribly wrong.
The seven-year-old chestnut gelding was working hard to follow up on his successful penultimate race at Gowran Park. Less than one month before his death, Plaisir D’Estruval had beaten a field of eighteen runners, much to the delight of his connections. Paul Carberry, who shared the Gowran Park triumph with the gelding, was also the jockey chosen to ride him in the Topham Chase.
What should have been another triumph in the world stage of racing for the talented runner, who won 25% of his career starts, ended in heart-break. Plaisir D’Estruval took a fatal tumble at the thirteenth fence, forcing his connections to make the decision to euthanize the injured equine athlete.
We spare a thought for Paul Carberry, who experienced many races with Plaisir D’Estruval; owner Patrick Hale, who has lost not only a valuable horse but also a beloved equine companion; and trainer A.L.T. Moore, who worked with the seven-year-old throughout his entire professional career.
Plaisir D’Estruval, you will not be forgotten and your efforts on the track were appreciated by many.