Popular trainer Mick Appleby 'devastated' as two horses die in separate incidents ten minutes apart

POPULAR trainer Mick Appleby has been left 'devastated' after two of his horses died in separate incidents just ten minutes apart.

The Leicester-based handler, who has enjoyed a great year thanks to star colt Big Evs, confirmed both fatalities on Twitter.

Boarhunt, a four-year-old gelding, sadly broke down while challenging in the 1.55 7f sprint at Lingfield.

While Motawaafeq fell two furlongs from home in the 2.05 1m race at Southwell.

Both fatalities came on all-weather surfaces and Matt Chapman commented on a 'sad day' as he confirmed Arcadian Friend, trained by Sir Mark Prescott, had also died at Lingfield.

Appleby tried to sum up a truly heartbreaking few minutes when he wrote: "It is with a heavy heart that we have to post that we lost Boarhunt and Motawaafeq.

"Such sad news and we are devastated, so sorry for their connections."

Punters were quick to pass on their condolences.

One said: "Sorry to hear this, thoughts with all connected to the horses."

Another wrote: "What an awful day for the yard."

And a post from Middleham Park Racing, who owned Motawaafeq, read: "An absolutely heartbreaking day, thoughts are with the whole team. Mota will be deeply missed by us all."

Boarhunt was ridden by 7lb claimer Joe Leavy who did well to pull the 7-2 chance up as quickly as they could once they realised something was wrong.

Freddy Larson, who won £100,000 with victory on 18-1 Pride Of America in York's John Smith's Cup handicap in July, fell under Motawaafeq.

The seven-year-old gelding did not appear to have been in contact with any others when he sadly came down.

Appleby, who trains a lot of horses on the all weather, has won over £1million so far this year and enjoyed Group 3 and Listed success with Big Evs.

Annaf was a Listed winner at Lingfield last February while Group 3 winner Raasel wasn't disgraced in the Group 2 King George Qatar Stakes at Goodwood when last seen.