Sir Alex Ferguson’s close pal says ‘gutted is an understatement’ after death of ‘true superstar’ Hermes Allen

SIR ALEX FERGUSON’S right-hand man said ‘gutted is an understatement’ as the sport of racing was left reeling after Hermes Allen’s sad death.

The star chaser sadly suffered a fatal injury while racing at Sandown on Saturday.

The TimesSir Alex was dealt a terrible blow with the death of beloved Hermes Allen[/caption]

Hermes Allen, who is jointly owned by Sir Alex, Ged Mason and two others, had been sent off 8-13 favourite for the Grade 1 Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase at the Surrey track.

But the seven-year-old gelding, who was trained by Paul Nicholls and ridden by Harry Cobden, was toiling 13 lengths behind when coming down two fences from home.

The horse was immediately attended to by the on-course team of vets, but the sad news was confirmed a short time later that he had been put to sleep.

Mason, a multi-millionaire businessman, was quick to pay tribute to one of their best horses in a series of posts on X.

He wrote: “Blessed to have had Hermes. Gone too soon. To all the team at Ditchest who gave so much care and love to our fella.

“Massive thank you on behalf of all our owners. Gutted is an understatement. Thanks for the memories.”

Cobden also paid his own tribute, adding: “Gutted is an understatement.

“This boy gave me some wonderful memories and was a true superstar in the world of racing.

“My thoughts are with the owners, connections and everyone at Ditcheat. RIP Hermes Allen.”

Sir Alex was not at Sandown to see the race but Nicholls was left devastated by the death of one of his top horses, who had over £130,000 in career prize money.

Hermes Allen won four of his eight races during his career, giving former Manchester United boss a huge win in the Grade 1 Challow Hurdle back in 2022.

And he looked to have the world at his feet as a chaser winning a Grade 2 at Newbury before running a brilliant race to finish second to French superstar Il Est Francais at Kempton over Christmas.

Racing fans were heartbroken by the news, with one saying on X: “Absolutely devastated, rest in peace.”

Another added: “I was hoping beyond hope he would live to fight another day, so very sad.”

While another posted: “Desperately sad day with the loss of such a high profile horse in Hermes Allen. Thoughts with all of his connections.”