Sam Griffiths’ advanced ride Favorit Z was put down after he broke a leg on the cross-country while competing in The Irish Field CCI3* at Horse Sport Ireland Tattersalls on Saturday (30 May).
Sue Brendish’s 10-year-old, by the thoroughbred Favoritas, led the dressage on a score of 36.1. But on cross-country day he had a run-out at the corner in the water at fence 9 and then broke a leg three fences later at the trakehner on the mound and had to be put down
“Today was a very sad day for us all, our beautiful Frodo (Favorit Z) broke his leg on the cross-country at Tattersalls and had to be put to sleep,” said Sam in a statement.
“We are all devastated. He was the most exceptional horse — incredibly talented, stunningly beautiful and above all the nicest person, so gentle and kind. Today we lost a dear friend and we are left with a huge hole in our hearts.”
Sam was not seriously injured in the accident.
Belgian-bred Favorit Z was out of a mare called Galve Z, by Gotspe Z. He started his eventing career with Belgian rider Constantin van Rijckevorsel in 2010. He completed one event with Constantin that autumn, plus one with another Belgian rider, Marc Laffineuse. He then competed throughout 2011 with Constantin.
After Favorit Z had contested two events with Constantin in 2012 Sam took over the ride. The horse first started to show his real potential in 2013, when he won two intermediates at Aston-le-Walls (4) and Gatcombe (2) and finished eighth in the autumn CCI2* at Osberton.
Last year Favorit Z had an open intermediate win, at Aston-le-Walls (2) in May, and he also finished fifth in the eight- and nine-year-old CIC3* at Blenheim in September.
Tattersalls was Favorit Z’s fifth event in 2015. His season highlight so far was a win in the advanced intermediate at Bicton Arena (1) in April.
For full Tattersalls report don’t miss this week’s issue of H&H, out Thursday 4 June.
