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INPHO/Dan Sheridan

Backspin dies in box overnight

Jonjo O’Neill-trained six-year-old dies after suspected heart attack.

BACKSPIN, WHO WAS due to run at Cheltenham this month, has died after suffering a suspected heart attack in his box at Jonjo O’Neill’s stables overnight.

“He died in his box last night. It’s one of those things,” said Frank Berry, racing manager to owner JP McManus.

It was possibly a heart attack but we’re waiting for the autopsy before we know for sure. He was a nice horse, but unfortunately these things happen.”

The six-year-old had been on course to run at the Cheltenham Festival and was entered for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and the Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle.

He had won his first three starts, including the Grade One Challow Hurdle at Newbury, before losing his unbeaten record when fourth to Bobs Worth on Festival Trials Day at Cheltenham in January.

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