Epsom trainer laments loss of two horses including stable star to ‘catastrophic injury’

In a devastating blow to Jim Boyle, 2,000 Guineas fourth Into The Sky and Yarmouth winner Fletcher have both died while on winter holidays

Jim Boyle: mourned the loss of two horses(Image: PA)

Epsom trainer Jim Boyle has suffered a devastating blow after two of his horses died, including one of the best he has trained.

Last season Into The Sky grabbed rave notices after making a spectacular winning debut at Newbury where he captured a maiden by seven and a half lengths at odds of 80-1. Doreen Tabor, wife of Coolmore partner Michael Tabor, bought a share in the colt who began 2026 by finishing fourth in the 2,000 Guineas.

However Boyle has reported that both Into The Sky and another winner from his yard, Fletcher, have died while on their break since the end of the turf season.

In a harrowing post on Facebook, Boyle wrote: “The last 2 weeks have been very tough for all of us here at Jim Boyle Racing, as sadly we have lost two lovely horses whilst on their winter holidays.

“Into The Sky was one of the very best horses we have ever trained, and gave us some memorable occasions that will live with us forever.

“After his superb fourth in the 2,000gns this year, things didn’t quite go according to plan, but we really felt that next year was going to be his year.

Into The Sky: made a spectacular winning debut at Newbury(Image: Getty Images)

“Fletcher was a hugely popular homebred, who was only just beginning to realise his potential, winning for the first time in gutsy fashion this summer at Great Yarmouth. Both horses were greatly loved by all connections and will be sorely missed.”

Explaining what had happened, he continued: “Heartbreakingly, Into The Sky suffered a catastrophic injury in the field, whilst Fletcher succumbed to an illness which, despite the best of care at Liphook Equine Hospital, proved to be incurable.

Into The Sky (left): finished fourth behind Bow Echo(Image: Getty Images)

“Huge thanks to the vet teams who worked on both horses, and to our team at home for their love and support towards each other, and their horses, during what is a very painful time for our yard.

“We are also very grateful to the owners of both horses for the manner in which they have dealt with such devastating news. Racing can bring you the greatest of highs, but as we here at South Hatch have been reminded of recently, it can also hit you with the toughest of lows.”