Canterbury trainer Lance Robinson has suffered a major loss after stable star Boots ‘N’ All passed away during the week after suffering an adverse reaction to an antibiotic.
The ten-race winner was undergoing a routine treatment from Robinson’s stable vet when he suffered a fatal heart attack during the procedure.
The death of the popular pocket rocket has left the Robinson family, his owners Bruce Sheat and Cheryl Wilson and all of the Robinson’s stable staff reeling at what happened.
“It was just a freak thing, a one-in-a-million happening,” Robinson said.
“It was just a routine administration, something that horses undergo all the time and one that is normally never a problem.
“Our vet was here going about his work and one minute the horse was fine and the next he was gone.
“Everyone involved with him is devastated as he was more than just a horse, he was like a member of the family.
“He was such a character, he could practically talk to you.”
A ten-race winner during his 41-start career, Boots ‘N’ All had taken out the Hororata Gold Cup (1800m) at his most recent start. The Perfectly Ready six-year-old won twice at Listed level and was placed on two occasions in the Gr.2 Coupland’s Bakeries Mile (1600m).
While Robinson’s feelings are still very raw, he is pleased that his favourite has found a suitable resting place.
“He has gone back to his owner’s property and is now buried there,” he said.
“He was born there and it is fitting he will have his own special place there now.” – NZ Racing Desk