Highfield Princess dies following accident

John Quinn's superb sprint mare Highfield Princess has died after sustaining a inoperable fracture in her stable.

The bay was being prepared for another season in training as her remarkable career looked to extend into another year, but an accident in her box put paid to that plan earlier in the month.

She was immediately retired and it was hoped she would recover and head into a second career as a broodmare, but her death was announced on Sunday.

Homebred by her owner John Fairley and generally ridden by Jason Hart, Highfield Princess had been a great success story for connections across the past four seasons, rising from the handicap ranks to win 14 times.

Those victories included the Prix de l’Abbaye, Flying Five, Nunthorpe and Prix Maurice de Gheest, all Group One events, and she was also second in the Nunthorpe and the King’s Stand by just a length apiece last season when amassing over €2 million in prize money throughout her career.

A statement from John Quinn and his son Sean said: "It is with the greatest sadness that we have to announce the death of our wonderful mare, Highfield Princess.

"She suffered an inoperable fracture following an accident in her stable and although over the past week she fought with the same extraordinary spirit she showed on the racecourse, last night she lost her battle for life.

"We would like to thank Jonathan Anderson and the team at Rainbow Equine Hospital, who did everything possible to help the Princess and keep her comfortable."

Her trainer added: "Highfield Princess took us all on the most remarkable journey.

"She possessed Group One ability but also a Group One attitude.

"Whether it was a routine canter or a big sprint race around the world, she put 100 per cent effort into what she