Antello Z and Cameron Hanley compete earlier this week at Mechelen. Ph. Michael van de Velde/Photomichael.net
In heartbreaking news from Liverpool, England, rider Cameron Hanley confirmed today that his star mount Antello Z had to be humanely euthanized after incurring a severe leg injury during competition at the Liverpool International Horse Show CSI4*.
While on course with Hanley in Friday’s 1.45m two-phase class, Antello Z hesitated before taking off at a fence, and then stumbled on landing. The 13-year-old Zangersheide gelding (Animo II Z x Continue) was immediately taken for veterinary examination, but an assessment found that he would not recover from the injury, which was said to be a fracture of the pastern bone.
Antello Z was a popular mount with many international successes, and a long history with Hanley, who rode the horse as a seven year old, subsequently lost the ride on him, and just this May was able to buy Antello Z back and partner with him once again. Antello Z was also ridden by Michael Whitaker and Pius Schwizer, but he found his greatest partnership with Hanley, who openly expressed his love and devotion for the horse.
Today Hanley wrote on his Facebook page:
“With unbelievable sadness I let you know that my partner Antello had to be put down today due to an injury sustained in the ring, he was such a fighter and he never quit,I had some of my best days in the ring with him, he brought me and those of us who were lucky enough to work with him so much happiness. He will always be in my heart,I loved him so much.
R.I.P. my friend.”
Hanley and Antello Z shared their last win together on November 21, 2015 at Stuttgart, and competed as recently as earlier this week at the Jumping Mechelen CSI5* (pictured above.) The future continued to be bright for this pair who represented Ireland around the world in grand prixs and Nations Cups, and at the 2014 FEI World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France.