• Grand National

National runner-up Sunnyhillboy almost died

ESPN staff
April 19, 2012
Neptune Collonges beat Sunnyhillboy in a driving finish © PA Photos
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The Jonjo O'Neill yard lost Gold Cup winner Synchronised in the Grand National and the trainer has revealed it was almost a double tragedy as the trainer has revealed Sunnyhillboy almost lost his life as well.

Neptune Collonges' courageous win was overshadowed by the deaths of Synchronised and According To Pete who both had to be put down after breaking legs.

The loss in the O'Neill yard is still being felt, but it has come to light that Sunnyhillboy who was agonisingly beaten a nose by Neptune Collonges, struck into himself and almost died.

"He struck into himself very badly and needed surgery," O'Neill told the Times. "It was touch and go for a while. He's still in Liverpool but they have flushed the tendon out and the danger has passed.

"We plan to bring him home next Monday and hope he will be okay to race next season.

"We don't even know when it happened in the race but I'd imagine it was pretty late on as he galloped all the way to the line. This certainly should not detract from the winner as Neptune Collonges beat us fair and square."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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