Racing: Track accident 'devastates' owners

Monarch Chimes will be missed this jumping season. Photo / Trish Dunell

This year's jumps racing season will be without one of its stars after the death of Monarch Chimes.

Monarch Chimes went amiss on the flat with 800 metres remaining in his 2800-metre steeplechase trial at Cranbourne in Victoria last Friday and had to be put down.

Monarch Chimes was trained by the Cambridge-based partnership of Emma-Lee and David Browne, who have been left 'devastated' by the accident.

"The track was perfect and he was the soundest horse I have ever worked with, it was just an unfortunate accident," the Brownes posted on their social media accounts on Monday.

"There are so many memories and he will never be forgotten.

"Thoughts are with everyone who has been involved with him over the years and of course his owners, who loved him dearly." Monarch Chimes was a constant presence in many jumps features last year, finishing third in the $150,000 Brierly Steeplechase (3450m) at Warrnambool, $125,000 Crisp Steeplechase (3900m) at Sandown and $350,000 Grand National Steeplechase (4500m) at Ballarat.

His stint in Victoria last winter also saw him win on the flat, coming from last in a 16-horse field to win at Benchmark 64 handicap level over 2400m at Sandown Hillside last July.

Monarch Chimes was expected to defend his title in Sunday's $50,000 J.E.H. Spencer Memorial Steeplechase (3200m) at Pakenham prior to going amiss.

- NZ Racing Desk