A sad update from Ursa Major Racing

Horse racing is a game of incredible highs, but also some desperate lows and sadly the last 24 hours has been probably the hardest in Ursa Major's history.

On Thursday, The Mackem Torpedo ran at Newcastle for trainer Katie Scott and jockey Jason Hart.

Mack was looking like he was in the process of running a really bold race before suddenly stopping.

The Mackem Torpedo before his run at Wolverhampton in December

Sadly, it was found that he had bled from the nose and the decision was taken to retire him from racing.

We want to thank Katie for her brilliant handling of Mack throughout the last seven months and the care she and her excellent team have given him.

Thankfully Mack is one hundred per cent fine and we are already in the process of finding him a forever home, where he can spend the rest of his life enjoying himself just as much as he did as a racehorse.

We have a proud record of securing fantastic homes for our former heroes and we will always ensure they go somewhere they can be loved and enjoyed.

Sadly, that was not even the worst news of the last two days, with us losing the beautiful four-year-old filly American Anthem at home.

American Anthem with Mark Walford late last year

She was found with a very nasty infection in her leg on Friday morning and the vet was called immediately to treat her.

Despite the speedy action both by the team at Mark's and the incredible work by his vet to give her every chance, nothing could be done to save her.

Our condolences go out to all of our owners who had a share in American Anthem, but especially to Mark and all his staff who cared so lovingly for her.

With fine lines between euphoric highs and devastating lows, it really is a reminder to enjoy the good days and support each other through the bad days.