Cheltenham Memories - Brindisi Breeze

At the time of his victory in the Albert Barlett Novices Hurdle, the story of Brindisi Breeze looked one that would capture the hearts of everyone in racing for years to come, Instead it turned out to be a story filled with tragedy.

On March 16th 2012, Brindisi Breeze had formed a formidable partnership with Campbell Gillies after winning each of the 3 races they took part in together. The duo came into the race a 7/1 chance behind only Boston Bob who headed the market for the familiar names of Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh.

The instructions that day? Simple, get out in front and stay there, which Campbell and Brindisi Breeze made look easy. At the top of the hill half of the field were well off the bridle with Boston Bob cutting through the pack and Grand Vision and Meister Eckhart nibbling at his heels. Upon turning for home the crowd let out a roar of support for the Scottish raider and Gillies kicked for home with the leader taking a four length lead with him.

Three final rivals, one hurdle and the Cheltenham hill stood between Brindisi Breeze and victory in his first Grade One. That chasing trio quickly became two and at the final flight it looked more than likely that Boston Bob would claim victory and break the hearts of many, but the Scottish pair had other ideas. The rest makes for fantastic viewing and one that leaves a lump in the throat of many.

The biggest cheer of the festival in 2012 came as Gillies punched the air in front of the crowd, but nobody could imagine the fate that lay before them.

In the early hours on the morning of 19th May 2012 Brindisi Breeze escaped his paddock by jumping the fence and was hit by a tanker, dying instantly. The horse that had so much potential and seemingly had the world at his feet was suddenly taken away from us in what can only be described as a freak accident. That wasn't the end of this horrific story however.

Just over a month later on holiday with a few friends in Greece, Gillies was found dead in a swimming pool at the resort in which they were staying. Three months after the highlight of Cheltenham for many people, the two main participants were both taken from the world and racing lost two bright young stars.

My words cant do justice to the tragedies that happened in 2012 so in the only way I can imagine does him justice, I leave you with 'A Song For Campbell' by Mark Boylan.