The sad loss of Outbox came on the same day as Archie Watson and Hollie Doyle’s success with Bradsell in the Group One Flying Five Stakes on Irish Champions Weekend
Tributes have been paid to Hollie Doyle’s five-time winner Outbox after he died following a race in Sweden yesterday.
Archie Watson’s trainee was making his fourth appearance in the Stockholm Cup International at Bro Park after finishing runner-up for the past three years.
Sadly the nine-year-old collapsed when he completed its 1m 4f distance and could not be saved, leaving connections devastated.
Among his five victories for Doyle – with three more for other jockeys – was a 50-1 surprise in the William Hill Jockey Club Stakes at Newmarket’s Qipco Guineas Festival in May.
His death left its mark on a day when Doyle and Watson had successfully teamed up with Bradsell in the Group One Flying Five Stakes on Irish Champions Weekend.
Simon Turner, director for Outbox’s owners Hambleton Racing, said: “Words can’t really do Outbox justice. The word legend defined him. He was a fabulous, much loved horse who was hugely popular at Archie’s and enriched the lives of anyone who was lucky enough to know him.
“A true character, he could brighten any day with his dance moves and zest for life.
“On the racecourse he was a star and regularly upset the odds against better fancied rivals in big races, both here and abroad. Outbox will be deeply missed. Our thoughts today are with the team at Archie’s.”
The syndicate – who provided Doyle at Watson’s breakthrough top level winner Glen Shiel in 2020 – posted pictures on X of her best days with Outbox which the top jockey shared.
They included his 2022 first in the H H The Amir Trophy presented by Longines in Qatar, a local Group One, which was one of Watson’s biggest achievements at the time.
From 42 races, Outbox earned almost £800,000 after he progressed from handicaps into higher grade events.
A statement from the Swedish Horseracing Authority said yesterday: “We are very sad to report that we have lost Outbox. He collapsed shortly after the Stockholm Cup and his life could not be saved. Thanks for everything Outbox, we’ll miss you on the racetracks all over the world. All our thoughts goes to Outbox and his connections.”
