Above: The horrific breakdown of Million Lad in the Sandown Guineas sent two jockeys plummeting into the Sandown turf. Glen Atwell
A BUMPER crowd of almost 13,000 and sensational racing combined to stage one of the most successful Sandown Classic days in recent history.
The day also had a sad note when Million Lad had to be destroyed after breaking a foreleg in race seven.
With racegoers keen to celebrate the last feature race of the Melbourne spring carnival, spectators packed the lakeside grandstand and enjoyed a day of quality racing.
Quality sprinter Roman Arch charged down the straight to score in the Classic and collect $240,000 for Lyndhurst based trainer Robbie Laing and jockey Noel Callow, who timed his run perfectly.
The tragic accident happened when Sydney horse Million Lad broke down horrifically while sprinting to the winning post.
Apprentice jockey Blake Shinn had his mount nearing the lead with 250 metres to run when the horse broke a foreleg.
Blake Shinn was dumped as Million Lad stumbled, Lancet was also inconvenienced, throwing Danny Nikolic, who landed heavily.
The incident silenced the crowd, with many having to turn away from the on-track carnage as vets and medical staff rushed to the scene.
Million Lad was quickly euthanised behind a screen as owners and trainer Anthony Cummings struggled to come to terms with the accident.
Bomber Bill surprised punters and maybe even himself with a strong win in race five.
Jockey Peter Mertens was overjoyed with the win, after saluting the judge in a close finish.
The Bomber returned a $16.50 TAB dividend to punters.
Titanic Jack (TAB $14.20) was another outside chance that used the long Sandown straight to wind up and register an unexpected win in race eight.
– Glen Atwell
