Cracking Rhapsody, twice a winner of the bet365 Morebattle Hurdle, was put down this week after complications following surgery. The news prompted many messages of condolence to Kelso Racecourse, a fact that won’t surprise anyone who works in the sport – we love our horses and Cracking Rhapsody’s performances on the track earnt him many admirers.

Despite my connection to Kelso, my favourite memory of Cracking Rhapsody came at Cheltenham in March this year when I was lucky enough to stand in the parade ring with owners John and Sheila Wright ahead of the County Hurdle. He looked a million dollars that day (he actually accumulated career earnings of more than £230,000), having come on for the run at Kelso when attempting the Morebattle hat-trick and finishing sixth – one place ahead of Saturday’s selection at Sandown: Bespoke Tailor.

Holding a handy position throughout, Cracking Rhapsody stayed on up the famous Cheltenham Hill under Craig Nichol to claim fourth place at 50/1, a price that reflected the strength of the opposition – most of which was behind him.

It was gritty performances like that, willing and full of enthusiasm, that won him so many friends. Everyone loves an underdog, especially one that crops up again and again, and it’s little wonder that he inspired such a strong sense of ownership among racing fans. Imagine the sadness of his actual owners John and Sheila, and all the connections at Ewan Whillans’ yard, who cared for him each day.

Sadly, everyone who allows horses or ponies to enter their life is going to experience sadness at some time. A well-established trainer recently confided to me that a horse in their care was shortly to be euthanised, grief written across their face. This was no equine hero, it was a youngster yet to set foot on a racecourse, struck down by a degenerative illness. And while staff had nursed the youngster, night and day, there came a point when a difficult decision had to be made to prevent further suffering. And that decision is never easy.

As Ewan Whillans explained, with regard to Cracking Rhapsody, “I wish things were different as he was part of our family. As hard as it was to make the decision, you have to be humane.”

Contrary to the baseless and damaging assertion, made by the co-leader of the Scottish Green Party, that “The racing industry doesn’t give a damn about the welfare of horses.” it is our love of horses that drives our desire to nurture the potential of these beautiful and athletic creatures, as well as take responsibility for their quality of life and wellbeing. It is an obligation that every person involved in horseracing takes very seriously.

To John, Sheila, Ewan, Craig, and all Cracking Rhapsody’s connections, what I’d like to say is: We share your sadness today, just as we continue to be grateful that you shared your beautiful tough little horse with us on so many other days.