Champion jockey Harry Cobden's winning comeback ruined after horse suffers fatal injury

Champion jumps jockey Harry Cobden’s return from a lengthy injury absence had a devastating aftermath on Thursday.

The 25-year-old had not ridden since July when he was sidelined by an injury to his knee, subsequently diagnosed as a torn ligament.

He had to wear a knee brace for six weeks before starting to ride out again for the Paul Nicholls stable ahead of a phased return to action.

That day arrived in the first race at Warwick where Cobden’s only ride on the card was the odds-on Captain Marvellous in division one of the 2m novices’ hurdle.

The Jane Williams trained four-year-old, who had finished third in the Adonis Hurdle at Kempton in February, made all the running to score by a length.

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But he was dismounted by Cobden immediately after crossing the line with assistant trainer Chester Williams telling the that Captain Marvellous had suffered a “nasty injury” and had struck into himself.

“We don’t know a huge amount more at this stage, but the next couple of days should tell us more,” he said.

However the efforts to save Captain Marvellous were not successful with joint-owner Jonny Allison disclosing that the horse had not survived.

Posting the news above a replay of the closing stages of the race, he said: “Very hard to take. We hoped he could be saved but not. RIP Captain had such potential and a sweet chap.”

Among the many condolences, trainer Eve Johnson Houghton wrote: “So sorry for you.”

Racehorse owner Jill Hurst said: “The highs and lows of racing, so sorry he didn't make it, a blow for all of you.”

Another commented: “Wow, only watched until the winning line and thought he was a very cosy winner. Very sorry to hear and many condolences to you all. Looked smart.”