Classic Trial winner Shield is put down.

Byline: Jon Lees

SHIELD, winner of the Sandown Classic Trial and one of the most exciting talents in the Gerard Butler stable, has been put down

following a freak accident, writes Jon Lees.

The three-year-old colt, bred and owned by the Hesmonds Stud, was found with a fractured pastern after a routine swim, part of the training programme designed to bring him back to full fitness following a disappointing run in the Derby.

Butler said yesterday: "It's the worst news I've ever had to give to an owner in my career. It's shocking, a huge loss to the stable.

"We ourselves knew how well he used to work and the potential he had. I feel very sorry for the owners. He was a good three-year-old who we hoped would go on to be an even better four-year-old."

Butler had made no secret of his belief in Shield's potential and, after producing the son of Barathea to win his maiden on the all-weather at Lingfield in December, was rewarded with a Group 3 success next time out at Sandown in April.

From there he headed straight to Epsom where, despite two schooling sessions on the course, he finished a never-dangerous tenth.