# Synchronised (horse)

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Irish-bred Thoroughbred racehorse

Synchronised Racing silks of J P McManus Sire Sadler's Wells Grandsire Northern Dancer Dam Mayasta Damsire Bob Back Sex Gelding Foaled 7 March 2003 Country Ireland Colour Bay Breeder Noreen McManus Owner J. P. McManus Trainer Jonjo O'Neill Record 20:9-1-3 Earnings £510,775 Major wins Midlands Grand National (2010) Welsh National (2010) Lexus Chase (2011) Cheltenham Gold Cup (2012)

**Synchronised** (7 March 2003 – 14 April 2012) was an Irish-bred, British-trained [Thoroughbred](/source/Thoroughbred) racehorse. A specialist long-distance [steeplechaser](/source/Steeplechase_(horse_racing)), he was best known for his performances in the 2011–2012 [National Hunt](/source/National_Hunt) season, when he won the Grade I [Lexus Chase](/source/Lexus_Chase) in Ireland before winning Britain's most prestigious steeplechase, the [Cheltenham Gold Cup](/source/Cheltenham_Gold_Cup), on 17 March.[1] He was [euthanized](/source/Animal_euthanasia) after incurring a leg fracture in the [Grand National](/source/Grand_National) on 14 April 2012.

## Background

Synchronised, considered a small horse by steeplechasing standards, was a bay [gelding](/source/Gelding) with a broad white [blaze](/source/Blaze_(horse_marking)).[2] He was bred at the Martinstown Stud, [County Limerick](/source/County_Limerick), Ireland by Noreen McManus, the wife of his owner [J. P. McManus](/source/J._P._McManus).[3] His sire, [Sadler's Wells](/source/Sadler's_Wells_(horse)) is best known for his success as a sire of flat racers, having been [Champion sire](/source/Leading_sire_in_Great_Britain_and_Ireland) on 14 occasions, but has also got notable jumpers including the three-time [Champion Hurdler](/source/Champion_Hurdle) [Istabraq](/source/Istabraq),[4] and is the sire of the leading National Hunt stallion [Oscar](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Oscar_(horse)&action=edit&redlink=1).[5] Synchronised's dam, Mayasta, was a successful racehorse, winning nine races, including five hurdle races and a steeplechase.[6] McManus sent the horse into training with [Jonjo O'Neill](/source/Jonjo_O'Neill_(jockey)) at Jackdaws Castle, near [Cheltenham](/source/Cheltenham).

## Racing career

### 2008–2009: Hurdle racing

Between February 2008 and March 2009, Synchronised was campaigned over hurdles and won three times from six starts. His most important success came at [Haydock Park](/source/Haydock_Park_Racecourse) in February 2009 when he won a three-mile qualifying race for the [Pertemps Hurdle](/source/Pertemps_Final). In the final of the Pertemps series at the [Cheltenham Festival](/source/Cheltenham_Festival) a month later he started at odds of [9/1](/source/Fractional_odds) in a field of twenty-two runners but seemed to be well beaten when falling at the last obstacle.[7]

### 2009–2010: Novice chasing

Synchronised began his career as a steeplechaser by winning a minor race at [Market Rasen Racecourse](/source/Market_Rasen_Racecourse) in November 2009. Seventeen days later he was moved up in class to win a Grade II Novices' Chase at [Chepstow](/source/Chepstow_Racecourse). The following spring, Synchronised bypassed the major novice races and was instead sent to [Uttoxeter](/source/Uttoxeter_Racecourse) to run against more experienced horses in the Midlands Grand National, a [handicap race](/source/Handicap_(horse_racing)) over 4 miles 1+1⁄2 furlongs in which he carried 159 [pounds](/source/Pound_(mass)). The race was run on heavy ground, making it an extreme test of stamina, and only three of the seventeen runners completed the course. Ridden by [A. P. McCoy](/source/A._P._McCoy), Synchronised took the lead two fences from the finish and won by three-quarters of a length from the mare L'Aventure.[8]

### 2010–2012: Senior chasing

Synchronised won only once from five races in the 2010/2011 season, but that win was his most important so far. After starting the season with two runs over hurdles, he again showed his aptitude for extreme stamina tests as he carried 160 pounds to victory over 3 miles, 5+1⁄2 furlongs in the [Welsh National](/source/Welsh_National) in January. McCoy sent him into the lead three fences from the finish and he stayed on strongly to win by two and three quarter lengths.[9] He once again bypassed the Cheltenham Festival, but his attempt to win a second Midlands National ended in failure as he finished third to Minella Four Star under top weight of 166 pounds. On his final start of the season he made no show before being pulled up in the [Irish Grand National](/source/Irish_Grand_National). He ended the season with an official rating of 155, twenty-seven pounds behind the champion [Long Run](/source/Long_Run_(horse)).

The 2011/2012 season began with two more hurdle races before Synchronised was moved up to Grade I class for the first time in the Lexus Chase at [Leopardstown Racecourse](/source/Leopardstown_Racecourse) in December. The gelding established himself as a top-class steeplechaser by taking the lead at the last fence and pulling clear in the closing stages to beat Rubi Light in "impressive style"[10] by 8+1⁄2 lengths at level weights.[11] The race also showed that Synchronised did not need slow, heavy ground to show his best form. McCoy praised his horse's performance but was not over-enthusiastic about his prospects against the best steeplechasers saying "I don't think Kauto Star and Long Run will be too worried".[12]

The betting for the 2012 [Cheltenham Gold Cup](/source/Cheltenham_Gold_Cup) was dominated by the former winners Long Run and [Kauto Star](/source/Kauto_Star), but Synchronised was also quietly fancied and started the 8/1 joint-third favourite with Weird Al in a field of fourteen runners. His task was made easier when Kauto Star injured himself and was pulled up at the tenth fence. Synchronised was still only sixth as the field approached the straight, but his stamina proved decisive as he stayed on strongly to dispute the lead at the last fence before pulling away to win by two and a quarter lengths from the 50/1 outsider The Giant Bolster.[13] The win gave a first Gold Cup to J. P. McManus as an owner and was the first for O'Neill as a trainer.[3] After the race the winner's connections were reported to be considering a run in the [Grand National](/source/Grand_National), in which Synchronised would carry top weight.[14]

## Death

Synchronised was [euthanised](/source/Animal_euthanasia) after he incurred a leg fracture during the [2012 Grand National](/source/2012_Grand_National). Despite being the market leader in the weeks leading to up the race, he had started the race as third-favourite, behind Seabass and Shakalakaboomboom. He appeared nervous at the start when he unseated his jockey, [Tony McCoy](/source/Tony_McCoy), as the horses were preparing to line up for the race. The start was delayed until the loose horse was caught.[15]

He fell at [Becher's Brook](/source/Becher's_Brook), the sixth fence on the first circuit, unseating McCoy, who suffered a soft-tissue injury, but the horse did not appear to have sustained serious injury. He continued running riderless until attempting to jump the 11th fence where he incurred a fracture of the [tibia](/source/Tibia) and [fibula](/source/Fibula) in his right-hind leg and racecourse vets had to [euthanise](/source/Animal_euthanasia) him.[16]

Another runner at the 2012 Grand National, According To Pete, was also put down after being brought down at the same fence on the second circuit.[16]

Three days after the National, J. P. McManus issued a statement in which he described his "deep sadness and sense of devastation" at the death of Synchronised. He explained that, "losing any horse is very sad but one as brave as Synchronised is a very big loss for all involved." He also revealed that the horse had been buried at Jackdaws Castle.[17]

Speaking several weeks after the race, McCoy said that "Synchronised is a horse that I won't ever forget... it is one of those terrible things that you wish will never happen."[18] When he retired in 2015, McCoy described Synchronised as his favourite racehorse saying that "he probably wasn't the greatest horse I'd ridden but he had the greatest will to win." Remembering the horse's death, he said "I cried for days afterwards. That affected me more than any other horse."[19]

## Pedigree

Pedigree of Synchronised, bay gelding 2003 Sire Sadler's Wells Northern Dancer Nearctic Nearco Lady Angela Natalma Native Dancer Almahmoud Fairy Bridge Bold Reason Hail to Reason Lalun Special Forli Thong Dam Mayasta Bob Back Roberto Hail to Reason Bramalea Toter Back Carry Back Romantic Miss Sarahcee Prominer Beau Sabreur Snob Hill Celestial Gold Golden Cloud Cellular (family 11-a)

- Synchronised was [inbred](/source/Inbreeding) 4 x 4 to the stallion Hail to Reason, meaning that the latter appears twice in the fourth generation of his pedigree.

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** ["Synchronised"](https://www.racingpost.com/profile/horse/699204/synchronised). Racing Post. 2 June 2011. Retrieved 17 March 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** J A McGrath (17 March 2012). ["Cheltenham Festival 2012: how Synchronised came good in the Cheltenham Gold Cup"](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/horseracing/cheltenham-festival/9149698/Cheltenham-Festival-2012-how-Synchronised-came-good-in-the-Cheltenham-Gold-Cup.html). *Daily Telegraph*. Retrieved 17 March 2012.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-independent1_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-independent1_3-1) ["Synchronised delivers lifelong dream for JP"](http://www.independent.ie/sport/horse-racing/synchronised-delivers-lifelong-dream-for-jp-3053359.html). *Irish Independent*. 18 November 2010. Retrieved 17 March 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** ["Sadler's Wells Stud Record"](https://www.racingpost.com/profile/horse/463975/sadlers-wells). Racing Post. 15 February 2012. Retrieved 17 March 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** ["Oscar Stud Record"](https://www.racingpost.com/profile/horse/462135/oscar). Racing Post. 15 February 2012. Retrieved 17 March 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ["Mayasta"](https://www.racingpost.com/profile/horse/83350/mayasta). Racing Post. Retrieved 17 March 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** ["Results from the 2.05 race at CHELTENHAM – 12 March 2009"](https://www.racingpost.com/results/11/cheltenham/2009-03-12/474816). Racing Post. Retrieved 17 March 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** ["Results from the 3.15 race at UTTOXETER – 20 March 2010"](https://www.racingpost.com/results/84/uttoxeter/2010-03-20/500241). Racing Post. Retrieved 17 March 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["Results from the 1.45 race at CHEPSTOW – 8 January 2011"](https://www.racingpost.com/results/12/chepstow/2011-01-08/518068). Racing Post. Retrieved 17 March 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** ["Synch motors to Lexus glory"](http://www.independent.ie/breaking-news/sport/synch-motors-to-lexus-glory-2975270.html). *[Irish Independent](/source/Irish_Independent)*. 28 December 2011. Retrieved 17 March 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** ["Results from the 2.35 race at LEOPARDSTOWN (IRE) – 28 December 2011"](https://www.racingpost.com/results/187/leopardstown/2011-12-28/543340). Racing Post. Retrieved 17 March 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** ["Home defence routed in Lexus"](http://www.independent.ie/sport/horse-racing/home-defence-routed-in-lexus-2975340.html). *Irish Independent*. 28 December 2011. Retrieved 17 March 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** ["Results from the 3.20 race at CHELTENHAM – 16 March 2012"](https://www.racingpost.com/results/11/cheltenham/2012-03-16/545529). Racing Post. 2 June 2011. Retrieved 17 March 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** ["Synchro team mull National bid"](https://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5i8FyfsjyB0hfxFDZhxTMrM4J6LcQ?docId=N1163021331984228799A). The Press Association. 17 March 2012. Retrieved 17 March 2012.[*[dead link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Link_rot)*]

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** ["Neptune Collonges wins thrilling National but fatalities mar race again"](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/apr/14/neptune-collonges-grand-national-2012). *The Guardian*. 14 April 2012. Retrieved 14 April 2012.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:0_16-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:0_16-1) ["Synchronised and According to Pete die in Grand National"](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/horse-racing/17714060). BBC. 14 April 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** King, Andrew (18 April 2012). ["McManus: We feel deep sadness and devastation"](http://www.racingpost.com/news/horse-racing/j-p-mc-manus-synchronised-aintree-cheltenham-mcmanus-we-feel-deep-sadness-and-devastation/1017222/top/). *[Racing Post](/source/Racing_Post)*. Retrieved 28 August 2024.{{[cite news](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_news)}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_deprecated_archival_service))

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** ["AP McCoy trying to forget Grand National"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120506080138/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/horse-racing/17917755). BBC Sport. 1 May 2012. Archived from [the original](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/horse-racing/17917755) on 6 May 2012. Retrieved 28 August 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** ["AP McCoy: Jockey reveals the 10 favourite horses he has ridden"](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/horse-racing/31737340). BBC Sport. 5 March 2015.

## External links

- [Career 1-2-3 Colour Chart](https://www.jockeycolours.com/horses/Synchronised.html?origin=wikipedia) – *Synchronised*

v t e Cheltenham Gold Cup winners 1924 Red Splash 1925 Ballinode 1926 Koko 1927 Thrown In 1928 Patron Saint 1929 Easter Hero 1930 Easter Hero 1931 no race 1932 Golden Miller 1933 Golden Miller 1934 Golden Miller 1935 Golden Miller 1936 Golden Miller 1937 no race 1938 Morse Code 1939 Brendan's Cottage 1940 Roman Hackle 1941 Poet Prince 1942 Medoc II 1943 no race 1944 no race 1945 Red Rower 1946 Prince Regent 1947 Fortina 1948 Cottage Rake 1949 Cottage Rake 1950 Cottage Rake 1951 Silver Fame 1952 Mont Tremblant 1953 Knock Hard 1954 Four Ten 1955 Gay Donald 1956 Limber Hill 1957 Linwell 1958 Kerstin 1959 Roddy Owen 1960 Pas Seul 1961 Saffron Tartan 1962 Mandarin 1963 Mill House 1964 Arkle 1965 Arkle 1966 Arkle 1967 Woodland Venture 1968 Fort Leney 1969 What a Myth 1970 L'Escargot 1971 L'Escargot 1972 Glencaraig Lady 1973 The Dikler 1974 Captain Christy 1975 Ten Up 1976 Royal Frolic 1977 Davy Lad 1978 Midnight Court 1979 Alverton 1980 Master Smudge 1981 Little Owl 1982 Silver Buck 1983 Bregawn 1984 Burrough Hill Lad 1985 Forgive 'n Forget 1986 Dawn Run 1987 The Thinker 1988 Charter Party 1989 Desert Orchid 1990 Norton's Coin 1991 Garrison Savannah 1992 Cool Ground 1993 Jodami 1994 The Fellow 1995 Master Oats 1996 Imperial Call 1997 Mr Mulligan 1998 Cool Dawn 1999 See More Business 2000 Looks Like Trouble 2001 no race 2002 Best Mate 2003 Best Mate 2004 Best Mate 2005 Kicking King 2006 War Of Attrition 2007 Kauto Star 2008 Denman 2009 Kauto Star 2010 Imperial Commander 2011 Long Run 2012 Synchronised 2013 Bobs Worth 2014 Lord Windermere 2015 Coneygree 2016 Don Cossack 2017 Sizing John 2018 Native River 2019 Al Boum Photo 2020 Al Boum Photo 2021 Minella Indo 2022 A Plus Tard 2023 Galopin Des Champs 2024 Galopin Des Champs 2025 Inothewayurthinkin 2026 Gaelic Warrior

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Synchronised (horse)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synchronised_(horse)) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synchronised_(horse)?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.