SHEILA and Joanne Lavery have been overwhelmed by the messages of support they have received following the gallops accident which claimed the life of their stable star Lady Kaya this week.

On Tuesday the classic-placed filly was having her final piece of work before Royal Ascot when she broke a leg. She was rushed to a nearby veterinary hospital but could not be saved.

Trainer Sheila Lavery was left “heartbroken” and, speaking at Leopardstown on Thursday night, she recalled the horror of witnessing Lady Kaya’s last moments. “I saw it happen and I knew immediately she was in real trouble. In that moment your whole focus changes. I wasn’t thinking about Ascot or her paddock value – all I wanted to do was to save her.

“The Curragh closed the Old Vic gallop and Lady Kaya just stood there, looking around. She was amazing. She did get a little stressed as we loaded her on the horsebox for the short journey to Anglesey Lodge. They gave her pain killers straight away and took an X-ray. That’s when they told us she wouldn’t survive.”

The trainer’s niece Joanne owned Lady Kaya, having bought her as a foal for €15,000. She said: “It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions with this filly. A bad cut prevented her from being sold at the sales as a yearling and it turned out to be a blessing. She took us to a level in racing none of us have been before.

“A Group 3 win, Moyglare runner-up, classic runner-up and she was due to run in a Group 1 in Royal Ascot next week. She really was one in a million. Our fairytale had a tragic ending but I could not be more proud of what she achieved and what I got to be a part of, every step of the way.

“She gripped the whole racing world with her speed and ability to have the whole field off the bridle a furlong before she would be. The overwhelming amount of messages and support myself and Sheila have received really showed how she stole everyone’s hearts.”

The trainer added: “I’ve had calls, texts and emails from people all over the world, including some not involved in racing at all but who followed Lady Kaya. This filly touched a lot of people.”

Lavery may yet have an Ascot runner next week. Recent Curragh winner Lil Grey has been entered for next Friday’s Albany Stakes. “If she gets in I might drive her over myself,” said the trainer. The €12,000 purchase will have a lot of supporters if she takes her chance.