How serious is this injury? - I was given to understand he had an injury to the bone in his neck and would miss this season. I read something by Mick Fitzgerald somewhere and it didn't sound life threatening.
Just read this, how stupid do I feel right now? Very sad news.
After missing the Cheltenham Festival due to a tendon problem, Nicky Henderson's six-year-old was recovering at Charlie and Tracy Vigors' Hillwood Stud near Marlborough, where he was found on the floor of his box unable to get to his feet.
Tests showed Spirit Son had a rare virus that attacks the neurological system but which can remain dormant. When he was able to get to his feet, a CT scan also revealed a fracture to his fifth cervical vertebra, which was operated on.
The horse, who is owned by Michael Buckley, is now back at Hillwood Stud convalescing.
Henderson said: "It has been a traumatic time for everyone and Spirit Son has been incredibly brave.
"It has been a fantastic team effort to save the horse, from Michael [Buckley], who cares so deeply about all of his horses, to the various teams of vets and everyone here at Seven Barrows and at Hillwood.
"The prognosis for Spirit Son racing again remains very low, but he deserved a chance to have a life, whether it is on a racecourse or in another role."