LUDGER Beerbaum’s 1.60m winning mare Chiara 222 has sadly passed away aged 16 following complications after a colic operation.

The wonderful Contender-sired grey mare underwent a colic operation four weeks ago and a statement on Beerbaum’s website said her condition had worsened in recent days. “Four weeks after a colic surgery, her condition has deteriorated to such an extent that after consulting with the doctors, we decided to put Chiara to sleep for the benefit of the animal.

“Of course, this decision makes a lot of difference to us, and Chiara has been much more to me than a sports mate over the years,” Beerbaum said.

She has been a prolific winner at the highest level for the German during their eight year partnership.

The pair’s biggest victories include five-star Grands Prix in Chantilly and Doha in 2016, as well as the Doha Grand Prix in 2014 and the CSIO5* Grand Prix in Mannheim in 2015.

They were runners-up at the 2014 World Cup Finals in Lyon, and lined out for Germany on numerous occasions. Their last show was in Doha in March, when they won a five-star 1.60m.