From falling into a sinkhole to racecourse success in the space of 12 days – that is the remarkable story of six-year-old Mr Changue in Canada.

The Ken Albu-trained Mr Changue was grazing near the back straight at Fort Erie racecourse when the ground gave way beneath him as a result of a water main break.

Audrey Albu, who trains Mr Changue with Ken, told CHCH News: “I heard this commotion so I headed out and there he was in the ground. It was extremely scary.

“He was thrashing around, trying to jump out, but as he did that the more his back end sank. He was very lucky to get out with just a few superficial cuts.”

Racetrack workers and the Fort Erie fire department were quick to the scene, using ropes to hoist Mr Changue out of the hole.

Tom Valiquette, chief operating and financial officer of the Fort Erie Live Racing Consortium, said: "The safety of our horses is always a priority.

"We thank our horse people, staff, and local fire department for assisting in the safe rescue of one of our equine athletes."

Just 12 days later, Mr Changue returned to the same track and the fairytale was complete.

Mr Changue, owned by Sam Passero, landed a claimer under jockey Kirk Johnson on the undercard of the Prince Of Wales Stakes, the second leg of Canada’s Triple Crown. 

His trainer posted on Facebook: “I really hope Fort Erie name a race ‘the Changue Cup’ now!”

Racingpost Online