Las Vegas National Horse Show officials announced that Clarinius, ridden by Francie Nilforushan, collapsed and died following a successful round in the $135,000 Longines FEI Las Vegas World Cup qualifier at the Las Vegas National on Saturday evening, Nov. 17. Clarinius, an 11-year-old, Holsteiner gelding (Clearway—Harare, Cor De La Bryere), collapsed after exiting the out-gate.
“We don’t have confirmation, but cardiac failure is likely. Clarinius will go to a boarded pathologist for a post mortem,” said Dr. Emily Sandler, FEI Veterinary Delegate.
The horse had been campaigned by Francie’s husband Ali Nilforushan in 2017, and she started riding him in FEI classes in 2018. On Oct. 20 Francie and Clarinius jumped clear with a time fault to finish fifth in the $100,000 Longines FEI Del Mar World Cup qualifier (California), and pair jumped clear in the $40,000 1.50-meter Las Vegas National Welcome Jumper Speed Classic on Nov. 15.