HIGHLY promising sprinter Sunburnt Land was killed by lightning overnight in his spelling paddock at Romsey.

Distraught owner David Moodie and trainer Mathew Ellerton could scarcely believe their misfortune.

"It's cruel. I'm not looking for sympathy but it goes to show how hard this game is for everyone,'' Moodie said.

Ellerton said Sunburnt Land had untapped potential.

"I'd like to think he had his best days in front of him,'' he said.

A Group 2 Schillaci Stakes winner, Sunburnt Land finished third to Swick in last Saturday's Group 1 Patinack Farm Classic (1200m).

Sunburnt Land is at his best when

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Probaly my Favirote horse running that was going a round at the moment, really crappy news.