It wasn't the mare's owners or trainers, however, whose intense emotions were captured by the lens of racing photographer Michael McInally. Instead, he focused his camera on Sunlight's long-time groom, exercise rider, and traveling companion Sarah Rutten.

McInally captured Rutten in an unguarded moment with tears streaming down her fans and an empty halter slung over her left arm. Magic Millions later Tweeted his image with the caption: “The photo says it all.”

“She has had such an incredible bond with that horse,” McInally told racenews.com.au on Tuesday. “I just knew I had to be here after the horse went through the ring.”

Sunlight was sold to Coolmore, and the new owners promised Rutten she could visit anytime.

“I do wish more people would understand how strappers and stable staff absolutely love horses – Sunlight was my best friend,” Rutten said. “I did say goodbye to her – I just went in and sat with her while she was eating and I think she knows how much she meant to me and how upset I was. I've had a few moments like those with her, obviously life has challenges sometimes, but whenever something has happened I have always gone and sat with her and life has suddenly felt better.”

Read more at racenews.com.au.

The post ‘Sunlight Was My Best Friend’: Long-Time Groom, Rider Says Emotional Goodbye At Magic Millions Sale appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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