Tributes have been paid to highly-respected international vet Alessandro Centinaio, who passed away following a short illness.
Alessandro, known as ‘Sandro’, was a well-known and popular figure in the international showjumping world and he attended every Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) event in charge of the emergency vet services.
“The welfare of the horses was the most important thing for Sandro and he was much loved by those he worked with, riders and grooms who all appreciated his sense of humour and passion for showjumping and the love of the horse,” said a LGCT spokesman.
In 2011, Sandro launched an initiative with the goal of providing top-class care facilities for the horses competing on the circuit. As a result, a unique mobile veterinary clinic is available to all horses participating in the championship series 24-hours a day, for the duration of the event. The clinic truck features state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapy machines.
“Nothing was ever too much for Sandro and he made a point of being in the stables as much as possible to be with the groom, to eat with them and spend time with them,” the spokesman added. “This way he built lasting relationships and showed everyone he was always available to help.
“Sandro was committed to working as a mentor to help develop the careers of people in the sport and will be sadly missed by all his colleagues and friends around the world.”
The LGCT team sent condolences to Alessandro’s wife, family and friends.
Lead image by Longines Global Champions Tour
