Godolphin's globetrotting 9-year-old Cavalryman (GB) (Halling–Silversword {Fr}, by Highest Honor {Fr}) was euthanized Saturday in Dubai after suffering a fracture to his right hind leg during the running of the G3 Nad Al Sheba trophy over the Meydan turf. The dark bay was pulled up by jockey William Buick midway down the backstretch of the 2810 meter event and reportedly sent for surgery, which was unsuccessful.
Trainer Saeed bin Suroor said, “He was a real character in the yard and was treasured, not only by me, but by everyone here–all of the team; we are very upset by the tragic news. He had a wonderful career and he will be hugely missed.”
Bred by Darley, Cavalryman kicked off his career in France in 2008 with trainer Andre Fabre. He earned his first stakes score in Saint-Cloud's Listed Prix Matchem in his fifth start at three, and won the G1 Grand Prix de Paris six weeks later and the G2 Prix Niel in September before finishing third behind Sea the Stars (Ire) (Cape Cross {Ire}) in the G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Cavalryman went on to compete in Dubai, Britain, Germany, Italy and Australia over the next five seasons, winning six stakes races including three group races last year. He won 10 of 39 starts in total, earning almost $3 million.
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