Ruling Court (Justify), the brilliant 2,000 Guineas winner, has been euthanised following complications due to laminitis, according to a statement released on the Godolphin website.
Charlie Appleby commented, “Everyone at Godolphin is deeply saddened by the loss of Ruling Court. He gave everyone a fantastic day at Newmarket in May and he will be sorely missed. I would like to thank all of the team, who did everything they could to save him.”
A €2.3 million purchase at the Arqana Breeze-Up Sale, Ruling Court produced a memorable performance to land the Guineas from Field Of Gold.
He subsequently finished third to that rival in the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot and was last seen filling that same spot when upped to 10 furlongs in the Coral-Eclipse Stakes at Sandown.
Meanwhile, connections of Field Of Gold (Kingman) are targeting a return for the star miler in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot. He suffered a shock defeat in the Sussex Stakes in July after which it was revealed that he had suffered a setback.
“He's on the road to recovery, John [Gosden, joint-trainer] is very happy with him and he's cantering every day,” said Juddmonte's racing manager Barry Mahon.
“He's not done any fast work and he's probably heading towards Champions Day, I would imagine. Hopefully the ground isn't too soft and that's where we'll see him next.
“The Prix du Moulin and the Irish Champion Stakes are obviously coming too soon because he hasn't done any fast work since the Sussex, but he's doing steady canters, he's sound and the joint has tightened up well and the team are very happy with his well-being.
“The fact that we're not going to have him ready to run in September, there's no point in rushing, so we'll take our time and wait for Ascot – the QEII looks the most obvious race for him.”
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