St Leger Winner Encke Fatally Injured

Encke (Kingmambo–Shawanda {Ire}, by Sinndar {Ire}), who derailed the English Triple Crown dreams of Camelot (Ire) (Montjeu {Ire}) in the 2012 Doncaster St Leger S., suffered a catastrophic hind-leg injury during routine morning exercise Tuesday morning. “His Highness Sheikh Mohammed is deeply saddened at the loss of his Classic winner,” trainer Charlie Appleby said on the Godolphin website. “Encke was a talented racehorse and will be sorely missed, as he was one of the yard’s favorites.” A maiden winner at second asking while under the care of Mahmood al Zarooni, Encke was runner-up to Noble Mission (GB) (Galileo {Ire}) in the 2012 G3 Gordon S. at Goodwood and third in the G2 Great Voltigeur S. at York before besting Camelot by 3/4 of a length in the Leger. Encke became embroiled in the steroids scandal which ultimately saw the dismissal of Al Zarooni as Godolphin’s trainer. In three starts this term, Encke was placed in the G3 Glorious S. Aug. 1, in the G1 Irish St Leger Sept. 14 and most recently in the G3 Cumberland Lodge S. at Ascot Oct. 4.