Dubai: Electrocutionist, who died yesterday of a suspected heart attack, has been described by his trainer as a horse who had 'courage and class' and gave his best every time he ran.'
Owned by Dubai's Godolphin stable, the five-year-old had been undergoing treatment for a heart problem in a veterinary hospital in England when he suffered the attack that took his life.
Saeed Bin Surour, who trained Electrocutionist to win the $6 million Dubai World Cup at Nad Al Sheba in March, paid him rich tributes.
"He was a wonderful, brave horse, a real pleasure to train," said the former British champion trainer.
"He gave his best every time he ran and I will always remember the courage and class he showed in winning the Dubai World Cup. He was a champion."
Stable favourite
Simon Crisford, Godolphin racing manager, added: "He was a great horse for Godolphin and a real stable favourite. He will be sorely missed by all of us."
Explaining the tragedy on the stable's website, Crisford said: "Earlier in the week, we detected an abnormality in Electrocutionist's heart.
"He was admitted to the veterinary hospital for tests and further investigations. He appeared to be responding well to treatment, but during the night he suffered what seems to have been a fatal heart attack. It is terribly sad."
Electrocutionist, who was twice second in Group One races this season in England, was being prepared for a shot at the prestigious Emirates Airline Champion Stakes at Newmarket on October 14.
In his last start, he finished a spirited second to Arc de Triomphe winner Hurricane Run in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes at Newmarket.
Electrocutionist was previously trained by Italian Valfredo Valiani. He was acquired by Godolphin after finishing third in the Canadian International at Woodbine and was sent to winter in Dubai.
Terrible blow
Jockey Frankie Dettori, who was on board the horse in his four last runs, said: "It is desperately sad that we have lost him, because he was one of those horses who always seemed to relish a battle.
"It is a terrible blow for the whole team."
Electrocutionist won eight of his 12 career starts and earned in excess of Dh21 million in prize money.
Trivia
- The Red Ransom colt was previously owned by New York real estate developer and US Ambassador to Finland Earle Mack.
- Won two Group races , the Premio Carlo d'Alessio and Gran Premio di Milano, when based in Italy.