Dubai: The Godolphin Stables were dealt a cruel blow on Tuesday morning, when former St. Leger (G1) victor Encke suffered a fatal injury and had to be put down.
The five-year-old, who famously upset Camelot in Britain’s final Classic in 2012, sustained a hind limb injury during routine exercise and developed complications, the Godolphin website reported.
Trainer Charlie Appleby commented: “His Highness Shaikh Mohammad [Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai] is deeply saddened at the loss of his Classic winner.
“Encke was a talented racehorse and will be sorely missed as he was one of the yard’s favourites.”
The fatality has come at a time when Encke, who was suspended for six months for a positive drug test, appeared to be on his way back to his best, having placed in all his three starts this season.
He was narrowly beaten by three-quarters of a length by Pether’s Moon and Parish Hall on his most recent start on October 4 at Ascot in the Group 3 Cumberland Lodge Stakes.
