Dubai: Tragedy struck the Godolphin stable at Ascot racecourse Saturday as stable star Rewilding suffered a catastrophic fall in the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes (Group 1) and had to be put down immediately.
Frankie Dettori escaped serious injury during the incident when Rewilding appeared to lose his footing as he was about to deliver his challenge and fell heavily at the top of the home straight. The Italian was hurled to the ground and looked seriously shaken up.
After being attended to by racecourse vets, who found that Rewilding had broken his near fore leg, the horse was instantly euthanised.
Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford said on the stable's website: "It is a tragedy. Unfortunately, we have lost him as he has had to be put down."
The King George, which was billed as the ‘Clash of the Titans' referring to dual Group One winner Rewilding and Derby and Arc hero Workforce, ended on a low note as Nanthaniel scored by 2 ¾ lengths from Workforce while St. Nicholas Abbey was a 1 ¼ back in third.
BBC television showed Dettori being helped into an ambulance before he was rushed to the medical centre for treatment. However, it was learnt that the Godolphin jockey had not suffered any serious injury.
Dream come true
Rewilding was Godolphin's top older horse this year having won two Group Ones races this year — the Dubai Sheema Classic (Gr 1) and the Prince of Wales's Stakes (Gr 1) at Royal Ascot.
William Buick, who is no stranger to the hazards of his trade, having himself escaped serious injury during twin falls at Meydan racecourse in December, was aboard the John Gosden-trainer winner Nathaniel.
Instead of rejoicing in his first King George success the jockey was moved to pay tribute to the Godolphin star.
"First of all I want to say how sorry I am for Rewilding and his connections. It's never nice to see that happen. He's a phenomenal horse and it's really unfortunate this has happened."
Talking about the race Buick added: "Ahmad Ajtebi [aboard Debussy] obviously didn't want to make the running so I let my horse stride along.
"It wasn't ideal, but eventually I did get a lead off him and then I took it up turning in and this horse is getting better and better. Today he showed how good he is.
"I always knew he was a very good horse, but I didn't know he was going to be as good as this.
"It's fantastic to win a King George. I remember coming along with my father [former jockey Walter Buick] to see this race. Now I'm here winning the King George and it's just a dream come true.'"
Winning trainer John Gosden was clearly moved by the tragedy and said: "I attended the horse with the lad. He just put his leg down wrong and the cannon-bone snapped clean in two."
