RACING has been struck by tragedy after 50-1 winner Zenden suffered a fatal injury seconds after passing the post.
The rank outsider blew away the field to win the £650,000 Dubai Golden Shaheen race in Meydan.
But the five-year-old went wrong in his next strides over the finish line and had to be put down.
The dramatic and heartbreaking scenes were captured on the live coverage.
Jockey Antonio Fresu was shown celebrating on his mount before he went flying off as the horse broke down.
He was then lucky to escape serious injury as the other finishing horses charged past him.
Zenden had suffered a severe injury to his front left leg and unfortunately there was nothing that could be done to save him.
Devastated fans took to social media to pay their respects to the horse.
One said: “Wow. Zenden bolts across the field from the widest gate to lead and win the Shaheen and then shatters his foreleg two strides after the finish line. That’s horrific.”
Another posted: “Absolutely terrible to see what happened to Zenden after absolutely obliterating them in the Golden Shaheen.
“Such a cruel game sometimes but they will always have that memory.”
One comment read: “Zenden put down after winning the Golden Shaheen in Dubai. Broke down right after the finish line. So sad.”
While a fellow Twitter user wrote: “So sad for Zenden. Ruined my morning.”
Another post read: “Still absolutely speechless from Zenden in Meydan! Wins easily at 50-1 but suffers a horrendous injury straight after the race, losing his life – that’s not what anyone wants to see at all! Tragic.”
And one heartbroken fan wrote: “Rest In Peace, Zenden. So horrible.”
More to follow.
