EBOR winner Fujaira Prince has died aged seven after sustaining a fatal gallops injury – just days before a big race at Ascot.
The Roger Varian-trained stayer succumbed to an injury picked up on Wednesday morning.
The trainer, who is based at Carlburg Stables in Newmarket, confirmed the sad news on his website.
A post read: “It is with great sadness that we have to announce the passing of stable favourite Fujaira Prince, who suffered a fatal injury on the gallops this morning.
“Fujaira Prince was a lovely horse who has given us many special moments, the highlight of those being his success the Ebor in 2020.
“He will be much missed by the whole team here at Varian Stable, in particular by his groom Alan Rutter, his work rider Chiara Careddu, barn manager Dee Deacon, and of course by his owner Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum.”
Fujaira Prince was one of the market leaders for Saturday’s Qipco British Champions Long Distance Cup.
The five-time winner was a general 10-1 shot for the Group 2 contest where the winner will earn £283,550.
Fujaira Prince finished third in the same race last year but is best known for his epic Ebor triumph at York in the same year.
Andrea Atzeni was in the saddle as the son of Pivotal saw off 25-1 Glencadam Glory by half a length to pocket the £140,000 first-place prize.
All in all the horse earned £303,265 from 12 starts.
The only time he finished outside the top three was in his final race, when 14th behind Ebor winner Sonnyboyliston this year.
Punters paid tribute to the fan favourite horse on social media.
One said: “This is so sad.”
Another posted: “This game knocks you sick sometimes. Brutal this, what a brave horse he was.”
While a fellow racing fan wrote: “Sad news. Beautiful animal.”
Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.sportingexcitement.com/horse-racing/oisin-murphy-posts-selfie-of-bloodied-and-battered-face-amid-jockey-title-fight-with-william-buick
