NEWS
Heart attack claims Dubai World Cup winner Electrocutionist
Posted: Saturday, September 09, 2006
Godolphin Racing's Electrocutionist, considered a serious contender for either the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) or Breeders' Cup Turf (G1) on November 4 at Churchill Downs, died September 9 of a suspected heart attack.
Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford said an abnormality was detected in Electrocutionist's heart earlier this week and that the five-year-old by Red Ransom was admitted to a veterinary hospital for tests and further examination.
"He appeared to be responding well to treatment, but during the night he suffered what seems to have been a fatal heart attack," Crisford said. "It is terribly sad. He was a great horse for Godolphin and a real stable favorite. He will be sorely missed by all of us."
Electrocutionist established himself as one of the globe's top runners this season with a victory in the $6-million Dubai World Cup (UAE-G1) on March 25 at Nad al Sheba racecourse and runner-up finishes in both the Prince of Wales's Stakes (Eng-G1) at Royal Ascot and King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (Eng-G1) at Ascot.
Electrocutionist joined the Godolphin team last November after he was sold by owner Earle Mack. Electrocutionist won six of eight races for Mack and trainer Valfredo Valiani, including the 2005 Juddmonte International Stakes (Eng-G1) at York and Gran Premio di Milano (Ity-G1) at Milan.
Transferred to Godolphin's head trainer Saeed bin Suroor shortly after his purchase, Electrocutionist got off to a strong start racing for the Maktoum family with back-to-back victories in the Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid al Maktoum Challenge Round 3 (UAE-G2) on March 2 and the World Cup.
"He was a wonderful, brave horse, a real pleasure to train," Suroor said. "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."
Jockey Frankie Dettori, who rode Electrocutionist to his win over the American-based Brass Hat in the World Cup, also paid tribute to the late horse.
"Electrocutionist's World Cup win was a really fantastic performance," Dettori 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."
Bred in Kentucky and out of Arazi mare Elbaaha (GB), Electrocutionist won eight of 12 career starts and earned $5,407,533.
