Roaring Lion Euthanized After Another Bout of Colic

Last season's Cartier Horse of the Year, Roaring Lion, has been euthanized after suffering another bout of colic.

Described by his connections as "a true champion," the 4-year-old had already undergone dual colic surgery this month, but the latest attack was deemed to be too much to recover from.

David Redvers, racing manager for Qatar Racing, in whose colors Roaring Lion raced in such distinction, said in an Aug. 23 statement: "Roaring Lion was observed to be uncomfortable in his stable at Cambridge Stud. On examination by stud vet Rob Hitchcock, Roaring Lion was admitted to Cambridge Equine hospital.

"There, operating surgeons Dr Alanna Zantingh and Dr Greg Quinn performed (an) ultrasound examination, and at 14.45 (GMT) the decision was made on welfare grounds to put Roaring Lion to sleep."

Qatar Racing owner Sheikh Fahad Al-Thani took to Twitter to share his thoughts, saying: "I am obviously distraught about Roaring Lion, he was so brave right to the end. He was a horse of a lifetime in all his characteristics I would like to thank everyone at the Cambridge Equine hospital and Cambridge Stud for all their efforts and professionalism to the end. RIP."

The loss was also felt sharply at Cambridge Stud, as a statement read: "Cambridge Stud and staff are devastated to report the loss of Roaring Lion overnight from further complications, following two major colic surgeries three weeks ago.

"Cambridge Stud would like to acknowledge everyone from Cambridge Equine and the stud who supported the horse through a very difficult time. We particularly feel for Roaring Lion’s connections, Sheikh Fahad al Thani and his family and David Redvers and his family at Tweenhills. Our loss is keenly felt in New Zealand but theirs is unimaginable."

Roaring Lion completed his first season standing at Redvers’ Tweenhills Stud and had only just stepped foot out of quarantine late last month in New Zealand before showing signs of colic.

He required two operations within the space of a few days and had to have a section of his small intestine removed. 

During a stellar career, Roaring Lion won eight of 13 starts, including four group 1 victories. Bred in Kentucky by RanJan Racing out of the Street Sense mare Vionnet, the son of Kitten's Joy  was a $160,000 purchase by Redvers from Taylor Made Sales Agency's consignment to the 2016 Keeneland September Yearling Sale.

Roaring Lion won his first three starts as a juvenile and finished the season as a neck runner-up to Saxon Warrior in what was then the Racing Post Trophy Stakes (G1) at Doncaster. At 3, he began with a third in the Bet365 Craven Stakes (G3) and then finished fifth in the QIPCO Two Thousand Guineas (G1), again behind Saxon Warrior. 

Having won the Betfred Dante Stakes (G2), Roaring Lion was third in the Investec Derby (G1) to Masar but then began his top-level spree, starting by turning the tables on old rival Saxon Warrior in the Coral-Eclipse Stakes (G1).

Roaring Lion went on to win the Juddmonte International Stakes (G1), QIPCO Irish Champion Stakes (G1), and Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (G1) at Ascot's Champions Day meeting. A final roll of the dice in the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) proved a bridge too far as he failed to handle the dirt at Churchill Downs, finishing last of 14.

His achievements were recognized at the end-of-season Cartier Awards when he was crowned Horse of the Year for 2018.