Cavalryman Dies After Injury at Meydan
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Godolphin's gallant stayer Cavalryman has died after suffering a serious fracture in his right hind leg Feb. 28 during the Nad Al Sheba Trophy (UAE-III) at Meydan.
Cavalryman was bidding second consecutive win in the turf event when he was pulled up sharply on the backstretch by William Buick. He was transported to the equine hospital at Meydan.
"He was a real character in the yard and was treasured, not only by me, but by everyone here—all of the team," trainer Saeed bin Suroor said on Godolphin's website about the 9-year-old son of Halling. "We are very upset by the tragic news. He had a wonderful career and he will be hugely missed."
Darley-bred Cavalryman, who was out of the stakes-placed Highest Honor mare Silversword, was proficient as both a middle-distance runner and a stayer. The British-bred horse compiled a 10-5-5 record from 39 career starts and earned $3,003,676. He started his career with trainer Andre Fabre in France, where his victories include the 2009 Juddmonte Grand Prix de Paris (Fr-I) before a third-place finish in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (Fr-I).
Other notable wins during his eight seasons of racing include the 2013 Dubai Gold Cup (UAE-III) and a track record-setting 5 1/2-length romp in last year's Nad Al Sheba Trophy.
Cavalryman notched consecutive group II victories last summer in England, capturing the Princess of Wales's Stakes at Newmarket and the Artemis Goodwood Cup.
"Godolphin would like to thank everyone for their support. Cavalryman will be missed," said a statement on the website.