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| Staff Writer |
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Howdeepisyourlove's first overseas venture ended in tragedy on Saturday night when the John Size-trained galloper suffered a fatal injury in the Gr.1 Al Quoz Sprint (1,200m) at Meydan.
The 5YO Hong Kong sprinter, who had been sent off favourite for the prestigious six-furlong dash, was travelling strongly from midfield before disaster struck 500m from home. Jockey James McDonald was forced to pull up the gelding after he clipped heels with another runner.
"Near the 500m clipped the hind leg of another runner resulting in the gelding becoming unbalanced, as a result being eased out of the race and the rider dismounting," detailed the stewards' report.
McDonald later explained: "Howdeepisyourlove was travelling well until the 500m, where it clipped the hind leg of Marbaan."
Following the incident, Howdeepisyourlove was immediately attended to by veterinary staff after suffering what was diagnosed as a partial dislocation to his left front fetlock. Despite being transported to Dubai Equine Hospital for further examination and treatment, the serious nature of the injury meant the horse had to be humanely euthanised.
"A post-race veterinary examination revealed the gelding to have subluxated its left fore leg," confirmed the race officials.
The devastating injury cut short what had been a promising career for the Size-trained speedster, who had compiled an impressive record of six wins from 28 starts. His finest moment came earlier this year when capturing January's Gr.3 Bauhinia Sprint Trophy (1,000m) in Hong Kong.
While the race continued in his absence, with the George Boughey-trained Believing narrowly defeating Japan's Win Carnelian for victory, the loss of Howdeepisyourlove cast a shadow over proceedings at the Dubai World Cup meeting.
The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the risks inherent in racing, even at the highest level, as connections and fans mourn the loss of the talented Hong Kong sprinter who had been making his international debut on the global stage.