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| Staff Writer |
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British raider Jayarebe succumbed to a suspected cardiac event following his gallant seventh-place finish in the US$4.5 million Gr.1 Breeders' Cup Turf at Del Mar, casting a shadow over proceedings that saw Rebel's Romance secure a historic double.
The Brian Meehan-trained colt, having crossed the line five and a half lengths behind the winner, collapsed whilst cooling down under Sean Levey. Despite immediate veterinary intervention and swift transportation to the equine hospital, the 3YO could not be saved.
Track veterinarian Dr Al Ruggles provided his professional assessment: "Jayarebe collapsed on the racecourse while being pulled up. The horse was unconscious at the time of being put on the van with what we call a slider. Unfortunately the horse has died and so we offer our condolences obviously to all connections and everyone. It's suspected to be a cardiac event. They are unusual but they can occur. If in fact that's it, post mortems don't answer that question generally and they're nearly impossible to predict in a horse that's training well."
The loss particularly stings given Jayarebe's meteoric rise to prominence, having captured hearts with his commanding victory at Royal Ascot in June. His premature departure leaves a void in British racing's middle-distance division.
The Breeders' Cup Turf has been a happy hunting ground for European raiders, with notable victories including Highland Reel (2016), who went on to claim multiple Group One successes including the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes, and Enable (2018), who had already secured dual Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe victories. Charlie Appleby's Rebel's Romance, under the assured guidance of William Buick, joined an elite club by securing back-to-back victories in this prestigious contest, cementing his place among the turf's greats.