This year's Two Thousand Guineas (G1) winner Ruling Court has died following complications with the foot disease laminitis.
His trainer Charlie Appleby said: "Everyone at Godolphin is deeply saddened by the loss of Ruling Court. He gave everyone a fantastic day at Newmarket in May and he will be sorely missed. I would like to thank all of the team, who did everything they could to save him."
Ruling Court provided Godolphin with a memorable day in the Newmarket classic in May when he defeated Field of Gold by half a length. Overall, he had three wins and three thirds over his six-race career, making the equivalent of $797,255.
Ruling Court, a son of top sire Justify who was purchased for €2.3 million at the Arqana May Breeze Up Sale in 2024, was teed up for a crack at a famous classic double in the Epsom Derby (G1), but he was declared a nonrunner due to softening ground. Instead, he went to Royal Ascot, where he finished third in the St James's Palace Stakes (G1) before filling the same position on his final start in the Coral-Eclipse (G1).
His group 1 success at Newmarket was part of a historic weekend for Godolphin, who also struck 24 hours later with Desert Flower in the One Thousand Guineas (G1). The classic double in Britain, combined with Good Cheer and Sovereignty winning the Kentucky Oaks (G1) and Kentucky Derby (G1) respectively, contributed to an unforgettable few days for Godolphin.
