The 2021 Golden Eagle runner-up, Count De Rupee, tragically passed away on Wednesday morning after suffering a heart attack in a jumpout at Kembla Grange in New South Wales, Australia.

The five-year-old son of Real Impact was being prepared for a Group 1 campaign, with races like The Everest and the Epsom Handicap on the agenda for the Robert & Luke Price-trained gelding.

Count De Rupee was only narrowly beaten in last year's AU$7.5 million Golden Eagle before taking out The Gong (1600m) at his home track, Kembla Grange, on his following start.

With seven wins to his name and over $2.6 million in prizemoney, the Price stable described him as a “star” both on and off the racetrack.

“We are beyond devastated on the loss of our star boy this morning,” a post on the stable's Instagram page read.

“He was not only a star on the track but also off it with his beautiful kind nature.

“Our thoughts and condolences to his owners and all our staff for all their care, love and dedication to our Jimmy.

“RIP beautiful boy, we will miss you dearly.”

Tommy Berry was aboard the gelding when the incident happened in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Understandably shaken by the event, Berry stood himself down from his rides at Randwick later in the day.

The jockey took to Twitter to pass on his condolences to all involved.

“Tough day today losing such a beautiful animal like Count De Rupee, my thoughts go out to Rob, Luke, Brock (Ryan) & all of their wonderful team and great bunch of owners,” he said.

“It was a pleasure to be a small part of he's big journey witch brought so much happiness & good times to so many.”