Tragedy struck at Warrnambool on Monday as Grand Promenade, a two-time Melbourne Cup contender, met with a fatal accident during the opening race, prompting euthanasia.
The eight-year-old gelding, poised for victory, encountered misfortune at the penultimate hurdle, clipping it before succumbing to a heavy fall.
Grand Promenade boasted an impressive record, with eight wins and eight placings from 32 starts, accumulating over $1.2 million in prize money under the ownership of Gerry Ryan.
Among his career triumphs was a notable victory in the 2021 Group 3 Bart Cummings (2520m) and a commendable sixth-place finish in the Melbourne Cup behind Verry Elleegant, while under the tutelage of trainers Ciaron Maher and David Eustace.
Expressing condolences, Racing Victoria (RV) issued a statement: “It is with sadness that Racing Victoria (RV) confirms that Grand Promenade was humanely euthanized by the on-course veterinarian as a result of an injury sustained during the running of the Maiden Hurdle at Warrnambool today. RV extends its condolences to the owners of Grand Promenade, his trainer Shane Jackson and his stable staff who cared for the horse and are saddened by their loss.”