Trainer Grahame Begg, based in Cranbourne, sadly confirmed the passing of his accomplished sprinter, Rose Quartz, due to a severe bout of colic.
The six-year-old mare, sired by Written Tycoon, boasted an impressive record of five victories, including the Group 3 How Now Stakes (1200m), accumulating a total prize-money of $619,090 from 20 starts.
Begg shared the unfortunate news with Racing.com, revealing the heartbreaking circumstances of Rose Quartz's demise over the weekend.
Despite undergoing surgery in an effort to combat the colic, the mare couldn't overcome the complications.
“It's just one of those things out of the blue… they did surgery and she survived the first 24 hours,” said Begg, reflecting on the unexpected tragedy.
“I dare say she would've ended up in one of the (broodmare) sales later in the year and would have been a valuable mare.”