Tributes have been paid to Godolphin sprint star Creative Force who suffered a fatal injury at York on Wednesday leaving his former groom “in absolute tears”.
The colt won Royal Ascot’s Jersey Stakes and landed the Group 1 Champions Sprint at Ascot in 2021.
He got off the mark for the campaign on Saturday at Haydock and was having his second start in four days when lining up in the 1895 Duke of York Clipper Stakes. He was at the rear of the field when he broke down after two furlongs of the 6f sprint having suffered a life-ending injury.
Trainer Charlie Appleby said: “We are very saddened with the passing of Creative Force, who was a real yard favourite at Moulton Paddocks.
“It’s a very sad day for everyone at Godolphin to lose a horse who always wore his heart on his sleeve and put up great performances year after year.
“We would like to thank William Derby and all his team at York for handling a difficult situation with speed and compassion.”
Last season Creative Force finished a neck second to stablemate Naval Crown in the Platinum Jubilee Stakes. He had won over £800,000 in prize money.
His former groom John said on Twitter: “My heart is broken into a million pieces in absolute tears.
“The most wonderful little horse with an amazing personality and a huge talent. He took myself, Charlotte and the whole team on an amazing journey. “
The Duke of York was won by Astral Blue, who beat Highfield Princess by half a length.
