Hong Kong star Rapper Dragon has been euthanised after suffering a catastrophic pelvis injury midway through the Champions Mile at Sha Tin.
Sunday’s race favourite was pulled up by Joao Moreira and despite efforts by Hong Kong Jockey Club veterinarians he could not be saved.
“Rapper Dragon suffered a severe fracture of his pelvis which, unfortunately, was coupled with serious complications. Despite our intensive care in the equine hospital, we were unable to save him,” head of Veterinary Clinical Services, Dr Christopher Riggs, said.
Trained by Gai Waterhouse to run second in the Champagne Stakes as a two-year-old, Rapper Dragon was chasing his first Group One win after a clean sweep of the Hong Kong four-year-old series – the Classic Mile, Classic Cup and Hong Kong Derby.
The Champions Mile was won by Contentment ridden by expat Australian Brett Prebble.
Photo:
#RIP #RapperDragon we didn't see the best of this fellow
8/13 and a #Group1 winner #GoneTooSoon pic.twitter.com/vhoU1m3umz— Denman Bloodstock (@Bloodstock_DEN) May 7, 2017