George was a wonderful, remarkable racehorse and we will put up a full tribute to him when we can remember him without the pain of the loss. We must remember him in celebration and not just rue his death - but first we must grieve, and this might take some time.
It seems especially sad and unfair that a colt named after their first President should lose his life on their greatest stage. Mercurial star George Washington died on Saturday 27th October 2007 after suffering a fatal injury when he broke his near fore leg at about the 8 furlong marker during the Breeders Cup Classic at Monmouth Park, New Jersey, U.S.A.
These things can happen anywhere on a racetrack or at home in a paddock but there is a horrible feeling that the unkind surfaces in America are not as safe for horses to race on as they might be were they to give up traditions and change them to a more giving surface.
Conditions were atrocious, as they are when there has been significant rain on that type of surface. Any horse lost in racing is one too many and all who work with these wonderful animals do their utmost to ensure they are as safe as possible. It was terrible to see such a star die in this manner and hearts went out to him, and all who knew him.
George had already made a name for himself in his native Ireland but he really blazed onto the racing scene with victory in, and subsequent refusal to enter the Winner’s Enclosure after, the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket beating Sir Percy who would later win the Derby. Jockey Kieren Fallon and Trainer Aidan O’Brien were more amused than angry at the wayward colt and few could ever forget him and Kieren, smiling as George decided to do his own thing.
Tall, handsome and imposing he had a glint of mischief in his eye and race fans took him to their hearts dubbing him ‘Gorgeous George’. He loved attention and would always pose, lifting his head just so, if he saw a camera.
When retirement to Coolmore Stud did not work out due to low fertility, he was returned to the racetrack. Fans welcomed him and the opportunity for maestro Aidan O’Brien to once more work his magic with a special horse. Top class older horses are scarce on the track and although his return to racing undoubtedly left many breeders thinking what might have been - his fans were overjoyed to have him back. His place in the covering shed was taken by the young Holy Roman Emperor who had similar bloodlines.
As a son of Danehill, the reigning Champion Sire, George’s bloodline was very precious. Hope was held both by Coolmore and breeders that following this second career he might have raised fertility to allow him to carry on at stud. There was no guarantee – but there was a dream that he might inherit his sire’s crown. But it was not to be. George did not show his old sparkle and went to the Breeders Cup without the form that had dazzled Europe in his career at 2 and 3.
Worse, still so young, he was to lose his life trying on the hardest stage of all. Aidan O’Brien was with him at the last. A great horse and a great trainer, who had achieved great things together. A very sad ending to such a friendship and a life. Aidan had faced many challenges with the individuals that he has trained throughout his career but returning a stallion to training, and this one in particular, must have been the biggest. Those of us who adored George were pleased that Aidan was there with him.
Times like these make even the most hardened race fan wonder if the price paid for our pleasure is too great. Without racing they would not exist, these thoroughbred miracles, but Fate could be kinder, for sure.
Condolences to all connections; his breeders, owners, stable staff and most of all to Aidan O’Brien who knew him so well.
While he was in America he touched the heart of that nation as well and Alysse Jacobs took some wonderful photos of him working on the track.
Let's remember him this way, an outstanding racehorse who was different and proud of it.
