Horse Racing Trainer Reminisces ‘Very Special Day’ as Ascot Gold Cup Winner Passes Away at 24

The sport of horse racing is filled with legendary figures. Not only do we have the trainers and the riders on this list, but we also have the horses who race on the track, providing the spectators with pure enjoyment. But when a famous horse passes away, leaving behind just the memories for the aficionados, it makes everyone emotional. Similarly, horse racing trainer Saeed bin Suroor has just lost Papineau, the star of the 2004 Ascot Gold Cup.

Following the news that Papineau had passed away at the age of 24, the whole horse racing community was shattered. Everyone was aware of the horse’s enormous impact, both on and off track. Although trainer Saeed bin Suroor has been with the equine for around 20 years, he finds solace in remembering the beast’s 2004 success despite the immense grief he is experiencing.

Papineau will never be forgotten

The news of Papineau’s death spread like wildfire. In a lengthy statement, the official website of Godolphin paid respect to the great stallion by mentioning the horse’s accomplishments. Saeed bin Suroor, who led the horse to several triumphs under his tutelage, also recalled a particularly memorable experience with the stallion. As per Godolphin’s official statement, Suroor recalled how the horse was a “pleasure to train.” In addition, the trainer went on to state, “His Gold Cup win at Ascot was a very special day.” He further added that regarding the horse, “the whole team should be incredibly proud of” it since it gave it all until the very end, on and off the track.

Godolphin purchased the horse in 2000 at the Tattersalls December Sale. Papineau was then housed at the Blackhall Stud in Kildare, Ireland. While still a young horse, Andre Fabre trained him, but the horse suffered a narrow defeat in his debut at Saint-Cloud. Nonetheless, Papineau won his first race when he showed up at Saint-Cloud the next time and utterly controlled the circuit. During his debut year, the horse stunned everyone with a magnificent win in the Prix de l’Avre at Longchamp, demonstrating his immense potential. However, during that time, the fans of horse racing were yet to see a stellar performance by the horse.

Forever carved in the annals of horse racing

The stallion was handed over to trainer Saeed bin Suroor in early 2004. And to kick off the 2004 season, Papineau won big at Goodwood, dominating the track. This stallion, who was ridden by popular jockey Frankie Dettori, won the Henry II Stakes at Sandown, the next race after his first triumph in 2004. Everyone involved in the stallion’s meteoric climb to fame rejoiced after the horse’s triumph at Sandown, which earned him a spot in the G1 Ascot Gold Cup.

ALSO READ – “Critically Endangered”: Equestrian World Unearths the ‘Fascinating Past’ of Its Leading Stars

Papineau showed up in the esteemed G1 race at Ascot at odds of 5-1. The audience was anticipating a tremendous race with Frankie Dettori on his saddle. Until the final stretch, when the pack shifted swiftly, the horse kept up its pace and remained within the group. Papineau passed Westerner and claimed the lead with a late surge, and the horse went down to the final furlong. As the stallion never looked back and coasted to victory at the G1 Ascot Gold Cup, it also provided Godolphin with a fourth Gold Cup win. Fans will never forget this race or the equine who gloriously won it.

Watch this story: Witness The Never Before Experienced Equestrian Centre Surpasses Scale Parameters Before Opening