“Rip Beautiful Papineau”: Horse Racing Fans Left Heartbroken as Ascot Gold Cup Hero Passes Away at 24

Godolphin has produced many thoroughbred horses that have gained worldwide recognition for their remarkable performances in horse racing events. One such horse was Papineau, who won the G1 Ascot Gold Cup in 2004, bringing great honor to the team. In addition to his successful track career, Papineau also served as a therapy horse. However, the recent news of his passing at the age of 24 has deeply saddened the entire horse racing community.

Since horses’ lives span up to 25-30 years, Papineau’s curtain call was already coming. But because of the enormous impact he had on the community, he will live on in the memories of horse racing aficionados and will never be forgotten. Fans came together on social media to pay their respects to the stallion, and Godolphin also released a statement on the horse’s death.

The legacy of champion Papineau

In 2000, Papineau made his debut at the Tattersalls December Sale. Godolphin subsequently purchased the horse and had it sent to Ireland. Andre Fabre initially trained him at the Blackhall Stud in Kildare, where he was raised. Although he tried his hardest, the horse was unsuccessful in his claiming race at Saint-Cloud. But Papineau simply ruled the racecourse when he returned to Saint-Cloud, winning his maiden race by 12 furlongs. But the horse’s career came into focus when he stunned everyone by winning the Prix de l’Avre at Longchamp.

Saeed bin Suroor took over as Papineau’s trainer in the 2004 season. The moment he got under Suroor’s wing, the horse dominated the racecourse of Goodwood. The stallion then headed to Sandown for the Henry II Stakes and won it dominantly. This victory qualified him for the G1 Ascot Gold Cup, and a great audience awaited his spectacular performance. Ridden by Frankie Dettori, Papineau waited for his time to charge from the back in the last furlong, defeating frontrunner Westerner in a pace battle and winning the G1 event in fashion. It was the stallion’s final win before retiring in the 2005 season. After retiring, the horse became a therapy horse, touching the hearts of many whom he met. His fans, devastated by his demise, will never forget his effect.

An everlasting effect on his fans

Papineau, who was healthy prior to his cardiac diagnosis, had to be put to sleep by the crew to prevent further suffering. Many mourners poured out on Godolphin’s Facebook page to pay their last respects to the champion stallion. One fan recalled a fond memory, saying, “We were lucky enough to meet this beautiful horse at East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices – EACH. He was so gentle with my son. RIP Papi .” With a compliment, his fan left a tribute for the horse, saying, “Rip Beautiful Papineau! What an amazing horse!”

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Remembering their first meet, this fan recalled, saying, “Aww he was a beautiful boy – met him when we did a ROR parade at Ascot years ago. RIP lovely boy.” Another fan recalled the horse’s G1 feat, saying, “What a win his Gold cup was RIP Papineau.” Although the great stallion has departed our Earth for all time, the sport of horse racing will go on in eternity thanks to his legacy and the memories he left behind.

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