Cliffs Of Moher

[TheKryptonFactor]

Fractured a shoulder in the Melbourne Cup. He could not be saved.

[pilgarlic]

RIP Cliffs of Moher
What a deplorable record this race has for a flat race. Six horses lost in six years I understand

[Tonge]

And only one of those six was home-based (that was Araldo who died in a freak accident on his way back to the paddock after finishing 7th). With the exception of the Japanese Admire Rakti, the others were European (with Regal Monarch also dying in a earlier race on last year’s Cup card). It’s hard not to think that the long journey may have played a part. Cliffs of Moher was also on the flight that was delayed for 14 hours in Dubai, along with Duretto, Count Octave, Withold and Red Verdon, all of whom were ruled out with injuries. We know they are fragile beasts and I’m sure they get the best of veterinary care so it could all be coincidence. However, of the relatively small number of top level British horses that flew out, three (that we know of) are now dead within less than a month, so must be worth at least looking into.

[greenasgrass]

I don’t know if you could ascribe skeletal or ligamentous injuries to the travel. They’re probably standing for long periods of time on the plane and possibly less inclined to spend a lot of time lying down in a strange stable but I don’t know if this increased non impact weight bearing would cause trouble. Stress+ more time with head up= subclinical respiratory disease and therefore increased risk of pulmonary haemorrhage is definitely feasible.

With regard to injury- could Aussie horses have better bone density developed through years of working and running on firmer surfaces, plus genetically better bone quality to cope with the same? European turf is probably the surface that’s kindest, and most forgiving of slightly crappy conformation or below-average bone and ligament strength. An Aussie or American dirt horse with those weaknesses would be less likely to stay sound enough to reach that level or to be successful enough to pass on its genetics.

[moehat]

I’ve only just seen the race and had assumed that CoM fractured a shoulder after slipping and coming down, but it happened while he was running straight. Is this quite unusual? Had no idea that so many British horses had died/been injured or died. Certainly needs looking into.

[Triptych]

RIP The Cliffsofmoher
It’s hard not to feel that we put too much pressure on young horses by sending them such long distances to compete in a race in the Australian summertime when they are growing their winter coats and shutting down for the year.
To have lost his life so far from the green green grass of his homeland makes me feel sad for this young horse.
I’ve not been a fan of the Magnier operation since George Washington pointlessly lost his life in the mud and slop at the Breeders Cup meeting Monmouth Park 2007 and now, another of their young talented horses has gone, all are heartbroken, and nothing can bring him back.
RIP Beautiful boy..
a sad loss and a sad day for racing. Jac

Things turn out best for those who make the best of how things turn out...

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