Lysander, the highly-regarded one-time Derby prospect, has been euthanised after suffering form severe arthritis, his owners have confirmed.
Trainer William Haggas had high hopes for the son of New Approach, who won a novice by over eight lengths at Newcastle on his second start, before being touched off by Lionel in last season’s Cocked Hat at Goodwood.
He went on to finish third to Changingoftheguard in the Group Two King Edward VII at Royal Ascot and was placed in Newbury’s Arc Trial on his last run in September.
However, he subsequently suffered a hip problem and Harry Herbert, managing director of owners Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, said the decision was made to euthanise the gelding.
“Tragically, he was put down yesterday,” said Herbert. “He had got terrible arthritis in his hips. It was just awful. We had hoped to get him back and running next year, but the vet said he will be in constant pain.
“I’m afraid we have had to do that. I’m afraid we were not able to see more of him.
“We always try to retire horses to happy homes, it is very much our policy. It is a bitter blow to shareholders and an awful scenario.
“Everyone gets attached to horses, not just because of their ability, but he was such a gorgeous horse, such a beautiful, beautiful horse and William (Haggas) had always planned that this year, his four-year-old year, would be his big year and possibly beyond. It is a big loss for the team.”
Despite the loss, Herbert said Highclere have plenty to look forward to, with a couple of promising juveniles unleashed last weekend, with more to come.
“There are lots of excitements to come, lots to look forward. The two-year-olds are running well, a lovely debut from two on the weekend,” he said.
“Mannerism was a little unlucky not to win for Karl Burke, he was very eye-catching at Haydock, and Drama with James Ferguson – our first horse with him – ran extremely well on debut (when third, beaten a length at Newbury) and looks nice, and there are others to come.
“Hopefully, if we can place them right, they will be winners next time or lurking.”
