Two-time Melbourne Cup runner Steel Prince dies at Eagle Farm
Steel Prince, a two-time Melbourne Cup runner, has died in tragic circumstances at Eagle Farm in Brisbane after suffering a suspected heart attack during a race.
The accomplished stayer jumped favourite in Saturday’s group 3 Premier’s Cup, but shortly after the start, he threw jockey Nash Rawiller to the ground and collapsed in the home straight in front of the St Leger Stand.
Steel Prince, ridden by Jye McNeil, won the 2020 the Geelong Cup and raced twice in the Melbourne Cup.Credit:Getty Images
Rawiller was reported to have cradled Steel Prince’s head, before on-course vets made the decision to euthanise the eight-year-old.
The Anthony and Sam Freedman-trained galloper had a prolific career, winning 10 of 35 races and more than $1.15 million in prizemoney.
The son of Nathaniel started his career in Ireland, before he was brought to Australia to be trained by Darren Weir.
Anthony Freedman then took the training duties following Weir’s suspension and the stayer won five races in a row across the 2019 autumn, including the Ramsden Stakes – the first running of the race with Melbourne Cup ballot exemption.
He finished ninth in that year’s Cup, won by Vow And Declare, and returned the following spring to win the 2020 Geelong Cup, which booked him another start in the Melbourne Cup.
He finished 16th in the 2020 edition, won by Twilight Payment.
He won his 10th race at his most recent start, at Flemington on Anzac Day, which saw him start favourite for Saturday’s Premier’s Cup at Eagle Farm.
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