‘Devastating news’: Triple Group 1 winner Riff Rocket euthanised

Three-time Group 1 winner Riff Rocket has been euthanised following complications from colic surgery.

James McDonald rides Riff Rocket to victory in the Group 1 Australian Derby at Randwick in April. Picture: Jeremy Ng / Getty Images

Three-time Group 1 winner Riff Rocket has been euthanised following complications from colic surgery.

Trainer Chris Waller confirmed the shock news to Racenet today.

“It’s devastating news,” he said.

“These things happen but you’re never prepared for the shock. Obviously it affects everyone involved at the stable and of course the horse’s owners.

“Everything was done to try to save him, it’s a sad day.”

🐦 Check out the bird's eye view of Riff Rocket's win in the G1 ATC Australian Derby today 👇@aus_turf_club@[e-mail]/7xfl5dNWUy

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) April 6, 2024

Riff Rocket last week underwent emergency surgery at the South Eastern Equine Hospital.

Owned and bred by Debbie Kepitis of Winx fame, Riff Rocket won seven of his 12 starts, earning more than $3.5 million prizemoney with big-race wins in the ATC Australian Derby, Rosehill Guineas and VRC Derby last season.

As recently as last week, Riff Rocket – the champion three-year-old of his generation – was rated a $9 chance for the Caulfield Cup, $18 for the Cox Plate and $21 for the Melbourne Cup in the TAB’s early fixed odds markets.

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Originally published as ‘Devastating news’: Triple Group 1 winner Riff Rocket euthanised