2024 Blue Diamond winner Hayasugi tragically dies after battling complications from surgery

The Clinton McDonald stable has been rocked by the death of former star two-year-old Hayasugi on Thursday afternoon.

Jamie Kah rides Hayasugi to victory in the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes in 2024 Picture: Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images

The Clinton McDonald stable has been rocked by the death of former star two-year-old Hayasugi on Thursday afternoon.

Hayasugi charged to prominence with her win in last year’s Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes, completing the tough task of remaining unbeaten through the three-race Blue Diamond series.

The filly had been battling the complications from surgery for some time, confirming Hayasugi had undergone surgery on a hind foot issue in October last year.

McDonald said at the time that Hayasugi was “in for the toughest fight of her life” in the spring.

However, Hayasugi’s deterioration left vets with no option but to euthanise the three-year-old.

“The ownership group is devastated by this difficult decision but is very proud of her achievements both on and off the field,” a Clinton McDonald Racing statement read.

“She demonstrated her electric turn of foot and perseverance toward the finishing post, and she was undoubtedly among the best of all juveniles for the 2023/24 season.

“She exhibited the best temperament and was as adorable as her ownership group.

HAYASUGI WINS THE 2024 BLUE DIAMOND STAKES! 💎

IT'S THE MCDONALD CLAN AGAIN!@[e-mail]/MjOflaqBro

— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) February 24, 2024

“We are sure Hayasugi will be fondly remembered by the racing world for her clean sweep of the 2024 Blue Diamond Stakes series.”

McDonald Racing thanked all those connections in Hayasugi’s brief career, which produced three wins and a second in the Group 1 Moir Stakes from only nine starts.

“We would like to thank the veterinary team, led by Dr. Massimo Deli-Rocchili for their efforts in trying to save her, as well as all the other professionals who provided us with invaluable options during her valiant struggle for survival,” the statement read.

“Hayasugi’s anticipated journey was tragically cut short, but her legacy and fighting spirit will live on among us forever.”

Originally published as 2024 Blue Diamond winner Hayasugi tragically dies after battling complications from surgery