‘Deep sadness’: Melbourne Cup contender Riff Rocket euthanised

One of the early contenders for the Melbourne Cups has been euthanised, leaving the horseracing world in mourning.

Melbourne Cup contender Riff Rocket has been euthanised a week after undergoing emergency surgery last week.

Last week, Riff Rocket was rushed to surgery after experiencing a colic attack, which connections and fans hoped would only rule the four-year-old gelding for the Spring Carnival.

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The University of Liverpool Equine Hospital website states colic is a symptom of abdominal pain in horses which is generally caused by issues in the gastrointestinal tract.

There’s many different types of issues that cause colic symptoms, with the severity ranging from mild to life-threatening.

Colic is one of the most common causes of death in horses.

Trained by legendary Winx trainer Chris Waller, the prognosis was initially good for the three-time Group 1 race winner, who released a statement suggesting the “early signs were promising”.

James McDonald on Riff Rocket after winning the ATC Australian Derby. Photo by Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

However, complications with the surgery led to the painful decision to euthanise the champion horse.

“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Riff Rocket following complications arising from his colic surgery,” Waller said in a statement.

“This is an incredibly difficult time for everyone involved, as we mourn the loss of not just a magnificent racehorse but also an extraordinary animal who made an indelible impact on Australian racing.”

Waller said the veterinarians from South Eastern Equine Hospital had given “round-the-clock” care for the horse, but were unable to nurse him back to health.

“Riff Rocket’s career as a three-year-old was nothing short of remarkable,” Waller said.

“This is a heartbreaking loss not only for the Kepitis family, but also for the entire team at Chris Waller Racing. Riff Rocket will forever hold a special place in our hearts, remembered for the fighting spirit he displayed both on the racetrack and in his final days.

“Our thoughts go out to all those who had the privilege of working with and supporting Riff Rocket throughout his career. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire us all.”

Riff Rocket will be missed. Photo by Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

Owned and bred by Winx owner Debbie Kepitis, Riff Rocket won seven of his 12 starts and earned over $3.5m in prizemoney.

But the biggest wins were the three Group 1 triumphs, claiming the 2023 Victoria Derby and its $600,000 winner’s cheque last November, with the race held the Saturday before the Melbourne Cup.

In March, he won $430,000 by winning the Rosehill Guineas, followed up by the $1.155m prize for claiming the ATC Australian Derby.

Riff Rocket was also named the NSW Three-Year-Old of the Year in 2023-24 and was a contender for the Australian award.

Riff Rocket was expected to star this spring, having been a $9 chance in the Caulfield Cup, $18 for the Cox Plate and $21 for the Melbourne Cup.

RIP champion. Photo by Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

Thoroughbred owner Steve Donovan tweeted: “So sad to hear of the death of Riff Rocket. Untapped potential, I was at Flemington last year to see him win the Derby. Colic is a bastard.”

Horseracing expert Neil Evans posted: “#RIP a truly power galloper in Riff Rocket.”

The official Coolmore Stud Farm X account commented: “The team at Coolmore Australia are deeply saddened to hear the news regarding the passing of farm graduate Riff Rocket. Our condolences go out to Chris, the team at CWR, the Kepitis family and everyone associated with this wonderful horse.”

Tipster Jeremy Bullock said: “So sorry passing of Riff Rocket RIP xxx.”

Another fan wrote: “Vale Riff Rocket … a wonderful, outstanding thoroughbred.”