Stravagante put down after injuries suffered at Royal Ascot

Stravagante has been put down due to injuries suffered in the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot on Friday.

The Sir Michael Stoute-trained three-year-old was favourite for the Group Two contest known as the 'Ascot Derby' following a runaway victory at Epsom earlier in the month, a win which prompted leading owners Al Shaqab Racing to to purchase a share from Michael Tabor.

However, Stravagante appeared to go wrong before the home turn and Frankie Dettori swiftly pulled him up and dismounted.

Veterinary surgeons on track and later at the Newmarket Equine Hospital did their best to save the son of Rip Van Winkle, but he has lost his life.

Al Shaqab racing manager, Harry Herbert, said: "It is so sad, it's awful, and as always in these situations your heart goes out to those closest to the horse at Sir Michael's yard.

"It was a a freak injury to a fore-leg. The vets did everything they could to stabilise him at the racecourse and he was very calm and peaceful.

"They took him to Newmarket to operate on him and sadly his injuries were so bad all the vets involved unanimously agreed that he could not be saved.

"The Sheikh (Joaan) was very understanding. His only concern was for the horse and the team and the fact that he'd just purchased him was irrelevant.

"It is always incredibly sad when these things happen."