The Aidan O'Brien trained Wichita has suddenly died after suffering complications in his recovery from a gallops injury in Australia.
The three year old suffered a serious leg injury at the Werribee International Horse Centre in Australia as he did some work ahead of the Group 1 Cantala Stakes over a mile at Flemington on October 31st.
The Three year old had come on leaps and bounds from his juvenile career, finishing second to Kameko on his seasonal debut in the 2000 Guineas in what was a hot renewal.
From there he was a narrow third in the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot behind Pinatubo and Palace Pier and after that was thrown into the Sussex Stakes and Prix Maurice De Gheest where he was outclassed.
He was then dropped down to the Group Two Park Stakes at the St Leger meeting and got back to winning ways, narrowly seeing off three time Prix de la Foret winner One Master in a Photo-finish.
What a finish! Wichita beats the flying One Master to land the bet365 Park Stakes at @DoncasterRaces for @FrankieDettori and Aidan O'Brien! pic.twitter.com/zY9OpoFqOb
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) September 12, 2020
With all this form behind him the son of No Nay Never was set for a decent campaign down under with Group One races beckoning, but after suffering a fracture to his right hind leg his season was over.
However, it had been said that the likeable colt would be able to make a full recovery from a fracture in his offside hind leg, but it has now been revealed that the injury got worse whilst he was rehabilitating.
(Credit ATR) A statement read: The connections of the Aidan O’Brien-trained Wichita have advised Racing Victoria (RV) that the horse sustained a further injury to its right hind leg while rehabilitating at Macedon Lodge from recent surgery.
“Acting on the advice of stable veterinarians, the connections advise that Wichita was humanely euthanised on Friday October 23 as a result of the complications encountered in its recovery.
“RV extends its condolences to the owners of the horse, trainer Aidan O’Brien, his stable staff and all who cared for the horse and are greatly saddened by their loss.”