Tragic end for George Washington

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The Aidan O'Brien-trained four-year-old showed up handily early in the $5million contest, which was run on mud-splattered dirt track, but soon began to struggle.

As Curlin powered away to beat Hard Spun, George Washington's rider Mick Kinane dismounted his horse, who was quickly attended by racecourse veterinary staff. He could not be saved, however, and the decision was taken to have him humanely destroyed.

O'Brien's wife Anne-Marie was in floods of tears on the rail and was then consoled by her husband as the family walked back into the paddock.

On-course veterinarian and equine joint expert Dr Wayne McIlwraith said George Washington suffered an open fracture of both sesamoid bones.

Dr McIlwraith added: "The decision was made very quickly. The injury was bad and Aidan O'Brien made the request for euthanisation. He was with the horse.

"Typically these injuries occur in the last part of the race. They are more fatigued so they have got less support to the joint.

"And that's when the injuries normally occur."