Royal Ascot-bound sprinter Run To Freedom has died after suffering a fatal injury during training for next week’s showpiece fixture.
Details of the Incident
The eight-year-old entire horse, who won the Abernant Stakes at Newmarket in April, fractured a pastern during routine work on the gallops. The injury was too severe to repair, according to trainer Henry Candy.
Career Highlights
Run To Freedom earned nearly £500,000 for owner-breeder Godfrey Wilson and the Candy stable. He won seven times in 31 starts, with notable Group 1 runner-up finishes in the 2023 July Cup and 2022 British Champions Sprint. Despite a three-year winless streak, he returned to form this season with his first Group success in the Abernant Stakes.
Tribute from Trainer
Candy told Mirror Racing: “Run To Freedom fractured a pastern just doing a routine bit of work on the gallops. It was too bad to repair. He’s been a great servant and a tremendous character.”
Context
The news follows the death of one-time Derby favourite The Lion In Winter, who suffered a fatal injury on Aidan O’Brien’s gallops in preparation for the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot.
