Dubai World Cup Winner Electrocutionist Dies

Dubai World Cup winner Electrocutionist died of an apparent heart attack Saturday, several days after an abnormality was detected in the 5-year-old horse’s heart.

Electrocutionist, considered a top contender for this year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic or Distaff, was owned by Dubai-based Godolphin Racing Inc.

“He appeared to be responding well to treatment, but during the night he suffered what seems to have been a fatal heart attack,” Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford said. “It is terribly sad. He was a great horse for Godolphin and a real stable favorite. He will be sorely missed by all of us.”

The Kentucky-bred son on Red Ransom won the $6-million Dubai World Cup -- the world’s richest horse race -- on March 25, and finished second in his last start, the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes at Ascot on July 29. Electrocutionist also finished second behind Ouija Board in the Prince of Wales Stakes at Ascot eight days earlier.

“He was a wonderful, brave horse, a real pleasure to train,” said Saeed bin Suroor, Godolphin’s top trainer. “He gave his best every time he ran and I will always remember the courage and class he showed in winning the Dubai World Cup. He was a champion.”