Nobody expected it: Appleby’s £200,000 Guineas hero collapses tragically

The racing world was left reeling on August 29, 2025, when Godolphin announced the tragic death of Ruling Court, the Charlie Appleby-trained colt who had captured hearts with his stunning victory in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket earlier this year. The three-year-old son of Justify, purchased for £2 million at the Arqana May Breeze-up sale, was euthanized due to complications from laminitis, a painful hoof condition that destabilizes the pedal bone and causes severe distress. The news sent shockwaves through the sport, marking the second time in three years that a Godolphin 2,000 Guineas winner failed to complete its three-year-old campaign, following the loss of Coroebus in 2022.

Ruling Court’s rise to prominence was nothing short of remarkable. As a two-year-old, he showed promise with a maiden victory at Sandown in July and a respectable third-place finish behind The Lion In Winter in the Acomb Stakes at York. His three-year-old season began in spectacular fashion in Dubai, where he established himself as a leading British Classic contender by storming to a six-length victory in the Jumeirah 2,000 Guineas at Meydan in March. This performance set the stage for his defining moment at Newmarket, where, under the expert guidance of jockey William Buick, he outbattled the highly regarded Field of Gold to claim the 2,000 Guineas by half a length. The win, worth nearly £600,000, was a highlight of a historic weekend for Godolphin, as stablemate Desert Flower followed up with victory in the 1,000 Guineas the next day.

Expectations were high for Ruling Court’s future. Trainer Charlie Appleby had earmarked him as a potential Derby contender, noting his stamina and versatility. However, soft ground at Epsom forced his withdrawal from the race, a decision that, in hindsight, may have spared him further strain. He went on to compete at Royal Ascot, finishing third in the St James’s Palace Stakes, though he struggled to match Field of Gold’s pace, trailing by over seven lengths. His final outing came in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown, where he again took third, this time behind Aidan O’Brien’s Delacrux in a fiercely competitive race. Despite not adding to his win tally post-Guineas, Ruling Court’s consistency was evident, as he never finished outside the top three in his six career starts, amassing over £600,000 in prize money.

The colt’s untimely death was attributed to laminitis, a condition that can afflict horses with devastating consequences. The inflammation in the hoof, which Appleby revealed had developed unexpectedly, led to complications that veterinarians could not overcome despite exhaustive efforts. Godolphin’s statement was somber yet heartfelt: “The impressive winner of this year’s G1 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket has sadly been euthanized following complications due to laminitis. His Classic win was part of a history-making weekend for Godolphin, and he was never out of the frame in all six of his starts.” Appleby himself expressed profound grief, stating, “Everyone at Godolphin is deeply saddened by the loss of Ruling Court. He gave everyone a fantastic day at Newmarket in May, and he will be sorely missed. I would like to thank all of the team, who did everything they could to save him.”

The loss is a significant blow to Appleby, whose Moulton Paddocks stable has been a powerhouse in recent years, producing champions like Modern Games, Masar, and Adayar. Ruling Court’s death echoes the tragic fate of Coroebus, who suffered a fatal injury in the Prix du Moulin in 2022, underscoring the fragility of even the most talented racehorses. For Godolphin, the setback comes amid an otherwise stellar season, with victories in both the 2,000 and 1,000 Guineas and continued success on the international stage.

Ruling Court’s legacy, though brief, will endure in the memories of racing fans. His electrifying performance at Newmarket, where he showcased both speed and staying power, marked him as a colt with a bright future. The racing community mourns not only the loss of a champion but also the unfulfilled potential of a horse who could have achieved even greater heights. As Appleby and his team regroup, the sport reflects on the bittersweet nature of a game where triumph and tragedy are often intertwined.