Dual Derby-placed Lazy Griff has sadly been euthanised after failing to recover from an injury obtained at Chester last month.
The Protectionist colt was a brilliant horse for the Middleham Park syndicate owners. He won a Group 3 on his final juvenile start, following a listed third at Deauville. Few could expect the season to follow, beginning with a second in the Chester Vase behind Lambourn.
That pair would then finish in the same position’s in the Epsom Derby, and Lazy Griff was third to Lambourn in the Irish Derby.
Lazy Griff suffered a season ending injury, but returned in good health this season when third at
Sandown. He backed that up in listed company, before tailing off in the Goodwood Cup. Better was expected at Chester down in class, but he again weakened alarmingly, pulling up lame.
“He was the horse of a lifetime” – Mike Prince
Middleham Park’s Mike Prince told the Press Association: “It’s obviously very sad news for all involved – he was the horse of a lifetime.
“I suppose when Tim and Carol first set up the business, they were striving to go to the places that Griff took us. To be placed in two Derbys was an absolutely fantastic achievement. To experience those races and the thrill of seeing him run so well in such prestigious races. those memories will never leave any of us at Middleham Park and any of the syndicate that are involved with Lazy Griff.”
Prince continued: “It was unfortunate he got the injury after the Irish Derby, which was totally unrelated to his most recent injury. We were looking forward to going to the St Leger with a great chance. but sadly it wasn’t meant to be.
“It was great to see him come back after a year off and show he retained his ability and zest for racing at Sandown. We were obviously gutted when he pulled up at Chester. We were hoping, and the signs were that he could have a nice retirement away from racing. But he had a setback over the weekend and the vets decided that it was in his best interests for him to suffer no longer.
“Hopefully everyone in the syndicate and the general public will remember the good days and take those memories with them.”
Lazy Griff was Middleham Park’s first horse to place in a classic. The syndicate celebrated their 30th anniversary last season, accumulating over 2 million pounds in the process.