Domedriver

This race was supposed to showcase the European Turf Champion Rock Of Gibraltar. The Rock came into the race with seven consecutive Group I wins. A win here could position him for the American Championship as well. The race however turned into heartbreak for trainer Aidan O'Brien. When the gates flew open for this race Rock Of Gibraltar got off to a terrible start. Racing at the rear of the pack the champion was not able to make a move until nearing  the top of the stretch. As he went to circle the field Michael Kinane and The Rock came behind stable mate Landseer.

Edgar Prado on the ill fated Landseer

A moment that all lovers of these beautiful animals hate to see was about to happen as Landseer broke his front right leg as the field turned for home. Rock Of Gibraltar was able to avoid his troubled stable mate and unleash a powerful late run to just miss catching long shot Domedriver. I decided to photograph this race at the turn and this disaster unfurled right in front of me. The outcome of this race put a damper on the joy of racing for many fans, myself included.

Edgar recovers from his fall

The field heads into the final turn