Charlie Appleby pays tribute to 2,000 Guineas hero Coroebus

Charlie Appleby has described Coroebus as a "great horse" who provided "a lot of joy" after the 2,000 Guineas hero suffered a fatal injury in Sunday's Prix du Moulin at Longchamp.

Coroebus, who also won the St James's Palace at Royal Ascot, was favourite for the Group 1 under William Buick but stumbled and fell as he mounted his challenge a furlong and a half from home.

Appleby said: "The whole team at Moulton Paddocks is deeply saddened by the passing of Coroebus and our deepest sympathies go to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed and everyone at Godolphin.

"It is very sad to see a great horse, who gave so much to racing, lose his life in this way. Everyone took a lot of joy from his victories in the 2,000 Guineas and at Royal Ascot. Most importantly, William Buick walked away and was fine afterwards."

Buick had to give up a later ride on West Wind Blows, who won the Prix du Prince d'Orange.

Coroebus won the 2,000 Guineas under James Doyle, beating Buick on stablemate Native Trail by three-quarters of a length, and then followed up in the St James's Palace, this time with Buick in the saddle, by a head from Lusail.

Coroebus won four of his seven starts, including last year's Autumn Stakes, and earned just over £650,000 in prize-money.

The Prix du Moulin was won impressively by the Ed Walker-trained Dreamloper under Kieran Shoemark, who took advantage of the spare ride to win on West Wind Blows.

Buick, who is well clear in the jockeys' title race, is not in action on Monday, but has been booked for five rides at Goodwood on Tuesday. His agent Tony Hind said on Monday morning: "William's fine and in great shape, and he'll be back tomorrow at Goodwood."

Godolphin's managing director Hugh Anderson said: "It has been a difficult day for Godolphin, however our thoughts and prayers are with the De Bromhead family at this incredibly sad time."

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