Ruling Court, Latest Winner of the 2000 Guineas, Passes Away

Justify Colt Euthanized at Godolphin Following Laminitis Complications

Ruling Court, an Untimely and Deeply Felt Loss for Godolphin/ GODOLPHIN

NEWMARKET, Inglaterra (Special for Turf Diario).- The racing world was left saddened with the news that Ruling Court (Justify–), Godolphin’s homebred and this year’s winner of the G1 2000 Guineas at Newmarket, has died after suffering complications from laminitis. The colt had been under the care of Charlie Appleby, whose team made every effort to save him.

“We are all deeply saddened by the loss of Ruling Court,” said Appleby. “He gave us a fantastic day at Newmarket in May, and his absence will be sorely felt. I want to thank the entire team, who did everything possible to try and save him.”

Ruling Court’s victory in the 2000 Guineas, where he narrowly defeated Field of Gold (Kingman) by half a length, etched his name into Godolphin’s modern history. His career, though brief, was high in impact: six starts, three wins, three third-place finishes, and earnings of $797,255.

Purchased for €2.3 million at the 2024 Arqana Breeze-Up Sale, the son of Justify (Scat Daddy) quickly displayed precocious talent. His spring campaign had carried Classic aspirations, with an attempt at the Derby double in sight, though unsuitable ground conditions forced his withdrawal on Derby day. Instead, he contested Royal Ascot, finishing third in the G1 St James’s Palace Stakes, and later repeated that placing in the G1 Coral-Eclipse.

His Guineas triumph was part of a remarkable weekend for Godolphin: just a day later, Desert Flower (Dubawi)captured the G1 1000 Guineas, while in the U.S. the operation celebrated a double with Good Cheer (Medaglia d’Oro)in the G1 Kentucky Oaks and Sovereignty (Into Mischief) in the G1 Kentucky Derby.

Ruling Court’s death represents not only a major sporting loss for Godolphin but also an emotional one. More than just a Classic winner, he was a colt who captured the imagination of his connections and fans alike, leaving behind a legacy of brilliance and unfulfilled promise that will be remembered with respect and affection.