Coronation Cup hero Defoe suffers fatal injury on the gallops

Roger Varian has paid tribute to his popular grey Defoe who suffered a fatal injury on the gallops on Wednesday morning.

The Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum-owned six-year-old won nine of his 22 starts, including the Group 1 Coronation Cup and Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot last year.

A post on Roger Varian's website read: "We regret to announce that Group 1 winner Defoe suffered a fatal injury on the gallops this morning. It's probably not a safe assumption that only those who were closely connected with the horse will be heartbroken that he has left this life.

"Although not large in stature Defoe had the heart of a lion and his adoring fans from around the world will no doubt join us in mourning his loss and celebrating his achievements.

Defoe: defeated Kew Gardens in the 2019 Coronation CupCredit: Andrew Redington (Getty Images)

"We can’t help but have favourites and Defoe was everyone’s favourite horse; from his groom Mark, head girl Dee, regular rider Korrie and to Roger and Hanako’s children – he was a star and such was his popularity with them that they had a rocking horse made in his image. A lasting memory for a great horse."

Speaking at Goodwood, where Obaid won the 1m4f handicap with the Richard Hannon-trained Mambo Nights, Varian reflected on Defoe's fine career and told of his children's affection towards the grey.

Varian said: "He was a lovely horse who had been around for a few years. He climbed the ranks from humble beginnings to a Group 1 like the Coronation Cup. He's been a star and was one of those nice guys.

Watch Defoe win at Royal Ascot in 2019

"My thoughts are with Sheikh Mohammed Obaid. It's a big loss to him and all the staff at home, who have grown very attached to him over the years.

"He was just a pleasure to do anything with. The Coronation Cup would have to be the race that stands out. It's a prestigious race and the only Group 1 he won, but we enjoyed many good days with him.

"My children loved him and he was the first one they went to give a carrot to."

Defoe: popular with the Varian team and racing fans alikeCredit: Edward Whitaker

Defoe amassed earnings of £809,192 having been brought through the ranks gradually, with a run of four wins as a three-year-old propelling him into Group 1 company.

Although he failed to justify his odds of 6-1 in the 2017 St Leger at Doncaster, finishing tenth of 11 and 29 lengths behind Capri, he became an established performer at the top level over middle distances.

His career peaked in the 2019 Coronation Cup when he beat Kew Gardens by half a length at Epsom, his only win at the top level, but there were other significant career highlights, including success in the Hardwicke Stakes and the 2018 Jockey Club Stakes at Newmarket – which he won by three and three-quarter lengths from Red Verdon.

Watch Defoe win the 2019 Coronation Cup

Defoe’s final start came at Royal Ascot this year when he finished third, four and a half lengths behind Fanny Logan, in last month's defence of his Hardwicke crown.

It is the second fatality suffered by Varian's stable recently as a week ago Wolferton winner Mountain Angel also suffered an injury on the gallops.

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