Ralph Beckett has paid tribute to stable star Scope after the stayer died following a training accident.
The yard's team have been left devastated by the loss of the highly-rated performer, just days after their Classic triumph with Westover in the Irish Derby. In recent runs, Scope had only just started to flourish, taking the Group 1 Prix Royal-Oak at Longchamp on his penultimate start.
But the colt's career was tragically cut short as he picked up a serious injury on Wednesday.
Beckett said: "Scope was put down this morning after fracturing his right-hind cannon bone and pastern, whilst at routine exercise. Having trained him, his entire family, and won a Group 1 with him last autumn, he meant a great deal to us and we will miss him sorely."
The winner of £288,636 in prize money had been a first success at the highest level for jockey Rob Hornby.
Scope was fancied for the Gold Cup at Ascot, but did not line up due to the quick going. Best with plenty of juice in the ground, the four-year-old relished his softest surface yet on his trip to France last October.
It was Ireland where Westover gained a breakthrough score at the weekend.
Beckett said: "Saturday (at the Curragh) was a special day for everyone involved with Westover. He was extremely impressive in the Irish Derby, winning by seven lengths. Colin Keane was positive on him from the outset, took up the running two furlongs out, and went further and further clear.
"He has come out of it well, and is a possible for The King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Stakes at the end of July."
