2011 Melbourne Cup winner Dunaden dies in paddock accident

Dunaden, the horse who won the tightest ever finish for the Melbourne Cup when he defeated Red Cadeaux in an epic finish to the 2011 race, has died.

Qatar Racing announced that the 13-year-old stallion died at Overbury Stud in England ''due to complications following a paddock accident''.

The French-bred son of Nicobar was purchased for the trifling sum of €1500 as a yearling and went on to win more than $10 million through his success not just in Australia's greatest race but also the 2012 Caulfield Cup (under top weight from barrier 18) and other high level races.

He also won the group 1 Hong Kong Vase.

During seven seasons Dunaden ran 46 times, winning 10 races and placing a further 19 times.

Dunaden was trained initially for Sheikh Fahad, the head of Qatar Racing, by Richard Gibson in France before Gibson moved to Hong Kong, and was then handled for the remainder of his career by Mikel Delzangles in France.

It was Delzangles who sent him to Australia for his epic triumphs in the Melbourne Cup when he was partnered by Cristophe Lemaire, and in the Caulfield Cup when he was ridden by Craig Williams.

Dunaden retired from racing to stand stud in 2015.

David Redvers, Sheikh Fahad’s racing manager said: “Dunaden was a horse of iron constitution with the most exceptional will to win.

"He gave Sheikh Fahad some fantastic days and was largely responsible for the wider Qatari family becoming involved in horseracing.

''He was the most intelligent thoroughbred I have ever been involved with and we are all incredibly saddened by his death."

Sheikh Fahad added: “Dunaden was a horse of a lifetime. Winning the Melbourne Cup is a day I will never forget. He was pure class – consistent, strong and incredibly competitive ... It is a terrible loss.”

Article courtesy of Nine and The Brisbane Times