The much-loved colt George Washington has had to be put down after suffering a broken leg, it has been reported.
Only 100 yards away from the finishing line of the Breeder's Cup at Monmouth Park, the four-year-old colt went down with a broken leg.
The horse's trainer, Aidan O'Brien decided that George Washington could not be saved after it was found that the horse had sustained open fractures to both of its sesamoid bones in its off-fore.
On-course veterinarian Dr Wayne McIlwraith was quoted in the Guardian as saying: "The decision was made very quickly. The injury was bad and Aidan O'Brien made the request for euthanisation.
"He was with the horse. Typically these injuries occur in the last part of the race."
Often towards the end of the race the horses are more tired so the joint does not have as much support, Dr McIlwraith added.
The much-loved colt George Washington has had to be put down after suffering a broken leg, it has been reported.