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European star horse George Washington fractured his cannon bone at the end of Breeders’ Cup Classic

The Breeders’ Cup Classic was marred in the final yards when European star George Washington Broke down and was euthanized on the track.

Jockey Mick Kinane pulled up George Washington at the rear of the nine-horse field as Curlin dashed to a 4½-length victory on the sloppy track at Monmouth Park.

George Washington fractured his cannon bone and was euthanized on the track at the request of trainer Aidan O’Brien, according to Dr. Larry Bramlage, the on-call veterinarian. “That’s a hopeless injury,” he said.

In the Preakness, Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro broke his leg early in the race and was euthanized eight months later. George Washington shared a tragic connection with Barbaro.

The European colt was bred by Roy and Gretchen Jackson, who owned Barbaro and spent millions of dollars trying to keep him alive. On the same day Barbaro won the Derby, George Washington won the 2000 Guineas, the opening leg of the English classics.

As George Washington skittered a few steps while lifting up his injured leg, workers rushed to him and surrounded the 4-year-old colt with brown screens that blocked the view of the crowd. A horse ambulance quickly appeared and maneuvered into position as 41,781 fans watched in silence. The workers managed to load George Washington into the ambulance under the cover of the screens.

Ironically, George Washington wasn’t supposed to be racing anymore. He was retired at the end of last year with plans to go to stud, but was found to be infertile and put back into training.

He won six of 13 career starts and earned more than $1.4 million racing mostly in Europe for owners Susan Magnier of Ireland and Englishmen Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith.

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