Blue Diamond Stakes winner Hayasugi has died following complications from recent surgery.
Devastated trainer Clinton McDonald announced the star filly’s death on Thursday, saying her “legacy and fighting spirit will live on among us forever”.
Hayasugi emerged as one of Australia’s best two-year-olds last season after making a clean sweep of the Blue Diamond series.
She resumed after a promising spring campaign to win two lead-up races before producing a sweeping run to edge out subsequent Golden Slipper winner Lady Of Camelot in the $2 million Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield in February.
It would be the last but most important win of her career but she gave every indication there was more to come as a three-year-old when runner-up in the Group 1 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley in September.
Hayasugi raced eight times for three wins and two placings, earning almost $1.8 million for a syndicate that included bloodstock agent Shane McGrath.
McGrath selected Hayasugi, a daughter of Royal Meeting, out of the 2022 Inglis Australian Weanling Sale for $47,500.
Hayasugi had hind foot surgery in October but the issue couldn’t be resolved before she was euthanised on Thursday.
She had not been seen in public since contesting a Cranbourne jumpout on October 14.
"The ownership group is devastated by this difficult decision but is very proud of her achievements both on and off the field," a Clinton McDonald Racing statement read.
"She demonstrated her electric turn of foot and perseverance toward the finishing post, and she was undoubtedly among the best of all juveniles for the 2023/24 season.
Hayasugi winning the 2024 Blue Diamond Stakes. (Vision: YouTube)
"She exhibited the best temperament and was as adorable as her ownership group.
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“We are sure Hayasugi will be fondly remembered by the racing world for her clean sweep of the 2024 Blue Diamond Stakes series.
"We would like to thank the veterinary team, led by Dr Massimo Deli-Rocchili for their efforts in trying to save her, as well as all the other professionals who provided us with invaluable options during her valiant struggle for survival.
"Hayasugi's anticipated journey was tragically cut short, but her legacy and fighting spirit will live on among us forever."
Warwick Barr
Jockey Jamie Kah formed a special bond with Hayasugi during the filly’s rise, culminating in her Blue Diamond victory when she came from a seemingly impossible position at the top of the straight.
“We are also most grateful to all the stable staff and all the other professionals for their hard work behind the scenes in achieving her success,” the statement continued.
“Last, but not least, we would like to thank all the race followers who supported and cheered for her.”
