Last year's Blue Diamond Stakes (G1) winner Hayasugi has died due to complications following foot surgery.
"It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of 2024 Blue Diamond Stakes winner Hayasugi, who valiantly fought ongoing complications post-surgery," the three-time winner's trainer Clinton McDonald said in a Jan. 2 statement.
"Unfortunately, we had no alternative but to euthanize her this afternoon. The ownership group is devastated by this difficult decision but very proud of her achievements both on and off the field.
"On the field, she demonstrated her electric turn of foot and perseverance towards the finishing post and she was undoubtedly among the best of all juveniles for the 2023-24 season.
"Off the field, she exhibited the best temperament and was as adorable as her ownership group. We are sure Hayasugi will be fondly remembered by the racing world for her clean sweep of the 2024 Blue Diamond series. Hayasugi's anticipated journey was tragically cut short but her legacy and fighting spirit will live on among us forever."
Purchased by Shane McGrath for AU$47,500 at the 2022 Inglis Australian Weanling Sale, Hayasugi became the first group 1 winner for Lovatsville stallion Royal Meeting from his first crop.
Following her triumphant 3-year-old season, she raced only two times as a 3-year-old, finishing second in the Moir Stakes (G1). She ended her career with a record of 3-2-0 from eight starts and earnings of AU$1.78 million.
