Racing enthusiasts have been left heartbroken and described feeling 'absolutely sick' following the tragic death of a popular former Royal Ascot contender during a major race in Australia. The six-year-old gelding Cannonball had to be euthanised after sustaining a horrific injury to his left front leg while competing in the Group 2 Australia Stakes at Pakenham in Victoria.
A Career That Spanned Continents
Cannonball, trained initially by the father-and-son duo Peter and Paul Snowden, had built a respectable career on both sides of the globe. His form in Australia earned him a trip to the prestigious Royal Ascot meeting in 2023, where he contested both the King's Stand Stakes and the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes.
Despite showing promise by winning a Group 3 race and securing third place in the Group 1 Galaxy in Sydney prior to his UK campaign, his Royal Ascot appearances were disappointing. He finished last in the King's Stand and unseated his jockey, Danny Tudhope, in the Jubilee Stakes after rearing at the start.
Return to Australia and Final Outing
Upon returning to Australia, Cannonball changed stables twice before landing with trainer Patrick Kearney. There were signs of a resurgence in November when he performed well in a Listed race at Flemington, offering hope that he was rediscovering his best form.
His final race was the Australia Stakes on Friday, where he started as an outsider. The race began promisingly for the gelding; he broke well and was positioned on the outside of the leader, Veight, as they turned into the home straight.
The Tragic Incident That Overshadowed the Race
Tragedy struck at the three-furlong mark when Cannonball suffered a catastrophic breakdown, fracturing his left foreleg. Jockey John Allen quickly pulled him up, but the incident caused a collision with another horse, Marhaba, who subsequently had to be eased out of the contest.
The race was won by Hedged, who set a new track record, but the victory was completely overshadowed by the distressing events involving Cannonball. The official stewards' report confirmed the severity of the injury, stating the horse had 'sustained a serious racing injury to the left fore' and was humanely euthanised on veterinary advice. The matter was referred to Racing Victoria's Veterinary Services Department for further review.
Outpouring of Grief from the Racing Community
The news prompted an immediate and emotional response from fans and followers on social media, with many expressing their profound sadness and anger. One poignant post captured the collective sentiment: 'Feel absolutely sick about Cannonball. Did not deserve that. The part of Racing that makes me sick to my stomach. Beautiful horse that we had at the start of his career. Thought he should have been retired a while ago.'
Another supporter added: 'Awful scenes at Pakenham with Cannonball in the Australia Stakes, thoughts go out to Pat Kearny and the connections.' The incident has reignited difficult conversations within the sport about welfare, risk, and the intense pressures of elite competition.
Cannonball's death serves as a stark and sombre reminder of the inherent dangers of horse racing, leaving a community to mourn a talented athlete whose career promised much but ended in the most tragic of circumstances.
