Catnip dies after Dubai Turf injury; jockey Lemaire is off mounts

Catnip, based in the U.S. with trainer Michael Stidham, fell in deep stretch during the running of the Group 1 Dubai Turf. Catnip was euthanized after the injury and his jockey Christophe Lemaire was taken to the hospital for observation, according to the Dubai Racing Club TV broadcast.

Nick Luck on Dubai Racing Club TV said Lemaire sat up after the fall and is speaking. He will be off the remainder of his mounts, Stars on Earth in the Dubai Sheema Classic (G1) and Derma Sotogake in the Dubai World Cup (G1).

Frankie Dettori will ride Stars on Earth in the Dubai Sheema Classic. Oisin Murphy will take the reins on Derma Sotogake, one of the favorites for the Dubai World Cup.

Catnip, a homebred for owners John and Susan Moore, was a 5-year-old gelding by Kitten's Joy out of the Silent Name mare Masquerade. His career record was 11: 4-1-2, including a win in the Monmouth Stakes (G3) in 2023. He finished third, beaten by only 3/4 length by Warm Heart, in the Pegasus World Cup Turf (G1) in his last start before going to Meydan for the Dubai Turf.