European champion Roaring Lion euthanized after colic bout

Roaring Lion, the European champion who made his final career start in last year's Breeders' Cup Classic, was euthanized Friday after a cout of colic in New Zealand, where he was standing for stud duties during the southern hemisphere's breeding season.

The Kentucky-bred son of Kitten's Joy "was observed to be uncomfortable in his stable," according to Tweenhills Stud, where Roaring Lion retired to following a multiple Group 1-winning 3-year-old campaign. 

"There operating surgeons Dr. Alanna Zantingh and Dr. Greg Quinn performed ultrasound examination," the announcement reads, and "the decision was made on welfare grounds to put Roaring Lion to sleep.”

The colt was already recovering from dual colic surgery performed within days of one another when this latest diagnosis was made.

John Gosden trained Roaring Lion for Qatar Racing. Among his victories were the 2018 Epsom Derby (G1), Juddmonte International (G1), Irish Champion Stakes (G1) and Queen Elizabeth II (G1).

He didn't take to dirt in the Breeders' Cup, finishing last of 14 at Churchill Downs. Later that month, however, Roaring Lion was crowned Cartier Horse of the Year in Europe given his exemplary record back home.