Geaux Rocket Ride does not recover from surgery, is euthanized

Arcadia, Calif.

After getting a final veterinary examination Wednesday, Grade 1 winner Geaux Rocket Ride was euthanized, his owners said in a social-media post.

“It is with very heavy hearts that we report that, at the recommendation of the medical team, Geaux Rocket Ride has finally reached peace,” Pin Oak Stud said in a message posted on X, formerly Twitter, on Wednesday evening.

After an early report that Geaux Rocket Ride had been euthanized Wednesday morning, trainer Richard Mandella said that was not yet the case and that Dr. Larry Bramlage of Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital had flown from Kentucky to California to make an evaluation. That visit then led to the decision to euthanize.

“The immense effort that went into Geaux Rocket Ride’s medical care following Saturday’s injury is a testament to his team’s deep commitment to his wellbeing,” the Breeders’ Cup said in a statement Wednesday. “Our thoughts are with Pin Oak Stud, Richard Mandella and everyone affected by his loss.”

The 3-year-old colt by Candy Ride who was owned by Jim and Dana Bernhard of Baton Rouge, La., had surgery performed by Dr. Ryan Carpenter on Sunday to repair a condylar fracture in his right front leg. Geaux Rocket Ride was hurt during a Saturday workout at Santa Anita in preparation for the Breeders’ Cup Classic this weekend.

“His mind and his spirit never quit, but his body never recovered from surgery,” the Pin Oak statement said. “He had a very rare response post-op, and he wasn't able to stand up again. He fought hard, and our team of vets tried everything they could. We are grateful for Dr. Bramlage, Dr. Carpenter, Dr. (Nathan) Slovis, Dr. (Andreas) Klohnen and all of the other doctors and medical staff who helped Rocket.”

Bred in Kentucky by OXO Equine out of the Uncle Mo mare Beyond Grace and bought as a yearling for $350,000, Geaux Rocket Ride did not make his racing debut until January, when he delivered a maiden win at Santa Anita. That was where he then finished second in the San Felipe (G2).

Spikes in his temperature and white-cell count were the reasons Mandella gave for Geaux Rocket Ride’s absence from the Santa Anita Derby (G1). Held out of the Triple Crown races, too, the colt came back to win the Affirmed Stakes on June 4 and then the Haskell (G1) on July 22, repelling Kentucky Derby winner Mage by 1 3/4 lengths.

A runner-up finish to Arabian Knight in the Pacific Classic (G1) during Labor Day weekend was supposed to be Geaux Rocket Ride’s tune-up for the Breeders’ Cup. Instead, it was his last race.

Geaux Rocket Ride finished with earnings of $980,200 from a record of 5: 3-2-0.

“We are appreciative of all of the support that we’ve received from everyone,” the Pin Oak statement said. “We made sure he knew how loved he was. Geaux Rocket Ride was the first member of our Pin Oak family, and he will never be forgotten. We will miss you forever, Rocket.”