Laminitis claims 2,000 Guineas winner Ruling Court

Ruling Court, winner of the Group 1 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket on May 3, has died. The 3-year-old son of Justify was euthanized because of complications from laminitis.

"Everyone at Godolphin is deeply saddened by the loss of Ruling Court," trainer Charlie Appleby said in a Godolphin news release. "He gave everyone a fantastic day at Newmarket in May and he will be sorely missed. I would like to thank all of the team, who did everything they could to save him."

Ruling Court began his career with a 5 1/2-length debut win in a maiden race at Sandown in July of his 2-year-old year. After a third-place run behind The Lion in Winter in the Acomb Stakes (G3) at York in August, he went on a fall-winter layoff.

Ruling Court began his sophomore season with a six-length victory in the UAE 2000 Guineas on March 1 at Meydan. He followed that up with his signature victory, a hard-fought half-length victory over favored Field of Gold in the 2,000 Guineas.

That May 3 victory was one of three classic wins for Godolphin over a two-day span. Godolphin also won the Kentucky Oaks (G1) on May 2 with Good Cheer and the Kentucky Derby on May 3 with Sovereignty.

Ruling Court raced two more times over the summer. He was third, 7 1/4 lengths behind Field of Gold, in the St. James's Palace (G1) at Royal Ascot on June 17. He returned July 5 at Sandown, making his first start against older in the Eclipse Stakes (G2). He finished third, two lengths behind Delacroix.