Unbeaten filly Amalfi Sunrise euthanized after developing laminitis

Amalfi Sunrise, a Grade 2-winning juvenile filly who trainer Simon Callaghan will remember for “immense talent,” was recently euthanized due to complications of laminitis.

The Doug Branham and Marsha Naify runner rolled June 23 on debut at Santa Anita Park, then backed it up Aug. 3 by distancing to a six-length victory in Del Mar’s Sorrento Stakes (G2).

Later that month, Amalfi Sunrise was hospitalized with pneumonia, a diagnosis that ultimately ended her career.

“So often when they do contract pneumonia and have to fight that, laminitis is the concern afterward,” Callaghan said Friday. “She fought it really hard. She came a long way, and we thought was over the hump. Then she foundered in behind again.”

Amalfi Sunrise, a $185,000 purchase as a 2-year-old in training, looked like a leader in her division. There were hopes initially that she could race in 2020, or at the least become a broodmare.

“I really do think she’s a filly that would have been ultra tough if she was in the Breeders’ Cup,” Callaghan said. “She’s got enormous speed, and she was just going to keep carrying her speed. She was a tough, talented filly.

“You don’t normally see them draw off and win Grade 2s at Del Mar the type of way she did. She’s definitely a filly that we had really, really high aspirations for.”