The Irish National Stud has confirmed the passing of 2010 Ascot Gold Cup hero Rite Of Passage (GB) (Giant's Causeway–Dahlia's Krissy, by Kris S). He was 19.
INS CEO Cathal Beale said, “Coming on the back of the recent loss of Kicking King, it is a sad day to report the passing of Rite Of Passage. He was a lovely, gentle horse who lived out his days receiving the greatest of care from all the team here. He will be deeply missed by all of us.”
Trained by Dermot Weld for owner Dr. Ronan Lambe, Rite Of Passage placed twice at the Cheltenham Festival, finishing third in the 2009 Champion Bumper and the Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle the following season. Following a three-month break, the Newsells Park Stud-bred returned to win at the Royal meeting under Pat Smullen. Rite Of Passage ran twice more after that success, winning the 2012 British Champions Long Distance Cup off a 510-day break on what was the final outing of his 12-race career.
“He was difficult to keep sound, but he was an extremely talented and courageous racehorse,” recalled Weld. “His performance in the Gold Cup was one of the best for many decades.”
“He had a wonderful retirement in the National Stud, he looked magnificent and his fabulous care is a great credit to the team at the National Stud. When I went to see him recently, he came straight over to me and reminded me of what an outstanding individual he was.”
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