Robbie Laing’s stable stalwart, Stars of Carrum, tragically lost his life during a routine trackwork session at Cranbourne on Wednesday morning.
The eight-year-old gelding, celebrated for his 2018 G2 Moonee Valley Vase victory, had recently shown promise with a strong comeback at the same track.
“He was only cantering, he went three furlongs and he blundered.” Laing said.
“He had Sunday off and had a swim yesterday and this morning he was just trotting and cantering.
“He was beaten 2.3 lengths and was the quickest sectional home (on Saturday), I was rapt and he had pulled up fantastic.”
Despite this unfortunate incident, Stars of Carrum had recuperated well after his last race and was in splendid form.
The son of Fiorente had a unique story as Laing’s sole yearling purchase in 2017, costing $75,000 at the Inglis Melbourne Premier Sale.
Overcoming two tendon injuries and being under the care of various trainers, including Michael Kent, Pat Carey, and Peter Moody, Stars of Carrum amassed an impressive $729,055 in prizemoney.