Crystal Ocean's racing career is over after the 5YO sustained a leg injury during routine exercise in Newmarket earlier this week. Peter Stanley, spokesman for owner-breeder Sir Evelyn de Rothschild said, “He’s had to have two screws inserted into a cannon bone. He’s fine after surgery, he’s come through the operation and is up and about. At this stage the vet sees no problem at all in him heading to stud, but it is early days. Obviously it didn’t happen long ago, but the hope is that he makes a full recovery.”
The world was looking forward to a rematch between the superstar and dual Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner, Enable and Crystal Ocean. Japan, Sottsass and Ghaiyyath are still the favourites for the Arc with Enable being the headline runner for the event.
Sir Michael Stoute's stable star, who won the Gr.1 Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot this season, was pulled up and dismounted halfway up the Warren Hill Polytrack, put into a horse ambulance under the supervision of vets Baker McVeigh and later underwent surgery.
The following month, he faltered by just a neck to give three pounds to Enable, who is currently ranked the world's best horse, in a memorable battle up the straight in the Gr.1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot.
The son of Sea The Stars retiring with over £2,000,000 in career earnings to his name, never finished worse than third in 17 career starts.
Crystal Ocean is out of Sir Evelyn de Rothschild’s listed-winning Crystal Star, and therefore a half-brother to Gr. Canadian International winner Hillstar (GB) (Danehill Dancer {Ire}), triple group winner Crystal Capella (Ire) (Cape Cross {Ire}) and the listed-winning Crystal Zvezda (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}).