Roger Varian's stable is mourning the loss of star performer Defoe, who suffered a fatal injury on the gallops this morning.
The nine-time winner raced to his biggest success last summer, when taking the Group One Coronation Cup at Epsom. On his next start, the popular grey won the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot, a race he finished third in this year on what was his final start. "It is probably not a safe assumption that only those who were closely connected with the horse will be heartbroken that he has left this life," Varian said. "Although not large in stature Defoe had the heart of a lion and his adoring fans from around the world will no doubt join us in mourning his loss and celebrating his achievements." In 22 races, the
Read more on mirror.co.uk