Clinton McDonald mourns Blue Diamond Stakes winner Hayasugi

The Clinton Mcdonald stable is mourning the loss of history-defying filly Hayasugi, who succumbed to complications from surgery.

McDonald on Thursday announced that last year’s Blue Diamond winner had been euthanized owing to issues stemming from the hoof injury that prematurely ended her spring campaign.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of 2024 Blue Diamond Stakes winner Hayasugi, who valiantly fought on-going complications post-surgery,” McDonald said in a statement.

“Unfortunately, we had no alternative but to euthanize her this after.

“The ownership group is devastated by this difficult decision but very proud of her achievements both on and off the field.

“On the field she demonstrated her electric turn of foot and perseverance towards the finishing post and she was undoubtedly among the best of all juveniles for the 2023/24 season.

“Of the field she exhibited the best temperament and was as adorable as her ownership group.

“We are sure Hayasugi will be fondly remembered by the racing world for her clean sweep of the 2024 Blue Diamond series.

“Hayasugi’s anticipated journey was tragically cut short but her legacy and fighting spirit will live on among us forever.”

The daughter of Royal Meeting became the first filly in almost 40 years to win all three legs of the Blue Diamond series – Preview, Prelude and Group 1 decider – when she overpowered subsequent Golden Slipper champion Lady Of Camelot in the 1200-metre event at Caulfield.

Hayasugi’s Golden Slipper quest was over shortly after the start when the filly badly missed the start.

She raced only two times as a three-year-old, for a second placing at weight-for-age in the Group 1 Moir Stakes before a ninth placing in the Group 1 Manikato Stakes.

She ended her career with three wins and two second placings from just eight starts for earnings of $1.78 million.