In a heartbreaking turn of events, the horse racing world has lost one of its brightest stars. Think About It, the champion racehorse who conquered Australia's richest race, The Everest, in 2023, has passed away after a valiant battle with health complications. But here's where it gets even more poignant—this isn't the first time Think About It faced death. Just a year after his Everest triumph, he survived a massive pulmonary hemorrhage following a fall in the Sydney Stakes. Yet, fate had other plans, and despite initial success with colic surgery, the beloved gelding, affectionately known as 'Spud,' couldn't overcome this final challenge.
Trained by the renowned Joe Pride, Think About It amassed over $12 million in prize money during his remarkable career. His meteoric rise from midweek BM72 races to claiming not one, but two Group 1 victories, alongside his Everest win, cemented his status as a once-in-a-lifetime horse. His story, however, is as much about resilience as it is about triumph. After his near-fatal fall, he was retired and placed in the care of Sam Clipperton, only to face another health crisis that ultimately took his life.
And this is the part most people miss—Think About It's legacy isn't just in his wins, but in his unwavering dedication. Known for giving 110% in every race, he embodied the spirit of competition, leaving everything on the track. As Proven Thoroughbreds poignantly noted in their social media statement, 'Maybe he was supposed to live fast, die young.'
With 11 wins and 3 placements from just 19 career starts, Think About It's record speaks for itself. Beyond The Everest, he dominated the Stradbroke Handicap and Kingsford Smith Cup, both at Group 1 level. His passing leaves a void in the racing community, but his story raises a thought-provoking question: Is the intense pressure and high-energy lifestyle of champion racehorses worth the risks they face?
What’s your take? Do you think the racing industry needs to reevaluate its practices to better protect these incredible animals, or is the risk an inevitable part of the sport? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
