Sea Of Class "critical but stable" after operation for colic and her career is over

Sea Of Class is battling for her life after suffering a career-ending bout of colic, it emerged on Sunday morning.

Last year’s thrilling Irish Oaks and Yorkshire Oaks winner, who many believe was unfortunate not to beat Enable close in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in October, is receiving intensive care after an operation on Wednesday.

“It’s devastating news. She had surgery on Wednesday and is under intensive care," Haggas said on Sunday.

“If she was a human you would say she was critical but stable, that’s how it is, there’s nothing more I can add really. You just have to take each day as it comes.

He added: “There is no question that her racing career is over, 100 per cent.”

The fine lines that fragile thoroughbreds tread can rarely have been so vividly portrayed.

Enable thrilled racing fans with her eighth Group One triumph in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown on Saturday, while at the same time the horse who got within a short neck of her at ParisLongchamp was receiving around-the-clock care.

She had been quoted at only 5-1 for the Qipco-sponsored King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot on July 27, where a rematch with Enable was so eagerly anticipated.

Sea Of Class, owned by the Tsui family, finished fifth on her reappearance in the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot last month when connections believed she was unsuited by the rain-softened ground.

Haggas added: “This is obviously devastating news for Mrs Tsui and her family, friends and all of the team here at Somerville Lodge.

“We are all praying she makes a full and complete recovery to enjoy life as a broodmare. I will update when there is more to say.”

Equine colic is a relatively common disorder which affects the digestive system.

It can cause severe abdominal discomfort with symptoms including rolling or wanting to lie down, lack of defecation and appetite, sweating, high pulse rate and frequent attempts to urinate.

A horse may have a mild bout that resolves with a small amount of medication whereas at other times surgery may be required.

If the horse then continues to not respond positively to treatment and is suffering prolonged distress, then euthanasia may be warranted.