Dermot Weld has paid tribute to Rite of Passage after it was announced he had passed away at age 19.
The announcement was made earlier today by The Irish National Stud.
Trained by Weld and owned by Dr. Ronan Lambe Rite of Passage enjoyed a memorable career that included two third placed finishes at the Cheltenham Festival in 2009 and 2010.
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Rite of Passage's finest hour came at Royal Ascot in 2010 when, ridden by Pat Smullen, Rite Of Passage dug deep to fend off the challenge of Age Of Aquarius by a neck at odds of 20-1.
Rite of Passage only ran on two more occasions after that and won the British Champions Long Distance Cup in 2012 in what was his final race outing.
Weld said: “He got a brilliant ride from Pat Smullen and came back two years later to win the Long Distance Cup on Champions Day. He was difficult to keep sound, but he was an extremely talented and courageous racehorse. His performance in the Gold Cup was one of the best for many decades.
“He had a wonderful retirement in the National Stud, he looked magnificent and his fabulous care is a great credit to the team at the National Stud. When I went to see him recently, he came straight over to me and reminded me of what an outstanding individual he was.”
INS CEO Cathal Beale said, “Coming on the back of the recent loss of Kicking King, it is a sad day to report the passing of Rite Of Passage. He was a lovely, gentle horse who lived out his days receiving the greatest of care from all the team here.
“I would like to thank his connections for entrusting him to us and pay special tribute once again to Leona Harmon who cares for all our horses with such great affection.
“He will be deeply missed by all of us.”
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