The community was captivated by the start of the 2025 horse racing season. Indeed, since the 2024 campaign was so successful, the fans couldn’t wait to see the action unfolding on the racetrack. And this time, the Meydan Racecourse in Dubai served as the proving grounds for many horses, but no campaign has been without its challenges.
Indeed, the season just started, and the community already witnessed a saddening incident at the popular racecourse. A certain equine worth over $1 million who was trained by a reputed trainer and ridden by a popular jockey suffered a horrifying injury during the Grade 1 Jebel Hatta and succumbed to it later on. The moment this update reached the fans online, it just left them heartbroken about the incident.
Yes, I’m talking about Measured Time, who was an absolute gem of a horse. Taking to the official X profile of Godolphin, Hugh Anderson, Managing Director of the horse racing stable, left a message, stating, “Everyone at Godolphin is deeply saddened by the passing of Measured Time. He was an immensely popular horse and will be greatly missed.”
But what happened at the Meydan Racecourse that led to this disaster? The Grade 1 race was one of the feature races of Meydan’s Fashion Friday meeting. Indeed, the anticipation from the crowd was at its peak, as there were many prominent horses present in the event, like the nine-time G1 winner and the world’s highest-earning racehorse, Romantic Warrior.
Everyone at Godolphin is deeply saddened by the passing of Measured Time. He was an immensely popular horse and will be greatly missed. More at https://t.co/zZnbrBx7nf pic.twitter.com/lFkEybE7zw
— Godolphin (@godolphin) January 24, 2025
James McDonald, the jockey who rode Romantic Warrior, won the Jebel Hatta, but William Buick’s Measured Time gave him a serious challenge. However, the Godolphin horse broke down just before the finish line and suffered a massive injury that eventually led to his death. Everyone at the racecourse was just shocked to see a prolific race coming to a disastrous end.
Anderson also shared a few words of concern for the affected jockey, stating, “We are relieved to see William Buick walk away afterward, and our thanks go to the veterinarian and medical teams at Meydan for their swift care and compassion in an extremely unfortunate situation.” Horse racing is very unpredictable, and such incidents scare the ones who awaited the race in pure anticipation. However, the community was just heartbroken after hearing the update on Measured Time.
An epic horse racing career cut short
The horse from the popular Godolphin horse racing stables was just four years old. Indeed, Measured Time’s career was cut short with this fatal injury, and the horse racing community has united to send their condolences, as one fan wrote, “Very sorry for your loss it’s heartbreaking. May your boy rest in peace.” Another fan knew how special of a horse he was, stating, “The loss of Measured Time leaves a void that speaks to the special bond between horse and human. His legacy will endure, forever cherished by those he touched.”
Since Measured Time put his foot on the racecourse for the first time back in February 2023, he was a dominant prodigy. Many looked forward to his performances, and he kept proving to everyone his worth. Previously, he had raced at the Meydan Racecourse in events like the Al Rashidiya and Jebel Hatta, where he emerged victorious.
Measured Time’s final race, where he won, was also at the Meydan Racecourse in last year’s Al Rashidiya on December 20. Sadly, this news was unbelievable for many, as one fan stated, “My heart aches, I loved this great horse and wished to see him as a stallion at Darley. Please accept my condolences.” Another fan wrote, “Sincere condolences to all connections, a very sad day and so not deserved RIP beautiful boy.” This fan also sent their goodbyes, stating, “He was a very brave lad! His daddy would be proud.”
Watching horses race in different conditions on various racecourses might be adrenaline-pumping. But sometimes accidents occur on track, and just like Measured Time, many horses have lost their lives to these incidents. Even though the industry has grown a lot considering the safety practices, there’s always room for fans who are concerned for these animals.
The post “RIP”: Horse Racing Community Mourns as Fatal Injury Steals $1 Million Equine in Dubai appeared first on EssentiallySports.
