Rising sprinter Brave Mead dies following ‘catastrophic’ injury at trackwork

Rising sprinter Brave Mead has been euthanised after suffering a catastrophic injury at trackwork on Tuesday morning.

Brave Mead was being prepared for Saturday’s Group 2 Arrowfield 3YO sprint at Randwick and would have been among the favourites after winning the Listed Darby Munro Stakes last start.

He had won five of his 12 starts and only failed to place once, with earnings just shy of $700,000.

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Ciaron Maher Racing released a statement confirming the devastating news.

“We’re heartbroken to report that Brave Mead suffered a catastrophic injury during a routine gallop at Warwick Farm this morning, and was euthanised at Randwick Equine once it was confirmed surgery wasn’t an option,” they said.

“He was a horse that spent time at most of our locations, making it a loss that will be felt throughout CMR.

“On the track, he was as tough as they come, only missing a place once in his 12 starts, with 5 wins including 3 at Group & Listed level.

“Off the track, he was as kind and gentle a colt as you’ll find. It’s a loss that will be felt particularly deeply at Warwick Farm, as Georgia Schofield helped prep him as a baby, while Marcus Eleftheriou (pictured below) adored him so much, that he drove from Ballarat to Pakenham just to watch his debut run.

“Our thoughts and condolences go out to his owners, Australian Bloodstock and all who had the pleasure of working with him. It’s a cruel game sometimes, but the love, passion and admiration that our team have for these wonderful animals can never be questioned.”

As well as winning the Darby Munro Stakes three weeks ago, Brave Mead was victorious in the Group 3 Manfred Stakes at Caulfield in January.