VINTAGE Premium, winner of the 2002 John Smith's Cup at York, and due to run on Derby day at Epsom on Saturday, died today on the Musley Bank gallops of his Malton trainer Richard Fahey.
It is thought that the seven-year-old suffered a heart attack.
"It is just so sad - I'll never have another like him," said a devastated Fahey, who added, "He was absolutely bouncing. I've never known him to be in better form."
Vintage Premium showed that form at York last month when winning a tough handicap in typically courageous style under Paul Hanagan, his regular rider, who had also partnered him to victory in the John Smith's Cup two years earlier.
Vintage Premium, who finished a close second in a Listed race at Hamilton, the night after his latest York win, was being prepared for tomorrow's Vodafone Rated Handicap at a meeting where he won two years ago.
"He was such a special horse, he will be buried here on the place," said Fahey.
Meanwhile, Godolphin trainer Saeed bin Suroor remains bullish about the chances of Vodafone Derby favourite Snow Ridge - but believes North Light will pose a major threat tomorrow.
Snow Ridge, a strong-finishing second in the UltimateBet.com 2000 Guineas, heads the betting for the Epsom Classic, but totesport Dante Stakes winner North Light, trained by Sir Michael Stoute, could challenge him for that honour.
Godolphin will also be represented in the Derby by Dante runner-up Rule Of Law.
Bin Suroor said: "Snow Ridge has been working very good and there is no problem at all with him. Rule Of Law is also in good form and we are very confident.
"I saw this morning that we are the favourites, but for me the Stoute horse is the one to fear."
Snow Ridge's jockey, Frankie Dettori, has yet to win the Derby after 11 attempts, coming closest when second on Tamure in 1995.
Australian ace Kerrin McEvoy has his first ride in the blue riband on Rule Of Law.
North Light will be ridden by champion jockey Kieren Fallon, who was successful 12 months ago when Stoute's Kris Kin landed a massive public gamble in the race.
Updated: 10:24 Friday, June 04, 2004
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