Riff Rocket, three-time Group 1 winner, dies after surgery complications

Australian horse racing has said goodbye to one of its brightest young runners. Riff Rocket, a three time Group 1 winner, passed away following complications from a colic surgery he underwent last week. His trainer, Chris Waller, announced the heartbreaking news on Tuesday afternoon.
 
Riff Rocket was one of the best horses in Australia last year. The four-year-old took home seven wins from twelve starts, including one in the 2024 Australian Derby.

Remarkable career cut short

In his short racing career, Riff Rocket won three Group 1 races, secured eleven top-three finishes, and brought in over $3.5 million in prize money. The son of American Pharoah also won the New South Wales Three-Year-Old of the Year Award and was nominated for the Australian Horse of the Year title for 2023/24.
 
At just four years old, Riff Rocket looked set to add to this impressive trophy case this season and beyond.
 
However, a bought with colic cut that all short. Riff Rocket underwent emergency colic surgery last week. Early reports said he recovered well, but late post-surgery complications proved to be too much.
 
Riff Rocket was a leading Melbourne Cup contender and also a candidate to win many of this year’s derby races, which he dominated in last season.
 
Even without further honours, we have to say that Riff Rocket had a remarkable career that we know horse racing fans will look fondly back on.

Waller delivers tribute

Riff Rocket’s trainer, Chris Waller, was among the first to deliver the terrible news on Tuesday of the four-year-old’s passing. The veteran trainer delivered a touching tribute to his star sprinter in a statement released shortly after the news got out.
 
“This is a heartbreaking loss not only for the Kepitis family, but also for the entire team at Chris Waller Racing,” Waller said.
 
“Riff Rocket will forever hold a special place in our hearts, remembered for the fighting spirit he displayed both on the racetrack and in his final days.
 
“Our thoughts go out to all those who had the privilege of working with and supporting Riff Rocket throughout his career. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire us all.”
 
“Riff Rocket’s career as a three-year-old was nothing short of remarkable,” Waller concluded.
 
Riff Rocket’s last race was the Group 1 Winx Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on August 24. He finished seventh, while his stablemate Via Sistina won the $1 million contest.