UAE Derby Winner Blues and Royals Euthanized

Blues and Royals, winner of the Saeed and Mohammed al Naboodah UAE Derby (UAE-II) in March, was euthanized according to Godolphin racing's Web site. The 3-year-old colt won two of four starts and earned $1,216,980.

According to the June 16 post on the Web site, Blues and Royals "developed colitis, his condition deteriorated and nothing could be done to save him." Blues and Royals had shipped from the United Arab Emirates to the United States and was stabled at Belmont Park.

Bred in Florida by Cheryl A. Curtain, Blues and Royals was by Honour and Glory and was out of the Dixieland Band mare Dixieland Blues. He was a half-brother to millionaire Limehouse, winner of the Brooklyn Handicap (gr. II) June 11 on the Belmont Stakes (gr. I) undercard.

The bay colt was purchased by Godolphin through bloodstock agent John Ferguson for $400,000 out of the 2003 Keeneland September yearling sale. He was consigned by Eaton Sales, agent.

Blues and Royals started his career in England, breaking his maiden at first asking at York June 12 while going six furlongs. He then ran second, beaten a neck, July 17 at Newbury. His 2-year-old campaign came to a close Aug. 11 in a fourth-place finish going seven furlongs at Sandown.

In his lone start at 3, and lone dirt start, he won the UAE Derby at Nad al Sheba by 12 lengths, getting the about 1 1/8 miles in 1:50.05. He was trained by Saeed bin Suroor.