On Thursday, Canada’s Horse of the Year, the renowned Ofurihan, was euthanized. Patch-Ouhan, ridden by Sofia Vibbs, had recently won a Grade 2 Highlander race by a narrow margin at Woodbine Racecourse, surpassing My Boy Prince. However, after the race, Patch Olihan was pulled up and transported for further veterinary evaluation. The examination revealed soft tissue damage, and according to a statement from Woodbine, owner and breeder Frank Di Guillio reported that Ofurihan’s condition worsened over time.
Diguilio explained, “After continuous consultations with our vets and surgeons, it was concluded that surgery would not ensure a good quality of life for him.” He added, “We, like many fans, will deeply miss watching him race. Ofurihan was an extraordinary, beautiful horse, both in temperament and appearance. He had a fierce love for racing, unmatched heart and honesty.” The 5-year-old Ontario-bred horse finished his career with an impressive 13 wins and one second place out of 16 starts.
Fan Take: This loss is deeply felt in the horse racing community as Ofurihan was not only a champion on the track but also a symbol of determination and spirit. His passing reminds us of the fragility of these incredible athletes and underscores the importance of their welfare in the sport going forward.
