George Washington put down after Classic

OCEANPORT, New Jersey (Reuters) - Irish raider George Washington, trained by Aidan O'Brien and ridden by Mick Kinane, had to be put down after breaking a leg in Saturday's Breeders' Cup Classic, said track doctor Larry Bramledge.

The four-year-old had raced in the first five early on but began to lose touch before halfway and Kinane quickly dismounted.

Racecourse veterinary staff were swiftly on hand but the horse could not be saved.

It was a sad end for the colt who had returned to racing at the beginning of the season after failing at stud following a high-class though sometimes chequered career as a racehorse.