‘Once in a lifetime’ Everest winner Think About It dies after complications from colic surgery

Everest winner Think About It has died.

Proven Thoroughbreds announced the “once in a lifetime” horse was euthanised on Tuesday following complications from colic surgery.

Think About It came from nowhere at the start of 2023 to win two straight Group 1s before saluting in the $20 million Everest at Randwick in October.

It would prove to be the last victory of his career before being forced to fight for life a year later.

Think About It survived a “massive” pulmonary haemorrhage following a fall in the Sydney Stakes at Randwick.

“He was swiftly retired after that scare and placed into the care of his regular jockey Sam Clipperton,” Proven Thoroughbreds said.

“Unfortunately, our horse affectionately known as ‘Spud’ was not able to cheat death twice.

“After initially coming through colic surgery successfully, Spud took a turn for the worse despite the efforts of the amazing team at Randwick Equine Centre.

“A high-energy horse, Think About It applied himself 110 per cent to everything he did, without a great deal of self-preservation.

“He tried his absolute guts out every time he raced and that is all any owner/fan/punter can ever ask for.

“Maybe he was supposed to ‘live fast, die young’. RIP Spud.”

Think About It jumped as the favourite in the Everest and held off a fast-finishing I Wish I Win.

Clipperton fought back tears after the emotional win.

“This stuff doesn’t happen. It just went too perfect … I guess that’s what very good horses do. I’m just so privileged to be in a position of riding this horse,” Clipperton told Channel 7.

“It just comes down to my family and team around me. Came back from Hong Kong. Tried too hard. Was letting people down, letting myself down.

“Had to take a break, grew my hair out, grew a beard. Morgan nearly divorced me and had a good six months spell.

“Look, not every day are like this, they are few and far between, but I wish I could describe be what I’m feeling right now.

“I’m going to pass out.”