Chriselliam euthanized

Chriselliam had a right hind hoof infection that proved uncontrollable (Breeders’ Cup Ltd.) European champion Chriselliam, who had been battling an infection in her right hind hoof since mid-January, was euthanized Friday. Last seen dominating the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf at Santa Anita, she was a leading contender for the May 4 One Thousand Guineas at Newmarket. “The vets were unable to get the infection under control with the antibiotics,” trainer Charlie Hills told Racing Post. “She went up for surgery earlier today and they found the infection had spread and she had to be put down. It was progressing into the pedal bone. She has had the problem for a month and during that time every effort has been made to resolve it but unfortunately it was uncontrollable. “She was hugely talented, with a wonderful temperament. She never lost her appetite through the last month and was a fantastic patient, which is a tribute to her.” Campaigned by retired rider Willie Carson, Emily Asprey and Chris Wright, Chriselliam developed into a superstar over the course of her two-year-old season. The daughter of Iffraaj was ninth in her May 24 debut at Haydock, but next time in a July 11 maiden at Warwick, she broke the juvenile course record when speeding about seven furlongs in 1:22.74.

Although Chriselliam didn’t sparkle in her first stakes attempt in the August
17 Prix du Calvados at Deauville, winding up ninth, she came right back to
tackle males in the September 7 Ascendant Stakes at Haydock, and nearly upset
Richard Hannon’s highly-regarded Chief Barker. Richard Hughes, who had to work
hard to force Chief Barker ahead on that occasion, subsequently joined forces
with Chriselliam in her remaining two starts.

Despite that solid piece of form, Chriselliam was overlooked at odds of 28-1
in the September 27 Fillies’ Mile at Newmarket. She proved the market all wrong
with a dynamic display from the back of the pack, easily overhauling Rizeena,
the Moyglare Stud and Queen Mary winner, to prevail by a length. Ihtimal, who
was coming off impressive victories in the May Hill and Sweet Solera, could do
no better than third.

Chriselliam deployed a similarly stylish turn of foot in the Breeders’ Cup.
Traveling much the best as she advanced in the midst of rivals on the far turn,
she stormed home readily by 2 1/2 lengths.

“She’s one of the best fillies I’ve ridden, and she proved it today,” Hughes
said after the Juvenile Fillies Turf.

In recognition of her standout performance, Chriselliam was named a finalist
for an Eclipse Award as champion two-year-old filly. Twice a winner at the
highest level, she earned $729,460 from her
6-3-1-0 line.

Chriselliam was bred by Ballylinch Stud in Ireland and sold for $67,843 as a
Tattersalls October yearling. A half-sister to Grade 3-placed Janicellaine, she
was produced by the Danehill mare Danielli, who is in turn a half-sister to
Group 1 queens Priory Belle and Eva’s Request. This is also the family of the
ill-fated stayer Fox Hunt, the hero of the 2011 Deutsches St Leger and 2012 Nad
al Sheba Trophy who lost his life next time out in the Dubai Gold Cup.

One day before her death, Chriselliam’s form was flattered in Dubai.
Godolphin’s Ihtimal paid her a handsome compliment when demolishing the U.A.E.
One Thousand Guineas.