In a devastatingly blow for the connections of top New Zealand thoroughbred Lion Tamer, the Group 1 winning stallion has been euthanised at Moonee Valley after breaking down following their run in the 2011 Cox Plate.

Dual Group 1 winner Lion Tamer has been put down after breaking down during the 2011 Cox Plate

Storming Home four-year-old Lion Tamer, a dual Group 1 winner who will always be remembered for his sensational Victoria Derby victory during the 2010 spring carnival, put in 100% in today’s $3 million Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m).

Unfortunately the Murray Baker-trained Lion Tamer broke his hind leg during the run, fading to finish last 11 lengths from the Cox Plate winner Pinker Pinker, jockey Hugh Bowman jumping off their back seconds after getting over the line.

Marring the Cox Plate Day spirit, Lion Tamer had to be put down immediately, just one week out from the victory of their Victoria Derby victory.

By British sire Storming Home from Generous mare Lioness, Lion Tamer raced 15 times for six wins and two minor placings amassing over $1.3 million in prize money.

Their most notable victories came in the 2010 Victoria Derby, where they beat a crack field by six and a half lengths at Flemington, and more recently their smart Group 1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) victory at Caulfield on September 17.