A much loved and popular racehorse, Rangirangdoo succumbed to injuries suffered in the Doomben 10,000

Bred at Cambridge by Wayne and Vicki Pike, the son of Pentire and She Wishes was sold for $170,000 at the 2006 Premier Yearling Sale at Karaka to Myles Plumb, an agent, of Queensland. Rangirangdoo was raced by World War II veteran Noel Morgan, of the Gold Coast, and trained in Sydney by Chris Waller. Rangirangdoo proved to Chris Waller he was something special after a commanding victory at Randwick and the trainer then aimed the four-year-old towards the Group One Epsom Handicap. Ridden by Daniel Ganderton, Rangirangdoo was travelling comfortably in fourth at the 400 metres before the Pentire gelding was asked for something. He responded with a powerful finishing burst to defeat stablemate Mr Ubiquitous by a length with favourite My Sweet Cookie 2-1/4 lengths away third.

Rangirangdoo was only raced sparingly after the defeat by Theseo during the 2010 autumn carnival, but the injury-plagued galloper came out at his next start to win the Doncaster Mile. Nash Rawiller won the 2010 Doncaster on Rangirangdoo, beating Road to Rock and Brilliant Light, while Corey Brown was aboard in the 2011 George Ryder Stakes, his other Group One win. Rangirangdoo won 10 of his 34 starts and more than $2.25 million prize money. Prior to his 2010 Ranvet second, Rangirangdoo had also been denied by small margins in both the 2009 Epsom Handicap and 2010 Chipping Norton Stakes. Rangirangdoo has been on the comeback trail from injury again this preparation but Waller saw positive signs in the Chipping Norton to suggest a bold showing would be expected in the Ranvet.

Chris Waller was buoyant on the performance of the tough and brilliant Rangirangdoo after his comeback continued in fine fashion after winning the 2011 Gr.1 George Ryder Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill. Forced to drastically change tack in the straight in order to find racing room, the six-year-old son of Pentire balanced up beautifully on straightening, to power after the game leader Vision and Power and, in the closest of margins, Rangirangdoo put his nose down at the line to record his second Group 1 victory. Two starts back from a serious suspensory injury which saw him off the track for almost a year, Rangirangdoo's bold win from a difficult position in the straight only adds to the significance of his achievement.

Morgan won 10 Group 1 races over the years and owned some fabulous horses including the likes of Kermadec and Kolding, but he has a special place in his heart for Doncaster winner Rangirangdoo. Sadly, Rangirangdoo broke down and could not be saved in the Doomben 10,000 of 2013 and it was one of trainer Chris Waller and owner Morgan’s most devastating moments. Waller sprinted on to the Doomben track after the 10,000 to be with his stricken galloper, but quickly realised there was no hope. He was still in shock when he returned to the mounting enclosure. Rangirangdoo was euthanased after breaking both sesamoids in the feature race.

RACE RECORD - 34: 10-10-2

EARNINGS - $2,234,480

1st G1 Doncaster Handicap

1st G1 George Ryder Stakes

1st G2 Expressway Stakes

1st G2 Crystal Mile

1st G3 Tramway Stakes

2nd G1 Epsom Handicap

2nd G2 Shannon Stakes

2nd G1 Ranvet Stakes (2010/2012)

2nd G1 George Main Stakes

2nd G2 Crystal Mile

2nd G1 Chipping Norton Stakes

2nd G2 Apollo Stakes