Godolphin have paid tribute to Dubai World Cup winner Electrocutionist after he died following a suspected heart attack.

The five-year-old, winner of two of his four starts for Sheikh Mohammed`s operation, had been undergoing treatment for a heart problem.

Racing manager Simon Crisford told godolphin.com: "Earlier in the week, we detected an abnormality in Electrocutionist`s heart. He was admitted to the veterinary hospital for tests and further investigations.

"He appeared to be responding well to treatment, but during the night he suffered what seems to have been a fatal heart attack. It is terribly sad. He was a great horse for Godolphin and a real stable favourite. He will be sorely missed by all of us."

Formerly trained in Italy by Valfredo Valiani and previously owned by Earle Mack, Electrocutionist won both the Gran Premio di Milano and Juddmonte International last term. After finishing third in the Canadian International at Woodbine, the Red Ransom horse was snapped up by Godolphin to winter with their team in Dubai.

Electrocutionist reappeared at Nad Al Sheba in March, proving his versatility on dirt by lifting a Group Two in imperious style before going on to score a thrilling success in the World Cup.

Two starts in Britain this term had yielded second places behind Ouija Board in the Prince of Wales`s Stakes at Royal Ascot before he just came off second-best in a titanic battle against Hurricane Run in King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes.

Frankie Dettori partnered the horse on each of his last four starts and he was upset to hear the news.

"Electrocutionist`s World Cup win was a really fantastic performance," he said. "It is desperately sad that we have lost him, because he was one of those horses who always seemed to relish a battle. It is a terrible blow for the whole team."

Electrocutionist won eight of his 12 career starts and accumulated well over �3million in prize money.

BHB