X Y Jet , a flashy veteran sprinter who made the 2019 Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1) his signature victory, died Wednesday morning of a heart attack, trainer Jorge Navarro announced, after his routine racetrack gallop. The gelded son of Kantharos was 8 years old.

Navarro described X Y Jet as "part of my family" who "took us through a wonderful and exciting roller coaster of emotions." Campaigned by Rockingham Ranch, Gelfenstein Farm and David Bernsen, he returned from multiple knee surgeries to continue running infrequently, but at the highest levels in his division.

The former $56,000 auction purchased racked up more than $3 million in earnings, winning 12 of 26 career starts. His other graded scores included the 2015 and 2017 Mr. Prospector (G3); the 2016 Gulfstream Park Sprint Stakes (G3); and the 2018 Smile Sprint (G3). He also ran second in the 2016 and 2018 Golden Shaheen renewals before breaking through in 2019.

X Y Jet most recently set fast fractions in the Dec. 21 Mr. Prospector and finished sixth in what wound up as his finale.

"Since his arrival at my stable at the end of 2014, I immediately felt that connection with him, which remained until today and will surely remain with me until the day of my departure," Navarro said. "I owe X Y Jet so much, that I’m sure there are no words that can specify my thanks to his nobility and class.

"I do not say goodbye to a horse. I say goodbye to a friend that I will carry forever in my heart.
"Keep running fast to your next destination X Y Jet."

HorseracingNation.com

Image of XY Jet in Dubai (SAHorseracing.COM image)