What is Morning Line

When you look at racecards, you will see ML. ML stands for morning line and it is the closest prediction of post-time odds on each horse that is racing. Morning line is calculated by the track handicapper and it is not live odds.

Tragic Loss of George Washington

George Washington's Breeders' Cup Classic bid ended in tragedy as he suffered a fatal injury in a race won in brilliant fashion by Curlin at Monmouth Park.

The Aidan O'Brien-trained four-year-old showed up handily early in the $5million contest, which was run on mud-splattered dirt track, but soon began to struggle.

As Curlin powered away to beat Hard Spun, George Washington's rider Mick Kinane dismounted his horse, who was quickly attended by racecourse veterinary staff. He could not be saved, however, and the decision was taken to have him humanely destroyed.

O'Brien's wife Anne-Marie was in floods of tears on the rail and was then consoled by her husband as the family walked back into the paddock.

On-course veterinarian and equine joint expert Dr Wayne McIlwraith said George Washington suffered an open fracture of both sesamoid bones.

Dr McIlwraith added: "The decision was made very quickly. The injury was bad and Aidan O'Brien made the request for euthanisation. He was with the horse.

The 24th running of the Breeders' Cup Classic World Championships at Monmouth Park featured the world's fastest thoroughbreds racing for glory, with Curlin emerging the rightful victor.

Despite wet and muddy conditions, the three-year-old edged out the deep and challenging field to finish at 2 minutes.

Here are the results:

1. Curlin
2. Hard Spun
3. Awesome Gem

The payouts at Monmouth Park were:

Win $10.80
Place $5.20, $7.60
Show $9.40

4-8 Exacta $70.80
4-8-6 Trifecta $1,290.60
4-8-6-2 Superfecta $2,146.20