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AUSTRALIA's Royal Ascot sprint campaign has ended in disappointment as Sea Siren and Soul were outclassed in the Group 1 Diamond Jubilee Stakes (1200m).
Sea Siren finished eighth after being prominent, while Soul managed to fade badly to finish second last in the 18-horse field.
Both were ultimately blown away by England's Lethal Force, who downed Society Rock and Krypton Factor.
Sea Siren is now likely to be transferred from John O'Shea's stables to Irish trainer Aiden O'Brien.
She is booked to go to super sire Galileo this season.
Earlier, an incident-marred Hardwicke Stakes ended in tragedy with the post-race death of winner Thomas Chippendale, overshadowing Melbourne Cup aspirant Dandino's superb second.
Thomas Chippendale staggered badly after he was being eased down before collapsing on the track.
His trainer Lady Jane Cecil - widowed last week with the death of Sir Henry Cecil - watched in horror from the parade ring as the horse ambulance raced to the stricken stayer.
Veterinary staff suspect the dual Royal Ascot winner suffered a heart attack and died immediately.
Jockey Johnny Murtagh's elation on notching his fourth win of the Royal meeting was quickly erased as he attempted to keep stricken Thomas Chippendale on his feet.
"It's heartbreaking," Murtagh said. "I think he's had a heart attack."
Thomas Chippendale's connections wept after learning of the horse's fate.
The race was also marred when favourite Ektihaam stumbled mid-race on a greasy track, spearing jockey Paul Hanagan through the running rail.
Hanagan was on his feet after receiving treatment.
Dandino, owned by Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock, was dogged and brave as he tried to bridge the gap to Thomas Chippendale.
Trained by Marco Botti, Dandino is Melbourne Cup bound.
"It was a good run and he was hampered when the jockey (Hanagan) fell," Botti said.
"He then hit a flat spot before staying on.
"The Melbourne Cup will be the plan and we'll keep him fresh over the summer and then for the Caulfield Cup before Melbourne (Cup).
"I can't see why he won't stay the Melbourne Cup trip."
QUEEN
Racegoers greet the Queen as the Royal procession arrives in the parading enclosure. Source: Getty Images
