French Assault is euthanized

GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas - French Assault, who was forced to declare from the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby in March because of a rare disorder eventually diagnosed as chronic inflammation of the intestines, was euthanized Wednesday, said trainer Keith Desormeaux.

In recent months, French Assault had undergone treatments at Desormeaux's farm in Maurice, La.

"He wasn't responding," said Desormeaux, who trained French Assault for Adam Richey and James Strode. "They gave him every chance."

As a 2-year-old, French Assault won the $100,000 El Joven Stakes at Retama Park by 11 1/4 lengths, and went on to finish second to Repent in the Grade 3 Kentucky Cup Juvenile and sixth in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile. In his lone start at 3, he was fourth in the Grade 3 Risen Star at Fair Grounds. French Assault, a son of French Deputy, closed out his career with two wins from nine starts and earnings of $141,090.

"I don't think we got close to what his ability was going to be," said Desormeaux.