“Part Of The Family”: Sad Passing Of Aston Kimetto

FORMER Group race star Aston Kimetto has heartbreakingly passed away at just 4 ½ years of age.

Very much a part of the family at Jason and Seona Thompson's Pearcedale property, Aston Kimetto, or Jed as he was more affectionately known, had a tumour on his spine which ultimately led to his passing.

"We did everything in our power to try and save him but in the end the vets just said there was no other option in the circumstances," said Jason Thompson.

"It's heartbreaking for something like this to happen at such an age. Seona is doing it pretty tough as is (owner) Ray Borda  – the whole family is … he was one of the favourites. A beautiful dog."

Aston Kimetto – a hulking son of Kc And All and champion stayer Sweet It Is – was an absolute beast on the racetrack.

Winner at 11 of his 23 starts, the blueblood picked up three Group race wins along the way in the Group 3 Warragul St. Leger, Group 2 Geelong Cup and Group 2 Ballarat Cup.

Ultimately injury cut short what promised to be a remarkable career for the 37 kilo chaser blessed with a booming race finish that thrilled racegoers time and time again.

His last to first Warragul St. Leger triumph in 2018 saw gallopers the caliber of Pindari Express and My Redeemer finish behind him.

And it was more of the same a few months later when he gunned down Orson Allen right on the line to annex the Group 2 Geelong Cup in thrilling fashion.

His third and final Group win in the Group 2 Ballarat Cup was another captivating performance – grabbing victory to defeat a hot field when victory seemed improbable.

In the next few months Aston Kimetto's early progeny will begin hitting the tracks with much anticipation.

Early reports have been huge with Ray Borda pinning his faith in his former gun chaser.

And with ‘Jeds' passing yesterday the debuts of his early offspring will now take on extra significance for the Thompson family and Ray Borda.

"He was a beautiful, well natured dog, he'll be really missed," added Thompson.