RIYADH, Saudi Arabia--K C Branscomb's Chromatic BF, ridden by Jill Humphrey, finished a fantastic third behind Sweden's Henrik von Eckermann's King Edward and Swede's Peder Fredricson's Catch Me Not S, beating a field of top international horses in the second class at the World Cup Finals..

Hours after this great finish, Chromatic died in his stall in Riyadh.

The FEI issued a "Statement on equine fatality at FEI World Cup Final.

It is with great sadness that we announce that the US horse Chromatic BF, ridden by Jill Humphrey, has passed away during the FEI World Cup Final.

Chromatic BF had returned to the stables after competition on the evening of 18 April and later unexpectedly collapsed.

He was immediately attended to by the US Equestrian veterinary staff and FEI veterinarians but was unable to be resuscitated.

In line with the FEI Veterinary Regulations, samples have already been taken from the horse, and a full postmortem in line with FEI protocols will be conducted.

The FEI, the Organising Committee and the SAEF send their deepest condolences to the rider, owners, groom and connections."

Following the second class, the U.S. had two riders in the top five for overall standings, with von Eckermann leading on 0 faults, Fredricson second with 2 faults, Julien Epaillard of France on 4 faults, Kent Farrington on 6 faults and Humphrey on 7 faults.

The full story on the second class at the World Cup Finals and the full overall standings going into the third class, to be held Saturday at 8:45 a.m., will be posted tomorrow.