Search
where the horse is always the hero
Article Item
Posted 2023-08-07 08:34:59  
Star filly breaks down in front of thousands at Saratoga

The world witnessed the catastrophic indicident of Maple Leaf Mel breaking down near the finish line in the Grade 1 Test on Saturday. She was an unbeaten 5 from 5 filly seemingly clear and ready to win the Grade 2 event when she snapped her ankle and was subsequently euthanized. Saratogay released the following statement. Image of her just before breaking down. 

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) is saddened to report that Maple Leaf Mel sustained a catastrophic injury to her right front leg at the finish of Saturday’s Grade 1, $500,000 Test at Saratoga Race Course. Despite the immediate response of on-site veterinarians, the filly was humanely euthanized due to the severity of the injury.

Maple Leaf Mel was ridden by Joel Rosario and trained by Melanie Giddings. Rosario was unseated during the incident and sent to Albany Medical Center for further evaluation and to receive stiches for facial abrasions.

Owned by August Dawn Farm and bred by Joe Fafone, Maple Leaf Mel was undefeated in five previous career starts including stakes victories in the Seeking the Ante last August at Saratoga, the East View in March at Aqueduct Racetrack, the Grade 3 Miss Preakness in May at Pimlico Race Course and, most recently, the Grade 3 Victory Ride on July 8 at Belmont Park. Maple Leaf Mel was previously trained by Jeremiah Englehart and was making her second career start on Saturday for Giddings.

Every horse entered to compete at Saratoga Race Course is required to undergo an extensive pre-race veterinary examination before the horse is permitted to race. In addition to physical inspection and observation, regulatory veterinarians perform a detailed review of each horse’s medical records, past performances and workouts. Maple Leaf Mel passed the required pre-race veterinary inspection in accordance with these well-established protocols.

In the process of investigating this injury, a necropsy will be performed at Cornell University with the results to be analyzed by Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) officials, the New York State Equine Medical Director and NYRA leadership.

“The health and safety of horses and jockeys competing at NYRA tracks is our highest priority and one that stands above all other considerations,” said Pat McKenna, NYRA VP of Communications. “NYRA, HISA and the New York State Gaming Commission will closely review the circumstances around this incident to ensure we are providing the safest possible environment for racing and training at Saratoga Race Course.” 

Rate:
Email link to a friend | Printable Version
  • United States of America
    Displaying 10 ResultsSee All
    three star grade 1 winners set for stud at spendthrift 7 days ago

    Spendthrift Farm has announced it will be adding Grade 1 winners Taiba, Zandon and Arabian Lion to i...

    View | Add Comment
    munger second in canadian gr1 as she feels pretty romps2023-09-17

    She Feels Pretty, closing down the middle of the track under rider John Velazquez, proved best by 4 ...

    View | Add Comment
    master appleby takes canada's big mile 2023-09-17

    Irish-bred Master of The Seas, a 5-year-old son of Dubawi (IRE)-Firth of Lorne (IRE), was dominant i...

    View | Add Comment
    monmouth increases handle for third straight year2023-09-12

    Monmouth Park continued its upward trend by showing an increase in average total handle and average ...

    View | Add Comment
    arabian knight takes revenge in geaux rocket ride in pacific classic 2023-09-03

    In the $1-million FanDuel Racing Pacific Classic at Del Mar on Saturday, two of the top 3-year-old c...

    View | Add Comment
    del mar's pacific classic set to thrill 2023-09-01

    The upcoming Gr1 Pacific Classic at Del Mar promises an exciting showdown, reminiscent of Flightline...

    View | Add Comment
    del mar cancels sunday card. only second time in history for this reason 2023-08-19

    Bowing to Mother Nature and putting safety first on its list, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club has announce...

    View | Add Comment
    big money for curlin beholder colt 2023-08-10

    The second session of Fasig-Tipton’s 102nd Saratoga Sale held Tuesday produced a sale record...

    View | Add Comment
    oaklawn increase 3 yo preps into kentucky derby 2023-07-23

    The richest 3-year-old prep series in the nation gets even richer in 2024 as Oaklawn announced today...

    View | Add Comment
    haskell win 23 years in waiting for mandella with geaux rocket ride2023-07-23

    Hall of Fame trainer Richard Mandella had been waiting 23 long years to return to the Grade 1, $1 mi...

    View | Add Comment