3 Race Horses Euthanized After Santa Anita Race Track Disasters

ARCADIA, CA — Three race horses, all severely injured while training at the Santa Anita Race track over the weekend, were euthanized between Saturday and Monday, officials reported. This brings the race track's death toll to 19 racehorses lost since December 26, 2018.

On Saturday Feb. 23, Charmer John, a 3-year-old gelding, suffered a catastrophic injury to his left fetlock. He was euthanized Monday morning.

Also on Saturday, Just Forget It, a 4-year-old gelding trained by Librado Barocio, was injured during an early morning training session, just minutes apart from the devastating injury suffered by Breeder's Cup Dirt Mile winner of 2017, Battle of Midway. Both horses were euthanized Saturday, according to Bloodhorse.com report.

All incidents occurred on different parts of the racetrack, with Battle of Midway breaking down at the top of the lane, and Just Forget It injured near the wire.

"Terrible, terrible game. He broke down. He shattered his pastern in his hind leg," Fernando Diaz-Valdes, Don Alberto Stable's racing manager, told Bloodhorse.com of the loss. "We want to do anything possible to save the horse, but the vets said there's no way. There's too many pieces."

Diaz-Valdes equated the loss of the horse to the loss of a child, saying, "we wanted to do anything to save the horse, because he gave us so much."

The Santa Anita Park closed the track Monday and Tuesday, per a statement made by track officials. There was no mention the recent racehorse deaths. Instead, they discussed in-depth safety evaluation, according to Tim Ritvo, chief operating officer of the Stronach Group, which owns the racetrack.

"In conjunction with the California Horse Racing Board, Santa Anita Park has announced its main track will be closed for training beginning at 9 a.m. on Monday and all day Tuesday in order to fully evaluate sub-surface conditions such as moisture content and soil consistency," the park said in a statement Sunday. "If the results of these efforts indicate the track is in prime condition, regularly scheduled training will resume Wednesday morning, and live racing will proceed on Thursday."

Conditions hampered by recent excessive rainfall on the track will be examined by Dr. Mick Peterson, director for the University of Kentucky's Agricultural Equine Programs, they said. Peterson will perform testing and evaluate the racing surfaces.

Track Superintendent Andy LaRocco and his team will peel back the track's cushion by 5 inches during the exam.

Experts will also review the rainfall, to see if that has factored into the recent rise in death toll. According to the National Weather Service, Santa Anita area has received nearly 12 inches of rain this season.

Alan Balch, executive director of the California Thoroughbred Trainers, said: "The decisions to close and reopen the track were made without consultation with our group and without us hearing the arguments, pro, and con. With that said, we are committed to offering all the support we can to ensure the safety of our horses, jockeys and workers and stand ready to do whatever we can to help solve this tragic set of circumstances."

According to reports, a total of 19 racehorses have perished at the Santa Anita racetrack since Dec. 26, 2018.

Battle of Midway was a 5-year-old bay, son of Smart Strike, trained by Jerry Hollendorfer for Don Alberto Stable or WinStar Farm, LLC.

He had just returned to racing after an unsuccessful stud career, Bloodhorse reported, as he suffered fertility issues. A few foals were conceived during that time, including this filly, recently photographed at Burleson Farm.

Battle of Midway was being pointed to the $12 million Dubai World Cup on March 30 with a possible start before that in the Grade I Santa Anita Handicap on March 9, (trainer Jerry) Hollendorfer said just before the incident," according to Golden.

Battle of Midway won eight of 16 career starts and was third in the 2017 Kentucky Derby.