Racehorse death at Triple Crown: Injured jockey, wild horse euthanized.

The Associated PressMay 21, 2023

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Another Racehorse Death Rocks Triple Crown: Horse Injures Jockey, Goes Wild Mid-Race Before Being Euthanized

A horse trained by Bob Baffert was euthanized on the track after injuring a leg during a race on the Preakness undercard Saturday and sending his unseated jockey to the hospital.

The 3-year-old colt was looked at by chief veterinary officer Dr. Dionne Benson and others, who determined the injury to his left front leg was inoperable and decided the horse should be put down, according to a statement from 1ST Racing, which owns and operates the track.
Saez was conscious and taken to Sinai Hospital for evaluation, complaining of leg pain, track officials announced. He was attended to by medical personnel on the track for several minutes before being put on a stretcher and into an ambulance.
Havnameltdown’s death comes on another major race day, in the aftermath of the Kentucky Derby being overshadowed by seven fatalities at Churchill Downs over a span of 10 days.

Bob Baffert has horses running on Preakness weekend for the first time in two years after returning from a suspension stemming from 2021 Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit’s failed drug test. He was not able to enter horses in the Derby either of the past two years as part of a decision by Churchill Downs. He could not have any in the 2022 Preakness or Belmont because of a 90-day ban in Kentucky respected by Maryland and New York.

One of his horses, Arabian Lion, won an earlier race. Baffert is also set to saddle National Treasure in the Preakness.

Saez, a Panamanian who turned 31 on Friday, originally was supposed to ride top contender First Mission in the Preakness. But that horse was scratched on the advice of veterinarians because of an issue with his left hind ankle.

Havnameltdown, owned by Michael Pegram, Karl Watson and Paul Weitman, had won four of his six career starts prior to this race. He had most recently finished second in the Saudi Derby in February.

“We never had an issue with him,” Baffert said. “We are so careful with all these horses, and it still happens. It is something that is disheartening. I feel so bad for that horse. And I just hope that Luis is OK.”

Another Racehorse Death Rocks Triple Crown

It’s a sad day for horse racing as yet another racehorse has died. Havnameltdown, trained by Bob Baffert, was euthanized during the sixth race ahead of the 148th Running of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course on May 20, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland.

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Tragedy Strikes at Preakness: Horse Euthanized After Injuring Jockey

A day of excitement and anticipation turned to heartbreak at the Preakness on Saturday when a horse trained by Bob Baffert had to be euthanized after injuring a leg mid-race. The 3-year-old colt, Havnameltdown, threw jockey Luis Saez off his back and continued running in distress before being brought under control by track staff. Unfortunately, the injury to his left front leg was deemed inoperable and the decision was made to put him down.

A Sad Day for Horse Racing

The death of Havnameltdown comes on the heels of seven fatalities at Churchill Downs over a 10-day period leading up to the Kentucky Derby. The recent spate of racehorse deaths has raised questions about the safety of the sport and whether more needs to be done to protect these magnificent animals.

Trainer Bob Baffert Reacts

Bob Baffert, who had horses running on Preakness weekend for the first time in two years, was visibly shaken by the tragedy. “It’s the worst feeling. And we grieve. We do grieve when these things happen. There is nothing worse than coming back and the stall is empty,” he said. “He is a nice horse. He could not have been doing any better. It’s sickening. I am in shock.”

Jockey Luis Saez Hospitalized

Jockey Luis Saez, who was thrown from Havnameltdown during the race, was taken to Sinai Hospital for evaluation. He complained of leg pain and was attended to by medical personnel on the track before being transported to the hospital.

A Tragic End for a Promising Colt

Havnameltdown had won four of his six career starts prior to the Preakness and was the favorite at 4-5 for the $200,000 dirt race. Owned by Michael Pegram, Karl Watson, and Paul Weitman, the colt had most recently finished second in the Saudi Derby in February. “We never had an issue with him,” Baffert said. “We are so careful with all these horses, and it still happens. It is something that is disheartening. I feel so bad for that horse. And I just hope that Luis is OK.”

Favorite Havnameltdown buckled forward and threw jockey Luis Saez off his back during the sixth race
The 3-year-old colt was euthanized after injuring his left front leg mid-race
Jockey Luis Saez was taken to Sinai Hospital for evaluation
The death of Havnameltdown comes on the heels of seven fatalities at Churchill Downs over a 10-day period leading up to the Kentucky Derby
Trainer Bob Baffert was visibly shaken by the tragedy

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