In equestrian sports, horse racing is enjoyed by many enthusiasts. However, the death of the horses is a matter of grave concern and sorrow. In the wake of the recent death cases, including some famous horses like Maple Leaf Mel at Saratoga earlier this month, another heart-wrenching death of a horse has come in.

The news of the death of a three-year-old gelding was reported from Saratoga Race Course on Wednesday. The fielding was taking part in the fifth race of the day. The famous equestrian venue was already in controversy due to earlier deaths. It is now being subjected to intense scrutiny.

Wisecraken dies during a race

On Wednesday, Wisecraken, the three-year-old gelding owned by Iron Horse Racing Stable, was participating in a $50,000 starter allowance nine-furlong race. The race started as any other normal race and he was ridden by Ricardo Santana Jr. During the race, an unfortunate incident happened in which the horse got injured.

As per the reports, Wisecraken has pulled up near the five-sixteenth pole of the turf race and received an injury to his right hind leg. The injury was severe, and he had to be euthanized after a veterinarian’s decision.

The New York Racing Association said, “Despite the immediate response of on-site veterinarians, the horse was humanely euthanized due to the severity of the injury”. The owners of the horse Ironhorse Racing Stable were saddened and remembered the gelding through their social media posts. They said, “he was a big, lovable favorite” and shared that their other partners are also devastated by the tragic loss. They ended by remembering, “He always gave his all and was doing it today“.

This race was the fifth career start for the son of McKraken. He won his first race last month at Belmont Park. The three-year-old was trained by Michelle Nevin. In his five career starts, he won one race and earned $27,800 in his short career. The New York State Gaming Commission showed in its list of equine deaths and breakdowns that this was the ninth horse death this summer at Saratoga. Of those nine deaths, five deaths occurred during racing and the other four during training.

Another horse death at the famed equestrian venue

The Saratoga Race Course has been famous for its challenging race tracks and stakes. With the most awaited and famous Travers Stakes scheduled at the end of this month, horse death cases have put the track in controversy. This month, for instance, the Bill Parcells-owned horse, Maple Leaf Mel broke down just before the finish line and had to be euthanized.

Read More: “This Is Not a Safe Racetrack”: Popular Equestrian Venue Comes Under Fire After Consecutive Horse Deaths

In another incident, a 4-year-old filly Ever Summer sustained a severe injury on her left front leg in the final turn and was euthanized. On the same day in an earlier race, another 4-year-old filly Frivole was pulled out and banned off the racecourse after it took an odd step.

The death at the prestigious race track is a matter of grave concern and the track and owners should do more to avoid such unfortunate incidents.

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