?I?m Crushed?: Equestrian Trainer Mourns Practical Move After Suspected Cardiac Episode at Santa Anita

With just three days left until the much-anticipated Breeders’ Cup event, the equestrian community’s excitement has reached its zenith. This year, the return of Javier Castellano, the most successful jockey in Breeders’ Cup history with an astounding 28 victories, adds to the thrill. As all 15 eligible countries prepare to showcase their equestrian prowess, the wait is finally over.

Yet, amidst the buzz surrounding the Breeders’ Cup set to take place on November 3rd at Santa Anita Park, there is a sombre note. The equestrian world mourns the sudden loss of “Practical Move”, a famous horse whose promising legacy was tragically cut short.

A Promising Legacy Snuffed Out

Practical Move, a 3-year-old Thoroughbred colt sired by Practical Joke out of the Afleet Alex mare Ack Naughty, was born and bred in Kentucky, a result of the efforts of Chad Brown and Head of Plains Partners. He found his home in the stables of Leslie A. Amestoy, Pierre J. Amestoy, and Roger K. Beasley, under the guidance of trainer Tim Yakteen.

The equestrian world recently received the heartbreaking news of Practical Move’s sudden demise. Tim Yakteen, his trainer, shared the devastating news on X (formerly Twitter), expressing, “He was a career-changing horse. We’re devastated. I’m crushed for the connections.” The cause of his unexpected passing was a tragic cardiac arrest, leaving the equestrian community in mourning and the Breeders’ Cup event shadowed by the loss of a rising star.

Rising equestrian star and heartbreaking farewell

Practical Move, the talented colt who had last tasted victory in the Santa Anita Derby (G1) on April 8, made a powerful statement. On October 6, he effortlessly conquered a $63,700 allowance optional claimer at Santa Anita Park, extending his unbeaten streak at the track to 4-for-4. Practical Move had been on the cusp of Kentucky Derby (G1) glory, but a temperature spike in Louisville forced him to be scratched from the prestigious race.

Trained by Yakteen, Practical Move’s remarkable performance had reignited hopes of a Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1) appearance on November 4. With Ramon Vazquez in the saddle, the Practical Joke colt shadowed early pace-setters Newgrange and Tripoli, before making a decisive move at the quarter pole and surging to victory down the homestretch.

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Tripoli secured second place, while Newgrange finished a close third. American Admiral, though trailing throughout, narrowly missed the show spot by a nose. Practical Move’s return was certainly one to watch for in the lead-up to the Breeders’ Cup but his sudden demise has cast a somber shadow over the impending Breeders’ Cup event. The equestrian world is left in mourning, remembering Practical Move’s promising legacy and the potential he carried. As the Breeders’ Cup draws near, the excitement is mixed with a sense of loss, a poignant reminder of the unpredictability of the equestrian world.

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