“Passed the Required…”: After Tragic Fate of Undefeated Filly, Equestrian Officials Release Post-Race Statement

Euthanizing horses has been one of the longest-standing debates in the equestrian arena. Horses are consistently put to death humanely after they sustain an injury during a race or training. There have been wary words about euthanizing, but it is a loop that ends nowhere. One similar case of the euthanizing of a three-year-old mare has left the equestrian community saddened.

Maple Leaf Mel, who was undefeated in a major Grade I stakes race and had more than two Grade III stakes under her belt, sustained an injury at the Saratoga race tracks, that later became the reason for her demise.

Another day of equestrian mishap

As reported by Horse Racing Nation, on Saturday, Maple Leaf was participating in the Grade I Test Stakes at the Saratoga Race Course. She fell just before reaching the wire, got injured, and was euthanized later. In this seven-furlong race for the three-year-old fillies, Maple Leaf collapsed and rolled just before the end of the race. This also led to the unseating of the jockey, Joel Rosario, who escaped getting hit by the other horses by inches. Later, he was taken to the Albany Medical Center for checkups and received stitches on his face and lower lip.

Due to this fall, Maple Leaf injured her right front limb. In a post race statement about the incident, The New York Racing Association said, “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.”

It was also reported that she dominated the seven-horse field and was leading at every point before she had this catastrophic fall just when she was there to cross the finishing line. This seven-furlong race was won by Pretty Mischievous, leaving behind Clearly Unhinged. Though she may have lost her life, her legacy will never be forgotten.

Maple Leaf Mel’s career and ever lasting legacy

She was born in 2020 and was sired by Cross Traffic and City Gift. In six starts of her career, she has five firsts and a career rating of an impressive 8.05 stars. Maple Leaf Weasel, trained by Melanie Giddings, and August Dawn Farm, were the owners of this amazing three-year-old creature. Her major stakes race wins include the Grade III Victory Ride in 2023, the Grade III Miss Preakness in 2023, and East View in 2023.

Read More: “Devastated for You”: Horrifying Fall Forces Trainer to Euthanize Horse, Equestrian World Shattered Over the Loss

She was having a terrific 2023 season, as she won three of the four races in 2023. Her career is worth over $399,650, out of which she earned $241,250 in the 2023 season. She was just getting started with her equestrian career, and she had to face this tragic fate. In her final race, she held a commanding lead, proving she was a formidable force on the race course.

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