Horse racing enthusiasts were all set for exhilarating action scheduled on Friday night, i.e. the 15th of December at Remington Park. With several world-class equines in contention, it was going to be the epitome of thrill and adrenaline rush in the three-stake races – but their hopes were razed to the ground in a very twisted turn of events. In what appeared to be a ‘medications mishap’ has caused a stir in the equestrian world.
‘Horse Racing Nation’ revealed the unfortunate incident that took place before the Remington Springboard Mile Card. Famed equestrian trainer Brad Cox’s four motley horses were scratched hours before from the $300,000 stakes.
Mishap leads to double doses at Remington Springboard Mile Card
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The horses were given their routine doses at Oaklawn in Arkansas. However, when they arrived at the Oklahoma City track, they were given another dose due to communication errors. “Accidental double doses of legal medications lead to the scratches of all four Brad Cox trainees on Friday’s Remington Springboard Mile card,” Horse Racing Nation shared.
Accidental double doses of legal medications lead to the scratches of all four Brad Cox trainees on Friday's Remington Springboard Mile card.https://t.co/tszcmDuEzB
📸: Justin Manning / Eclipse Sportswire pic.twitter.com/wODBcoiAMX
— Horse Racing Nation (@HR_Nation) December 18, 2023
As per reports, these horses missed their Friday morning veterinary checks at Remington Park. Further, the double doses would have put them at risk of failing medical tests as they would have been over race-day limits set by state and federal regulators.
Morning-line favorite Pioneer of Medina, a 4-year-old colt, was one of the four horses scratched. It also included West Ohama, a 2-year-old filly, who has raced and won at Churchill Downs. Allowance Victor Fidget and Gettysburg Address were the other 2-year-old colts who would have raced in the Remington Springboard Mile.
Horse racing community expresses anger over the incident
The horse racing community was left livid over the incident. Several fans alleged mismanagement from the owners and trainers, writing, “That was no accident”.
That was no accident.
— HeighHoSilver-(parody)🏇🐴 (@heighhosilver85) December 18, 2023
One social media user was left shocked by the mismanagement, demanding answers from those responsible.
How does one actually accidentally double dose? 😳
— Ellen Peppler (@EllenPeppl73565) December 18, 2023
Since many incidents of equine mismanagement have been reported in the last several months, a user thought something was fishy.
READ MORE: “Chronic Pain”: South American Equestrian Takes the Reins to Promote Riding Safety Awareness
All four horses performed well at Churchill Downs before they were shipped to Oaklawn in Arkansas and later to Remington. The medication mistake was discovered only late Thursday.
Shady as usual
— Roberto (@IrishDaddi) December 18, 2023
However, one of the fans expressed belief in Cox’s abilities, saying his equines would have emerged triumphant at Remington Park. After all, in 2020, Brad Cox was named Outstanding Trainer.
They would have won by the length of the stretch
— scott sheard (@saratogaorbust) December 19, 2023
When the horses were scratched, no immediate explanation was given. Remington Park and Oklahoma racing officials said that the trainers do not have to give reasons while removing their horses.
This is pretty poor, bad managing.
— TinkerBass (@Auginwonderland) December 19, 2023
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Clearly, social media users had a lot of questions surrounding the mismanagement.
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The Springboard Mile was later won by Otto the Conqueror, ridden by Tyler Gaffalione. One can only hope that such acts of dosing don’t take place again. What do you think?