An hour-and-a-half after California Chrome won the world’s most prestigious horserace, Churchill Downs closed its Saturday card with a $60,000 maiden run. It was, as it turned out, a deadly one, as 3-year-old Canadian Winner went down and was subsequently killed. While racing enthusiasts bask in the Derby afterglow, we advocates choose to honor the piteous Canadian Winner, another equine child felled by $2 bets. The complicit include Jon Court, D Wayne Lukas, Robert Baker, William Mack, and Brereton Jones.
Also on Saturday, 9-year-old Boston Chief, he of 48 career starts dating back to 2008, died while practicing at Finger Lakes. The cause: “possible heart attack.” Apparently, six long years of servitude (and over $200,000 made for his connections) were not enough, at least not to trainer Charlton Baker and owner Francis Paolangeli. To them, Boston Chief was but an asset who had yet to be fully expended.
And finally, I have confirmed that 3-year-old Polar Pal is dead after breaking down in Friday’s 7th race at Evangeline. The complicit: jockey Jamie Theriot, trainer Ronny Werner, owner and breeder Dan Bell, and all prior connections.
Appealing Alex was not vanned off. He walked of the track after an accident that had nothing to do with him not being 100% healthy. He was a fit horse ready to run. He didnt breakdown.
Equibase: Appealing Alex failed to avoid the fallen foe, DNF, vanned off.
Chart said walked off. We’re you there did you see anything?
Sorry your correct was vanned off not good.