Two horses die in horrific head-on collision as spate of deaths rocks racing
TWO top class racehorses have died after a horrific head-on crash.
Where’s Chris and Constitutionlawyer smashed into each other during a Monday morning workout at Belmont Park racecourse in New York.
ReutersThe awful double death rocked those who were working at Belmont Park, one of America’s top racecourses[/caption]
Constitutionlawyer’s trainer Ray Handal said his horse was trotting near the outside rail and Where’s Chris was galloping in the opposite direction.
The two met head on and, according to the New York Racing Association, vets responded immediately by rushing to their sides.
Unfortunately Where’s Chris suffered catastrophic injuries and had to be put down on the track.
Constitutionlaywer was transported back to his trainer’s barn but died within half an hour, report DRF.
Handal said his horse had suffered a fractured pelvis and internal bleeding.
The horse’s jockey Emmanuel Colon was unhurt but Where’s Chris’ jockey Shannon Uske was later rushed to hospital after an unrelated incident.
Where’s Chris was a three-year-old and had won two of his four career starts.
Five-year-old gelding Constitutionlawyer had won four of 18 and his devastated trainer said: “He’s probably the best horse I have right now.”
Bosses will now carry out an urgent investigation to find out the circumstances surrounding the terrible collision.
NNYRA spokesman Pat McKenna said: “The NYRA, HISA, and the New York State Gaming Commission will closely review the circumstances around this unfortunate accident to ensure the safest possible environment for training at Belmont Park.
“The health and safety of horses and jockeys competing at NYRA tracks is our highest priority and one that stands above all other considerations.”
Grade 1-winning horse Two Emmys was sadly put down on Sunday after a ‘training incident’.
The eight-year-old was believed to have broken his leg and after another horse ‘bounced him off a fence’ in a freak coming together.
