Practical Move, a top contender for the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1) on Saturday, died Tuesday morning after what “is suspected to be a cardiac event’’ while returning from a gallop at Santa Anita Park.
A Breeders’ Cup news release also said the rider was uninjured, “and the horse was immediately tended to by veterinarians from the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB), 1/ST Racing, and Breeders’ Cup.”
Practical Move, trained by Tim Yakteen, won the San Felipe (G3) and Santa Anita Derby (G1) before missing the Triple Crown races. He was sidelined for six months and returned to win a race at Santa Anita on Oct. 6.
The 3-year-old colt had a record of 8-5-1-2 and earnings of $923,200.
On Saturday, top Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) contender Geaux Rocket Ride sustained a condylar fracture and ligament damage to his right rear leg and underwent surgery on Sunday.
And on Sunday, Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Mage developed a slight fever on Sunday and was not entered in the Classic.
“Every year, Breeders’ Cup works closely with its host track, state racing commission, and the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) in the lead-up to the World Championships to implement stringent safety and integrity protocols. These processes are in place to protect the well-being of our human and equine athletes, and Breeders’ Cup is committed to continuously improving the ecosystem of care surrounding every horse.
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