2 horses euthanized on Belmont weekend

Races see thoroughbreds injure legs on track

BY BRANDON DUFFY

Two horses were euthanized at Belmont Park over the weekend, one in the immediate race following the 155th running of the Belmont Stakes June 10.

Excursionniste sustained a catastrophic injury to his left front leg during Saturday evening’s 13th race and was humanely euthanized after being tended to by on-site veterinarians, Pat McKenna, NYRA vice president of communications, said in a statement.

The next day, Mashnee Girl, which was racing in the first race of the evening, also suffered an injury to her left front leg before being humanely euthanized as well.

Little Blue Bird Stables, which owned Excursionniste, said on Twitter they were “devastated” by the loss.

“There’s just no other word. He was our big, goofy, talented, crazy, 1 for 16 NYB superstar,” the tweet said. “We do everything as a team and will console as one for quite a while.”

The two fatal injuries over the weekend are the third and fourth to happen during racing at Belmont Park’s spring and summer meet this year, which started May 4.

“NYRA’s comprehensive safety strategy is informed by the most advanced science and research in consultation with independent experts, veterinarians and horsemen,” McKenna said. “The health and safety of horses and jockeys competing at NYRA tracks is our highest priority and one that stands above all other considerations.”

Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby, suspended operations last month in the wake of 12 horses dying in May. On the day of the 148th Preakness Stakes in Baltimore, last month, one horse was euthanized after the sixth race of the evening.

McKenna said the circumstances of the injuries will be reviewed by the