3 hurt horses put down after Saratoga’s open house

Posted July 19, 2012 10:24 am

Associated Press

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — Three horses have been euthanized after suffering injuries during non-betting steeplechase races held at Saratoga Race Course’s annual open house.

National Steeplechase Association Director of Racing Bill Gallo says the injuries occurred separately in each of the first three races during last weekend’s 32nd-annual event.

Two of the horses sustained injuries while on flat ground, while the third was injured during a hurdle.

Despite the three deaths, Gallo says fatalities among steeplechase horses are uncommon.

Non-wagering steeplechase and flat course races have been part of the open house festivities for years. The New York Racing Association operates the track, along with Aqueduct and Belmont.

Saratoga holds steeplechase races on Thursdays during its annual summer meet.

The track’s 144th thoroughbred racing season opens Friday.

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