In the non-stakes portion of the May 15 Black-Eyed Susan day card at Laurel Park, jockeys and horses appeared to escape serious injury in a fall in the fifth race after the day's first race saw an equine fatality.
In the stretch run of the fifth race, a 5 1/2-furlong turf sprint for maiden claimers, a pair of horses fell after some bumping. The two horses to fall, Typhoon Kuhn and Long Straw, were both able to get back on their feet and they were gathered up by outriders past the finish line.
Maryland Jockey Club reported that both horses appeared to have escaped any serious injury, based on an initial review.
Jockey Matilda Burnham, who had been aboard Long Straw, appeared to be shaken up, but was able to get to her feet and walk off the course. Jockey Carlos Lopez, who had been aboard Typhoon Kuhn, received medical treatment on the course. After a few minutes, he was able to walk off the course but his left arm was in a sling.
Stewards disqualified Kuhner, who appeared to cause some of the initial bumping under jockey Jeiron Barbosa, from ninth to last. Typhoon Kuhn clipped heels and fell while Long Straw fell over him.
Maryland Jockey Club media confirmed that Lopez had suffered an injury to his left arm.
In the day's first race, a 6-furlong test for maiden claimers on the dirt, Hit Zero died of an apparent cardiac event. The 3-year-old son of Twirling Candy was owned by ItsTheJHo and Evan Trommer and trained by Brittany Russell.
Veterinary personnel responded immediately.
The equine medical director attended to Hit Zero and then initiated a full post-incident review consistent with Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority equine fatality reporting requirements. A necropsy will be conducted and cause of death will not be confirmed until necropsy findings have been reviewed and verified.
The Maryland Racing Commission released the following statement:
"The commission extends its acknowledgment of this loss to the horse's connections and to the equine community.
"The commission has initiated all required review and investigation protocols in response to the death of Hit Zero. We recognize the significance of this loss and are committed to conducting a thorough, transparent process. The Commission will report findings in accordance with HISA disclosure requirements once the necropsy and review are complete.
"The Maryland Racing Commission remains committed to the highest standards of equine welfare, jockey safety, and regulatory integrity."
