A six-horse accident in Saturday night's second race at Churchill Downs resulted in the 6 1/2-furlong race for maiden 2-year-olds being declared a "no contest" by Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation stewards.
The incident occurred on the far turn when Lutkenhaus, ridden by Cristian Torres, collapsed in front of other participants, who were unable to avoid the fallen horse.
Other horses (and jockeys) involved were Industrious (Keith Asmussen), Midnight Rumble (Axel Concepcion), Ritornello (Francisco Arrieta), Shacklebolt (Walter Rodriguez) and Steve Wood (Martin Garcia).
Garcia, Rodriguez and Cristian Torres were transported to University of Louisville Hospital for further evaluation. All were conscious.
Asmussen, Concepcion and Arrieta were cleared by onsite medical personnel, although Asmussen opted to take off his mount in the final race.
(Editor's Note: Asmussen later posted on social media that he was "ok.")
Team Valor's Lutkenhaus, trained by Rodolphe Brisset, incurred a catastrophic injury to his left front leg. After evaluation by the on-track veterinarians, he was humanely euthanized, according to Dr. Will Farmer, Churchill Downs Incorporated Equine Medical Director.
Farmer also provided the following updates:
- Industrious was vanned to trainer Steve Asmussen's barn and was treated for a left front leg injury by his attending veterinarian.
- Shacklebolt, trained by Eoin Harty, incurred lacerations to his right hind leg but walked off the track before he was given a van ride to the Receiving Barn.
- Steve Wood, trained by Donnie K. Von Hemel, and Ritornello, conditioned by Matt Williams, each had superficial abrasions and walked back to their respective barns.
- Midnight Rumble, trained by Joe Sharp, was caught by an outrider and walked back to the barn area.
Vukota, the 4-5 favorite in the field of 10, crossed the finish line in first and was followed by Frozenknife, Reinforcement and Koivun before KHRGC stewards declared the "no contest," which resulted in the refund of numerous wagers (not including multi-race wagers).
There was a 34-minute delay before racing resumed to ensure all onsite medical personnel, including veterinarians, were returned to their assigned positions for racing to continue.
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