Sad news to report from the Breeders’ Cup at Churchill Downs: Rough Sailing, who was competing in the Juvenile Turf race, slipped and fell while rounding a turn. There are differing reports; one says that Rough Sailing broke his humerous, while another reports that he broke his shoulder.
Breeders’ Cup 2010 Update: Rough Sailing Euthanized After Suffering Injury
In either case, it was determined that the horse could not be saved, and it was decided that the best option was to euthanize the horse. Rosie Napravnik, the jockey, managed to avoid injury.
Incidents such as these are an unfortunate reality of horse racing. The horses are bred for speed rather than durability, and an injury such as a fractured leg or shoulder can permanently damage the horse’s quality of life. Euthanization is the unfortunate, but necessary, last resort if it’s determine that the horse will not be able to live comfortably.
Stay tuned to this StoryStream for updates on Saturday’s Breeders’ Cup action. And for more, be sure to check out our horse racing blog, And Down The Stretch They Come.
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