26th Horse in 5 Months Dies at Santa Anita

Santa Anita had its third horse death in nine days when a gelding pulled up during a race and was euthanized. Twenty-six horses have died in racing or training at the southern California track since Dec. 26, reports the AP. The Los Angeles Times reports that Kochees sustained an injury to his left front leg in a 5 1/2-furlong race Saturday. Kochees was taken off the course with a splint. During surgery Sunday it was determined that the 9-year-old horse had lost blood flow to the leg and the decision was made to euthanize. Santa Anita is scheduled to host the Breeders' Cup Nov. 1-2. It's considered the biggest two-day event in US horse racing. Last Monday, first-time starter Spectacular Music was euthanized after an injury the previous day, KTLA reports. Days earlier, Commander Coil was put down after sustaining a rare shoulder injury. (More horse racing stories.)