Pastor T (Into Mischief–Top Quality, by Quality Road), named a 'TDN Rising Star' for a 4 1/4-length debut victory at Del Mar Aug. 12, was euthanized Saturday after sustaining fatal injuries in a workout.
Bred by WinStar Farm and campaigned in partnership with Siena Farm and trainer Bob Baffert, Pastor T was nearing the conclusion of his workout when he suffered the injury. Pastor T was a likely starter in the GI Del Mar Futurity.
California Horse Racing Board chairman Greg Ferraro confirmed that Pastor T suffered an irreparable injury to his right front fetlock joint, involving the sesamoid and canon bones, at the end of a routine workout.
“It happened right at the wire. He looked like he was going easy, too,” said Ferraro. “The rider came off. The rider seems to be okay. Complained about a stiff neck, but he didn't fall that hard so I think he'll be okay. Of course, Bob [Baffert] was quite upset.”
Ferraro added: “Hard to predict sometimes. We do everything we can to avoid these things.”
Pastor T is the fifth horse death–racing and/or training–during the current meeting at Del Mar which began July 21, according to CHRB records.
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