Stronach Group Releases Statement Following Saturday Breakdown at Santa Anita

Satchel Paige (Grazen), a 3-year-old gelding and maiden of six career starts, was humanely euthanized after the fifth race Saturday at Santa Anita Park. After being pulled up at the three-eighths pole, Satchel Paige was immediately evaluated by a team of on-track veterinarians, led by Santa Anita Park veterinarian Dr. Dana Stead, and transported in the equine ambulance. Dr. Stead observed that the horse had suffered an open fracture of his left front ankle and made the decision to humanely euthanize the bay. Jockey Ruben Fuentes was uninjured.

“Satchel Paige will undergo a necropsy at the University of California-Davis' School of Veterinary Medicine on behalf of the California Horse Racing Board, as is mandatory for all on-track accidents. The accident and the necropsy report will be reviewed to learn what, if anything, could have been done to prevent the accident,” said Dr. Dionne Benson, Chief Veterinarian for The Stronach Group. “Santa Anita will work closely with the California Horse Racing Board to investigate this accident and will continue to brief our stakeholders and all of our constituents, including the public, as more facts come in.”

Satchel Paige was racing for his breeder and owner Nick Alexander and trainer Phil D'Amato.