Tragedies at Aqueduct

Some incredibly tragic news from last weekend when two horses at Aqueduct were injured, one fatally.

Wanderin Boy, a 7 year old with a history of injuries, suffered a fatal injury to his left front leg during the running of the Cigar Mile. He was euthanized due to the extent of the injury: shattered sesamoid bones in his leg. Wanderin Boy was owned by Arthur Hancock III, who had nurtured him back from three other serious injuries. To some extent, it was a miracle that this horse was able to continue to race well into his later years. Of course that does not make up for his tragic demise, especially since he was a well loved champion.

Wanderin Boy had earned over $1.2 million in his career, which was extended due to his owner's display of true horsemanship that allowed this horse to recuperate for as long as it took between previous injuries.

On the same card at Aqueduct, the 2 year old filly Springside suffered a fracture to her front right pastern while galloping out after the race. According to the track veterinarian, it was an intact fracture but is nonetheless considered career-ending.

Springside was vanned to New Bolton Center earlier this week. No word yet as to her condition. She had won the Grade II Demoiselle Stakes by 9 1/2 lengths so it is yet another promising career cut short.

Questions are flying about the condition of the outer track at the Big A where racing moves to the inner track for the winter meet.

More than anything, it is a tragic reminder of the frailty of these magnificent animals and the demands we place on them. Even when you do everything right--and there is reason to believe the owners of these horses did--everything can go wrong.