Photo:
Santa Anita / Benoit Photo
Two-time graded-stakes winner Cornucopian was euthanized Sunday at Del Mar, where he was injured while racing Saturday in the Grade 1, $401,500 Bing Crosby Stakes.
“Heavy hearts today,” Tom Ryan of lead owner SF Racing wrote in a 1:44 p.m. EDT post on X. “Yesterday our brilliant colt Cornucopian sustained a catastrophic injury. We worked very closely with our veterinary team, and after hearing every expert opinion available, the kindest and clearest decision was to let him go with dignity. He was a brilliant colt with a huge heart and a partnership and fan base that loved him dearly. RIP.”
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California Horse Racing Board equine medical director Dr. Jeff Blea said Cornucopian, who was trained by Bob Baffert, suffered a right-front fetlock injury Saturday.
Jockey Juan Hernández pulled up the 4-year-old colt in the far turn of the main track as they were moving forward from fourth place in the six-furlong Bing Crosby. Cornucopian was fitted for a brace before he was removed from the track Saturday in an equine ambulance.
Sired by Into Mischief, Cornucopian entered the Bing Crosby after winning as the 3-5 favorite in the Aristides (G3) on May 30 at Churchill Downs. Also a winner in the San Carlos (G3) on March 29 at Santa Anita, the $1.1 million yearling purchase had an 8: 4-1-0 record and $462,155 in earnings.
Cornucopian was the 6-5 favorite Saturday in the Bing Crosby, which was won by 5-1 shot Listenupshance. The race was a win-and-you’re-in qualifier for the Breeders’ Cup Sprint on Oct. 31 at Keeneland.
