Pine Island euthanized

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Tragedy struck horse racing in a showcase race for the second time this year, with Pine Island fatally injured and Fleet Indian hurt Saturday in the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Distaff.

Round Pond’s victory was an afterthought, with the crowd of 75,132 stunned at the sight of Pine Island tumbling to the dirt on the backstretch.

Pine Island was euthanized after dislocating her left front ankle, which broke the skin and introduced infection into her bloodstream, according to Dr. C. Wayne McIlwraith, director of orthopedic research at Colorado State’s College of Veterinary Medicine.

Jockey Javier Castellano was pitched over the top of Pine Island as the 3-year-old filly fell.

Castellano returned about an hour later to ride Bernardini to a second-place finish in the $5 million Classic.