Never Tell Lynda euthanized after freak accident

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – An equine tragedy struck Churchill even before the nine-race program began Thursday when a 5-year-old mare named Never Tell Lynda died in a freak accident on the racetrack while being walked to the paddock for a schooling session prior to the first race.

According to trainer Kenny Wirth, the mare suddenly spooked from a loud sound coming from an infield speaker, reared up, and landed on her head, crushing her skull. The mare was euthanized immediately after veterinarians arrived on the scene shortly thereafter.

Wirth blamed the inordinately and unnecessarily loud volume of the Churchill sound system for the incident. Churchill management issued a statement in the aftermath that ended with: “The health and safety of our human and equine athletes remains our highest priority.”

Never Tell Lynda, owned by David Bush, won once in nine starts.