Om owner’s son dies in military jet crash

ARCADIA, Calif. – A U.S. Marine Corps pilot who died when his fighter jet crashed Wednesday in the English countryside was the son of K.B. Sareen, the owner of the Grade 2 Del Mar Derby winner Om.

Maj. Taj Sareen was one of six pilots in a squadron flying to Southern California when his jet crashed moments after takeoff, according to published reports. Sareen reportedly ejected from his plane but did not survive. The incident occurred in eastern England, about 30 miles north of Newmarket Racecourse.

Sareen, a pilot for more than 11 years, was based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in the San Diego area. He grew up in San Mateo County, Calif., in the San Francisco area.

On Thursday, Om’s trainer, Dan Hendricks, said Sareen hosted members of his family and stable staff at the Miramar base in the summer of 2014, providing a tour of the planes and a trip to a flight simulator. Hendricks said Sareen was considered a candidate for the prestigious Blue Angels flight squad in recent months.

Om is entered for Saturday’s $200,000 Twilight Derby at Santa Anita.