Scathing becomes first San Luis Rey survivor to race

CYPRESS, Calif. – The 4-year-old filly Scathing won a starter allowance at five furlongs Thursday at Los Alamitos, becoming the first horse based at San Luis Rey Downs to start after the devastating wildfire that struck the Bonsall, Calif., training center on Dec. 7.

To be allowed to run, Scathing underwent a two-stage respiratory exam required for any horse based at San Luis Rey Downs at the time of the fire.

Trainer Adam Kitchingman’s attending veterinarian was required to sign a statement stating Scathing was fit to run and had undergone an exam that found “no evidence of respiratory inflammation.”

In addition, state veterinarians listened to the filly’s breathing with a stethoscope as part of a scheduled pre-race examination to ensure she was fit to race.

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The pre-race procedure was welcomed by winning owner Cody Polansky, a 48-year-old plumbing contractor from Topanga Canyon, Calif.

“No one knew for sure, but we thought she was in good shape,” Polansky said in the winner’s circle.

Horses based at San Luis Rey Downs were evacuated to Del Mar hours after the fire. The wildfire claimed the lives of 46 horses. Eight barns were destroyed.

Kitchingman said last weekend his stable was not severely affected by the fire and that some of his horses were evacuated to Del Mar before the fire reached the training center.

Ridden by Santiago Gonzalez, Scathing ($10.60) rallied between horses to win by 1 1/4 lengths over Aiming Straight.

Polansky claimed Scathing for $8,000 on Oct. 6, the day the filly won at Santa Anita. Scathing was seventh in an allowance race for California-bred fillies and mares at a mile on turf at Del Mar on Nov. 10. Thursday’s race was her second for Polansky.