Toner experiences highs and lows

ELMONT, N.Y. – Trainer Jimmy Toner experienced the extremes of his profession on Thursday.

At Belmont Park, Toner won Thursday’s fourth race, a maiden turf event, with the 3-year-old filly Whatdoesasharksay ($9.90). It was Toner’s third win with as many starters at the fall meet.

One of those winners was Coffee Crush, who captured a first-level allowance here on Sept. 13. On Thursday morning, however, Coffee Crush died from an apparent cardiovascular collapse while galloping on the pony track.

Toner said he would take Coffee Crush to the pony track because she had a tendency to get aggressive in her training.

Coffee Crush was owned by Sophie Flay, the daughter of Bobby Flay. Toner said he had to break the news by phone to Bobby Flay.

“He was very good about it,” Toner said. “He was just as much concerned about me as he was the horse. All class.”

Coffee Crush was impressive winning that allowance by 3 3/4 lengths, earning a 96 Beyer Speed Figure. She was being pointed to the Grade 3, $200,000 Athenia Stakes here on Oct. 20.

Coffee Crush continued an unfortunate spate of equine fatalities at NYRA tracks. Since Aug. 28, there have been 11 equine fatalities between Belmont Park and Saratoga. Coffee Crush is the second to have died from a suspected cardiovascular collapse, the other being Royal Inheritance here on Sept. 6.