Two unraced horses die in collision during training

DEL MAR, Calif. – Two unraced horses were killed and jockey Assael Espinoza was hospitalized after a collision during workouts early Thursday morning at Del Mar.

Carson Valley, a 3-year-old trained by Bob Baffert, and Charge a Bunch, a 2-year-old trained by Carla Gaines, were involved in the accident, track officials said. Charge a Bunch unseated jockey Geovanni Franco on the backstretch and immediately reversed course, running into the first turn in a clockwise direction. The collision took place near the six-furlong pole, witnesses said.

“It all happened so fast,” Baffert said.

Espinoza complained of pain in his lower back and underwent a CAT scan at a local hospital, according to his agent, Brian Beach. Franco was not injured, said his agent, James Giannone.

Gaines declined to discuss the incident Thursday morning.

Carson Valley had completed a workout in company, a half-mile in 47.60 seconds from the gate, and was being pulled up when he was struck.

The accident occurred after a safely run opening day on Wednesday and amid heightened concern about equine safety following the deaths of 30 horses in training and racing during the six-month Santa Anita meeting, which ended June 23.

– additional reporting by Brad Free