Undefeated 3-year-old filly Taraz euthanized after fracturing pastern
The Triple Crown-nominated filly Taraz was euthanized Monday due to injuries sustained in a workout at Oaklawn Park, according to her breeder and owner, Juddmonte Farms. She had been pointing for the Grade 3 Honeybee Stakes at the Hot Springs, Ark., track on March 7.
Taraz sustained a severe fracture to her left front pastern in the work, according to the press release. Taraz underwent diagnostics back at the Oaklawn division of her trainer, Brad Cox, undergoing X-rays that were reviewed with Dr. Bob Hunt of Hagyard Equine Hospital.
“Given the extreme nature of the damage to the bone and compromise to the blood supply, it was agreed that repair was impractical,” Juddmonte said in a statement. “Having consulted between trainer Brad Cox, veterinarians and Juddmonte management it was deemed best to euthanize the filly."
According to a track statement, Oaklawn's veterinary staff was on the scene within a minute of the incident.
Wayne Smith, general manager of Oaklawn, issued the following statement Monday:
"Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to Juddmonte Farms, trainer Brad Cox and their staffs."
"The health of our athletes - both equine and human - is of the utmost importance. Our commitment to having one of the nation's safest racing surfaces has never waned. Through our cooperative efforts with horsemen, practicing veterinarians, and jockeys, we will always strive to protect all participants of our great sport."
Taraz, an imposing daughter of Into Mischief, won the first three starts of her career by a combined margin of 22 1/2 lengths. She won her debut by 7 1/2 lengths Nov. 14 at Churchill Downs. One start later, she romped by 11 1/4 lengths in the Letellier Memorial on Dec. 21 at Fair Grounds. Taraz then made her two-turn debut in the $150,000 Martha Washington on Feb. 1 at Oaklawn, and was a 3 3/4-length winner. Her regular rider was Florent Geroux.
Taraz was from the Empire Maker mare Silk Route. The undefeated filly earned $192,412.