Stronach Group Issues Statement on Equine Fatality

The Stronach Group, which owns Santa Anita Park, issued the following statement after the death of Satchel Paige after the fifth race on Oct. 19 at the California track:

Satchel Paige, a three-year-old gelding, was humanely euthanized after the fifth race on Oct. 19 at Santa Anita Park. After being pulled up at the 3/8th pole, Satchel Paige was immediately evaluated by a team of on-track veterinarians, led by Santa Anita Park veterinarian Dr. Dana Stead, and transported in the equine ambulance. Dr. Stead observed that the horse had suffered an open fracture of his left front ankle and made the decision to humanely euthanize the gelding.

Jockey Ruben Fuentes was uninjured.

"Satchel Paige will undergo a necropsy at the University of California - Davis' School of Veterinary Medicine on behalf of the California Horse Racing Board, as is mandatory for all on-track accidents.  The accident and the necropsy report will be reviewed to learn what, if anything, could have been done to prevent the accident," said Dr. Dionne Benson, Chief Veterinarian for The Stronach Group. "Santa Anita will work closely with the California Horse Racing Board to investigate this accident and will continue to brief our stakeholders and all of our constituents, including the public, as more facts come in."

Satchel Paige was racing for his breeder and owner Nick Alexander.  The thoughts of the team at The Stronach Group and Santa Anita go out to everyone who cared for the horse, including trainer Phil D'Amato and his staff.

The Stronach Group and Santa Anita safety measures put horse and rider safety above all else.  Santa Anita and The Stronach Group remain committed to leading transformative change in this traditional sport.