Stakes-Winning Filly Taraz Suffers Catastrophic Injury

Recent Martha Washington Stakes winner Taraz was euthanized Feb. 17 after suffering a catastrophic injury during a morning workout at Oaklawn Park.

Juddmonte Farms' homebred Taraz secured her third win in as many starts Feb. 1 when she enjoyed a clear lead throughout the one-mile Martha Washington, drawing off in the stretch to score by 3 3/4 lengths. Trained by Brad Cox, the 3-year-old daughter of Into Mischief —Silk Route, by Empire Maker, won her two juvenile starts—a maiden race at Churchill Downs and the Letellier Memorial Stakes at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots—by a combined 18 3/4 lengths.

On Monday Taraz severely fractured her left front pastern while working at Oaklawn. According to a release from Juddmonte, Taraz was transported to the barn where X-rays were taken and reviewed, with the attending veterinarian consulting with equine surgeon Dr. Bob Hunt of Hagyard Equine Medical Institute. 

After consulting with Cox, Juddmonte management, and the veterinarians, it was determined that given the extreme nature of the damage to the bone and the blood supply being compromised, it would be impractical to attempt to repair the injury and the filly was euthanized.

Silk Route, a winner at 3 and 4, has two winners from as many starters. Gelding South Sea, a winning full brother to Taraz, has earned more than $230,000. The mare has also produced a 2-year-old full brother to Taraz, named Silk Trade, who has not started working yet. Silk Route is out of group 1-placed stakes winner Jibe, by Danzig.