Report: Wild On Ice Euthanized Following Derby Work

Owner Frank Sumpter told The El Paso Times April 27 that Sunland Derby (G3) winner and Kentucky Derby (G1) hopeful Wild On Ice  was euthanized after suffering a left hind leg injury following a Thursday morning workout at Churchill Downs.

"Wild On Ice gave us so many great moments," Sumpter said. "He'll forever be remembered. It's a sad situation. My heart goes out to the team, trainer Joel Marr and everyone who helped us get to this point. These horses give us so many great moments in life and our team puts in so many hours taking care of the horses. He had a fracture in his hind leg and it was determined he couldn't be saved. Wild On Ice had so much heart."

The Texas-bred gelding had clocked five furlongs in 1:01 2/5 and then was pulled up by Ken Tohill, his regular rider, while galloping out down the backstretch.

Wild On Ice was evaluated at the Churchill Downs Equine Medical Center and was subsequently transported to Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital for evaluation. Marr and Tohill also made the trip to Lexington. 

Wild On Ice's defection will allow Santa Anita Derby (G1) third-place finisher Skinner into the Kentucky Derby field.

BloodHorse plans to further update this story.