Champion Divine Fortune Dies After Fall
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Divine Fortune, the 12-year-old champion steeplechaser of 2013, was euthanized Aug. 27 as a result of injuries sustained when he fell during the New York Turf Writers Cup at Saratoga Race Course.
William L. Pape and trainer Jonathan Sheppard's homebred son of Royal Anthem had led at every call in the 2 3/8-mile test of stamina when he hit the 10th and final fence, falling to the ground. According to the National Steeplechase Association, Divine Fortune sustained a fractured left humerus in the fall. Rider Darren Nagle was uninjured.
The New York Turf Writers Cup, an NSA grade I race, was won by Elizabeth Voss' Bob Le Beau, who had strong momentum and inherited the lead when Divine Fortune fell. Demonstrative, the 2014 champion who was seeking to defend his victory in last year's Cup, was pulled up and left the course in midstretch, as was All the Way Jose.
Bred in Pennsylvania from the Northern Fling mare My Tombola, Divine Fortune won or placed in 24 of 47 starts, nearly all over jumps, and earned $829,795. The gelding's 12 victories include six NSA graded stakes, three of which are designated grade I events.