2 horses die after colliding in training accident at Belmont Park
1/4/2014NEW YORK — Four-time graded stakes winner Caixa Eletronica and another horse have died after a training accident at Belmont Park.
Caixa Eletronica was galloping on the training track Saturday morning when he collided with Six Drivers, who was running loose after dumping his rider behind the starting gate. Caixa Eletronica sustained a skull fracture and Six Drivers broke its neck.
Dr. Anthony Verderosa, chief examining veterinarian for the New York Racing Association, says both horses died immediately.
Caixa Eletronica was owned by Mike Repole and trained by Todd Pletcher. The 9-year-old horse won seven stakes, including the Westchester, the Charles Town Classic and the True North Handicap. Caixa Eletronica had earned more than $1.8 million.
Repole says it’s “a terrible day for racing.”
Caixa Eletronica’s exercise rider, Carlos Castro, was taken to a hospital for evaluation. Six Drivers’ rider, Julio Pezua, had no apparent injuries.