Some sad news today as 2014 Kentucky Derby entrant Dance With Fate was euthanized due to injuries sustained in an incident on July 24. The horse bolted while on the track at Del Mar and crashed hard into a fence.
According to Del Mar track officials the incident happened during training. Dance With Fate was on the track at approximately 5:30 AM on July 24 when he suddenly bolted and crashed hard into the outside fence near the far turn. He threw exercise rider Joe Durant who was taken to a nearby hospital with unspecified injuries.
Dance With Fate was evacuated by ambulance to trainer Peter Eurton’s Del Mar stable where equine veterinary specialists attempted to treat an injury to his rear right leg. Details about the nature of the injury are unclear but the horse was unable to be saved and was euthanized earlier today. Eurton didn’t have much information when he added: “I don’t know exactly how it happened or why. He tore some ligaments pretty severely in behind (in his right rear leg).”
An obviously emotional Eurton took to Twitter to express his sadness saying: “With an extremely heavy heart we report Dance With Fate was unable to survive his injuries. Words can’t express what we’re feeling right now. Thank you for all of the support during a rough time like this. The joy he gave us will never be forgotten.”
Dance With Fate was the upset winner in the Bluegrass Stakes earlier this year and with that performance gained entry into the Kentucky Derby. He turned in a decent effort in the Kentucky Derby, finishing sixth behind winner California Chrome. That was to be his last race. He was entered in the Belmont Derby at Belmont Park on July 5th but had to be scratch due to a bout of colic. He was scheduled to race in the July 26 San Diego on July 26 prior to his fatal injury. Owned by Sharon Alesia, Bran Jam Stable, and Ciaglia Racing, Dance With Fate finished his tragically shortened career with three wins, three seconds and earnings of $680,050. Fans and horsemen alike are mourning a spirited, well liked competitor.