In this image provided by Benoit Photo, Pin Oak Stud’s Geaux Rocket Ride, ridden by Ramon Vazquez, cruises to victory in the $100,000 Affirmed Stakes horse race, Sunday, June 4, 2023 at Santa Anita Park, Arcadia, Calif. Breeders’ Cup Classic contender Geaux Rocket Ride was injured during a workout Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, at Santa Anita. The 3-year-old colt appeared to stumble in mid-stretch and was pulled up by Mike Smith, the Hall of Fame jockey.
Geaux Rocket Ride sustained a condylar fracture. It’s a repetitive strain injury that results in a fracture to the cannon bone above the fetlock due to large loads transmitted during high-speed workouts.
Hall of Fame trainer Richard Mandella told The Associated Press via text earlier Wednesday that respected veterinarian Dr. Larry Bramlage was en route to California to look at Geaux Rocket Ride and make an evaluation. headtopics.com
“His mind and his spirit never quit, but his body never recovered from surgery,” Pin Oak Stud wrote. “He had a very rare response post-op and he wasn’t able to stand up again. He fought hard and our team of vets tried everything they could.”
Horses that can’t stand are at increased risk for complications such as pressure sores, colic and pneumonia. Geaux Rocket Ride missed the Santa Anita Derby and this year’s Triple Crown races because of a fever and a high white cell count. A few weeks ago, the colt had a temperature that interrupted his training.Geaux Rocket Ride won the Haskell in July, beating Kentucky Derby winner Mage, and finished second in the Pacific Classic in September. He has three wins in five career starts and earnings of $980,200. headtopics.com