Horse Euthanized After Fall at Saratoga Race Course

CBS Albany reports that a horse died after falling on the track at the Saratoga Race Course on Thursday.

Divine Fortune, who won the 2013 Eclipse Award as the nation's best steeplechase horse, was euthanized Thursday afternoon after suffering a fractured shoulder in the Grade I New York Turf Writers' Cup at Saratoga Race Course.

The 12-year-old chestnut gelding had had the lead in the day's first race as he approached the final hurdle. Newsday reports that after clearing the fence, Divine Fortune suddenly fell. The horse was down for about five minutes, and the shocked crowd cheered when he suddenly got to his feet. Unfortunately, it was false hope.

Dr. Anthony Verderosa, the New York Racing Association's chief examining veterinarian, said: "After falling, the horse fractured his left shoulder and was taken in the ambulance back to the barn to be euthanized. You can't repair a fractured humerus."

Divine Fortune's death is the 11th death this season.

This YouTube video shows Divine Fortune taking the lead in a final work for the Colonial Cup meeting in Camden, SC back in November of 2013.