Louisville, KY – A three-year-old Kentucky Derby contender was euthanized yesterday after suffering a leg injury during an early morning training run at Churchill Downs. According to multiple sources, Wild on Ice hurt his hind leg during the run and after being evaluated by veterinary professionals, he was euthanized.
The horse’s owner, Frank Sumpter, tells the El Paso Times:
“Wild On Ice gave us so many great moments. He’ll forever be remembered. It’s a sad situation. My heart goes out to the team, trainer Joel Marr and everyone who helped us get to this point. These horses give us so many great moments in life and our team puts in so many hours taking care of the horses. He had a fracture in his hind leg and it was determined he couldn’t be saved. Wild On Ice had so much heart.”
As reported by Bloodhorse, Wild on Ice fractured a bone in his left hock. Sumpter told the publication:
“I did not want my horse to be in pain. He was with the best vets in the country and they said it was in a seriously bad spot. I knew one day he would not be able to get up and be in so much pain. I know how God works, and I am already so blessed, me and my family. The Lord is a rewarder, so I know God has something special for us and it will be here in his time.”
Rest easy Wild on Ice.
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