Black Silver is 14th horse to die this year after Saratoga injury

Black Silver, a first-time starter for trainer Fernando Abreu, became the 14th horse to die this year after racing or training at Saratoga.

The 2-year-old Slumber colt bred and owned by Jeffrey Treadway was euthanized after breaking a leg in the second race Saturday.

“Black Silver was pulled up during the gallop-out with an injury to the left front,” the New York Racing Association said in a written statement. “The horse was immediately attended to by on-track veterinarians, who stabilized the injury and transported Black Silver to Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital for further evaluation. Radiographs taken on Saturday revealed severe fractures deemed to be inoperable. As a result and upon the recommendation of the attending veterinarians, Black Silver was humanely euthanized.”

Jockey Reylu Gutiérrez was not injured and kept his two riding assignments later on Saturday’s card.

NYRA said this was the fifth racing fatality since the start of the summer meet July 10. Setting Sun, Aterradora, State of Readiness and Catchy, who was injured Friday, were the others. Three others died as a result of training injuries. They included National Secret, Dazzle d’Oro and St. Addie.

According to a database maintained by the New York State Gaming Commission, Stop Giggling and Data Capture also were euthanized at Rood & Riddle after they were injured in training since the start of the meet which ends Monday.

Three other Saratoga horses died as a result of injuries suffered in June. Whatlovelookslike was hurt in a June 5 race. Team Structure and Starting Rumors were injured in training.

The 14 deaths from injuries at Saratoga are the most in a calendar year since 15 horses were euthanized in 2020. There were 12 in 2021, 12 in 2022, 13 in 2023 and four in 2024, according to the NYSGC database.