Catchy is euthanized after finishing 3rd in Saratoga maiden race

Catchy, a first-time starter for trainer Mark Hennig, was euthanized on track at Saratoga on Friday after being injured past the wire in the second race. She had crossed the wire third in the race, a seven-furlong maiden special weight sprint for juvenile fillies.

According to a release Friday from the New York Racing Association, Catchy suffered an injury to her left front. On-track veterinarians responded immediately, but she was euthanized because of the severity of her injuries.

Catchy was a 2-year-old filly by Medaglia d'Oro out of the winning Declaration of War mare Piece by Peace, a half-sister to stakes winner Cat Burglar. She sold for $400,000 at the 2024 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga select yearling sale to Lee Lewis, who owned her in partnership with Lexi Lewis.

Jockey Jose Lezcano was unseated as a result of the incident. He was taken to Albany Medical Center, where he is being evaluated for injury to his left shoulder and arm, according to the release.

The race was won by favored Steer Clear, a second-time starter for trainer Todd Pletcher and owners Spendthrift Farm and Repole Stable. Second to Spinaway (G1) entrant Orellaia in her debut Aug. 2, Steer Clear led at every call and held by 1 1/4 lengths over Mark Casse trainee Americathegreat.

Since the Belmont Stakes racing festival, five horses have died as a result of racing injuries at Saratoga. Aterradora, Setting Sun and Whatlovelookslike were catastrophically injured in turf races, and Catchy and State of Readiness were injured in dirt races. Another eight horses in that time have died as a result of training injuries at Saratoga, including three who were euthanized sometimes days later at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, according to the New York State Gaming Commission.