Matanzas Creek is euthanized after winning race at Santa Anita

Matanzas Creek, a 4-year-old colt who broke down seconds after a sprint-allowance win on the main track Saturday at Santa Anita, was vanned off and euthanized in what was reported to be the track’s first racing death in nearly a year.

Frankie Dettori, who fell to the track when Matanzas Creek collapsed just past the finish line, walked away with what were said to be minor injuries. He took off his remaining mounts Saturday.

“Matanzas Creek sustained irreparable injuries to his right front fetlock,” SF Racing’s Tom Ryan wrote on X. “It’s a heartbreaking decision to make, but he was euthanized onsite.”

According to Thoroughbred Daily News, it was the first racing death at Santa Anita since March 18, 2023.

Trained by Tim Yakteen, Matanzas Creek was sired by Empire Maker and foaled out of the Cuvee mare Cuvee Uncorked. He had a career record of 5: 2-2-0 and earnings of $104,820. He broke his maiden on his third try when she won Dec. 29 at Santa Anita.

Bred in Kentucky by Betz, Burns, Kidder, Cole, D J Stables, CoCo and the Empire Maker Syndicate, Matanzas Creek was sold for $75,000 as a yearling to SF Racing, Starlight Racing and Madaket Stables. Bat Masterson, Stonestreet Stables, Jay Schoenfarber, Waves Edge Capital and Catherine Donovan were the other listed owners, according to Equibase.