Report: Kentucky Derby 2018 hopeful Mourinho euthanized

HRN Staff
Photo: Coady Photography

Mourinho, the Smarty Jones Stakes winner who was on the 2018 Kentucky Derby trail, suffered a fatal injury Monday in training, according to the Daily Racing Form.

The report indicated the colt suffered a sesamoid fracture in a workout at Santa Anita Park.

"Up and down, every day. It's a shame," said trainer Bob Baffert in an interview with DRF, as he had top 3-year-olds McKinzie and Justify both emerge as major Kentucky Derby contenders over the weekend.

Mourinho made five career starts running for Phoenix Thoroughbreds, with his front-running score in the Jan. 15 Smarty Jones at Oaklawn Park the one that moved him on Kentucky Derby lists. He was a $625,000 purchase as a 2-year-old and also graded stakes placed.

Fourth last out in the Grade 3 Southwest Stakes, Mourinho was working up to another Derby trail start.

The son of of Super Saver was breezing with stablemate Restoring Hope, Baffert said, when he "took a bad step" and suffered the injury.

Read More

First Look: Way to Be Marie targets Long Island at Aqueduct
That Breeders' Cup hangover hits different when you realize racing never takes a breath. Seven graded stakes across...
Breeders' Cup: Sunday updates from weekend stars
This is how horses across the Breeders' Cup races including Forever Young , Scylla and more came out...
Parchment Party is first U.S.-trained Melbourne Cup runner
History will be made on Monday night when the Bill Mott-trained Parchment Party and hall of fame jockey...
Monday works: Magnitude, Iscreamuscream lead 12 on tab
Magnitude , the impressive Grade 2 Risen Star winner who most recently finished second behind Baeza in the...
Bishops Bay earns fastest figure of day in Forty Niner win
Bishops Bay earned the fastest Horse Racing Nation speed figure on Sunday, a 135, for his game three-quarter-length...