Sad Ending for Lavender Road

Lavender Road, a 3-year-old filly who was scratched Wednesday before the running of the seventh race at Saratoga Race Course, was euthanized early Thursday afternoon at Rood & Riddle Hospital in Saratoga after being diagnosed with a fracture in her neck.

The horse, owned by Kallenberg Farms and trained by Abigail Adsit, fractured a vertebrae when she fell on the horse path returning from the track, according to Dr. Travis Tull, the attending physician.

"The filly was transported to Rood & Riddle Hospital adjacent to the racetrack," said Dr. Scott Palmer, the New York State Equine Medical Director and a member of the American Association of Equine Practitioners. "At the time of admission, she was examined by Dr. Tull and was treated throughout the afternoon and evening with fluids and medication to reduce swelling related to an acute, traumatic injury. Extensive diagnostic tests were performed and ultimately revealed a fracture of the seventh cervical vertebrae [in her neck]. Her owners and trainer were advised of the diagnosis, for which, tragically, there is no successful medical or surgical treatment. She was humanely euthanized."

Lavender Road, a daughter of First Defence, had one victory in six lifetime starts.