MAPLE LEAF MEL SUFFERES CATAstrophic INJURY IN FINAL STAGE AT SARATOGASARATOGA SPRINGS, New York
Maple Leaf Mel was leading the field in the $500,000 trial at Saratoga when he suffered a catastrophic leg injury shortly before the mark arrived and was later destroyed on Saturday.
Jockey Joel Rosario was knocked down and taken to Albany Hospital for further evaluation and treatment for facial abrasions, according to the New York Racing Association.
Trained by Melanie Giddings, Maple Leaf Mel is 5-0 in her career. It is owned by August Dawn Farm, which includes Pro Football Hall of Fame coach Bill Parcells.
The pitcher was on the field when he injured his right leg. On-site veterinarians attended to Maple Leaf Mel, but she was euthanized due to the severity of her injuries, NYRA said.
