While all eyes were on Manmouth Park for the Grade 1 Haskell Stakes, the Del Mar in California had its own thing going on Saturday. However, while the NYRA Bets Haskell turned out to be the stage for redemption for Journalism, the Del Mar instead left the fans with their hands over their faces. In Race 5, scheduled for 4:03 pm, a horrific injury occurred, and the horse racing community is aghast.

The $81,000 Allowance Optional Claiming in Del Mar boasted a thrilling line-up, promising an equally enticing race. However, right in the first turn of the Del Mar Racetrack, the 3-year-old filly Origami took a tumble and sent her jockey flying. The scenes were hard to digest for any horse racing fan, and they couldn’t help but feel concerned over the incident.

The Irish horse’s trainer, Doug O’Neill, took to X on July 19 to share an update on Origami’s condition following the accident. “Origami is safe and sound after a fall in the fifth at Del Mar. We believe she clipped heels,” the social media update read, as the accompanying video showed the horse getting a cold show. However, one can’t help but notice the pool of red right below Origami’s front left foot, making it clear that some tending to wounds is in order.

When Origami fell, jockey Tiago Pereira was also caught off guard and hit the ground hard. The jockey was swiftly carried off the turf and was later hospitalized with a jaw injury. Pereira also didn’t return for the two other races he was slated to run later at Del Mar, and was replaced by two other jockeys. Naturally, while O’Neill was understandably worried about his horse, he had to take a moment to wish the jockey a quick recovery. “We are sending our thoughts and prayers to Tiago,” Doug wrote.

Origami, reportedly, clipped heels behind Border Control, which threw the former off in the 5-furlong race. It wasn’t a pretty sight, and fans were just relieved to know that the filly wasn’t in too grave danger. “She deserves extra peppermints today,” one fan suggested a way to help Origami get over the heartbreak of not being able to finish the race, as well as for the physical battering she took at Del Mar.

The race chart, though, notes that Origami placed three deep early in the race. After the fall, the horse was taken away in an equine ambulance. Understandably, the fans were eager for an update.

Fans come in throngs to shower love on the Del Mar filly

Horse racing is a sport that forges a deep bond between humans and their equine partners. Even when horses take their leave from their racing career, they continue to be taken care of and loved by their humans. And every death hits hard, whether it comes unexpectedly on the racecourse or in a slow manner, where the cloaked man’s arrival has been in the talks for some time. Just days ago, one of the oldest horses in the USA passed away, leaving fans wailing. In that light, Origami’s woes only triggered the community.

“Glad she’s ok,” one fan was just relieved to know that Origami would be back i her natural pastures soon. Another fan commented, “I’m so happy to hear this! Fans always would love to have an update on their athletes, jockey AND horse! We love them all,” while nothing once again that extra cookies and peppermints should be on the menu today.

Back in October last year, a fire broke out at the Westmoreland Equestrian Center, and the staff went out of their way to make sure the horses weren’t injured by the flames. Origami’s accident at the Del Mar seems to have reignited that kind of concern yet again. “Good news,” said one fan, feeling happy that Origami wouldn’t need to face any drastic measures for her misfortune. “so happy she is ok,” commented another.

Are you just as relieved to know about the update? Share your prayers and thoughts for the horse and the jockey below!