“Sad to Watch”: ‘Scarred’ Horse Racing Community Divided Following Tragic Loss of Gulfstream Contender
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It was yet another heartbreaking day for horse racing enthusiasts on Sunday with the loss of one of the champion equines. The Gulfstream Park Racing welcomed the glam, entertainment, and fierce competition to its highly celebrated venue for an evening of thrills. However, the day’s end brought along a contradictory note for those in attendance and those away with a grievous loss.
On Sunday, with the event’s proceedings, the Gulfstream Park saw the 2022 Breeders’ Cup contender Congruent draw his last breath. The nature and cause of the situation added by the horse racing authorities’ reaction to the same, called for an angered, heartfelt response from the spectators.
Congruent says an unkind goodbye
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The 4-year-old colt, Congruent, though not an exceptional standout, had his share of victorious moments. In his near two-year career, the Saffie A. Joseph-trained equine started a total of 12 races, securing three wins, inclusive of Battaglia Memorial. However, with more in store for the equine, Gulfstream proved to be the last of the tracks. As per the surfaced clips, Congruent had taken a comfortable lead in the field of 9 for the 4th race of the day. But was soon moved off the tracks.
Another breakdown on the tapeta synthetic surface at Gulfstreampark. @hisa_us
Congruent. Trained by Joseph saffie. https://t.co/ATM7pbXEfp pic.twitter.com/wsXX0zI0eC— Gulf-SchemePark (@Jackpotkimm) March 2, 2024
As per a report, the equine took a bad step midway, incurring an injury while the rest of the race proceeded. Then off the camera, Congruent was pulled up to check on the condition only to end up being euthanized. The sorrowful incident that escalated in a matter of minutes, pulled on the heartstrings of the horse racing enthusiasts. Some angered and some heartbroken, took to social media to express their emotions.
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Horse racing enthusiasts mourn the loss
Watching the surfaced clip of the horse racing event, fans speculated if Congruent was trying to say something during the race. “IMO was telling rider something was wrong,” one of the users states his observation. He further expresses sorrow writing, “sad to watch.”
Bad look – Congruent BEFORE breakdown today
Horses break down. We do have to accept it.
But in this case 9 (Congruent) IMO was telling rider something was wrong for a long time by the way his head was shaking and bolting out.
Sad to watch.
Should rider have pulled up??? pic.twitter.com/bSzVCGUuMb
— Horse Racing Community (Lucien LaCroix) (@BobBaffart) March 2, 2024
The next spectator expressed anger over the loss writing, “Why didn’t the humans take care of him? ”
My heart breaks for Congruent. Why didn't the humans take care of him? Here he was in the Jeff Ruby Steaks. He was the winner of the John Battaglia Memorial last year, the renewal of which was run today. pic.twitter.com/AxVu48d3fj
— Dr. Lourdes Abellera (@LourdesAbellera) March 3, 2024
Another user aligning with the earlier observation, states how the situation has scarred her from watching live races further. “I have to watch the replays. Bless his heart,” she writes.
He was doing everything he could to tell them he was not okay. Apparently no one cared. I can't even watch live races anymore. I have to watch the replays. Bless his heart.
— LiLi (@LisahatsNhorses) March 3, 2024
A horse racing spectator next followed along the aforementioned emotion, lamenting the tragic turn of events. “I woke up still indignant over Congruent,” the post reads.
I woke up still indignant over Congruent.
— Jrunner82 (@JRunner82) March 3, 2024
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The trail followed next as one of the spectators bashed the system over the handling of the situation. “Congruent was doing everything possible to show people he was hurting,” the user remarks.
Congruent was doing everything possible to show people he was hurting. But Saffie ran him anyways. The Vets turned a blind eye. The jockey ignored the signs and kept pushing. They killed Congruent.
Forget take outs & field sizes, they keep killing horses. That’s the true iceberg— Avi B. (@avijustin) March 3, 2024
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Some of the fans even jumped in defense of the connections, reasoning none can be sure. And it continues to stand true. There have been no reports or details of the situation so far and the horse racing community awaits.
Continue Reading: Horse Racing News: Owner John Messara in Disbelief as Filly Miracle of Love Faces Tragic Death
Edited by:
Suman Varandani