Sunday's running of the Bertram F. Bongard S. for New York-breds at Belmont ended in tragedy as Happy Happy B (Honor Code) broke down during the race and had to be euthanized. The 2-year-old suffered a catastrophic injury to his right front leg.
Breaking down about 70 yards before the wire, Happy Happy B threw rider Jose Ortiz, who was sent to North Shore Hospital to have his left leg evaluated. Ortiz's agent Jim Ricco Jr. reported Sunday evening the rider was fine and was not expected to miss any time due to the accident.
Trained by Robertino Diodoro, Happy Happy B was sent off at 5-1 in the five-horse field and was third when the injury occurred. After breaking his maiden against state-breds at Saratoga, he finished third in the Funny Cide S., also for New York-breds.
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