Hall of Famer Bob Baffert, who returned to training recently after a 90-day suspension issued by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, had an unraced juvenile colt suffer an accident while leaving the track at Los Alamitos July 26. Named Rapacious (Into Mischief–Princess La Quinta, by Quality Road), the bay was euthanized. Bred by Aaron and Marie Jones LLC in Kentucky, Rapacious was sold for $400,0000 to SF Bloodstock, Starlight Racing, and Madaket Stable at the 2021 Keeneland September sale.
Los Alamitos issued a statement late Tuesday evening regarding the incident. The statement follows in full:
On Tuesday morning, Rapacious, an unraced 2-year-old, was humanely euthanized following an unfortunate post-training accident that occurred as he was on his way back to the stable area at Los Alamitos Race Course.
Rapacious had completed his morning exercise and was just about to exit the track when he reared, and then reared up high a second time. He lost his balance in the process and fell over on his back. Rapacious was immediately attended to by veterinarians on duty for morning training at Los Alamitos.
After further medical examination and observation, it was reported that Rapacious had been humanely euthanized because of a back injury. Exercise rider Enrique Garcia, who was aboard Rapacious, was uninjured.
Purchased at the 2021 Keeneland September sale by SF Bloodstock, Starlight Racing and Madaket Stable, the son of Into Mischief out of the Quality Road mare Princess La Quinta was trained by Bob Baffert.
The thoughts of Los Alamitos Race Course management and staff go out to everyone who cared for Rapacious. Los Alamitos remains committed to horse and rider safety and is conducting a full review of this incident.
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
