Haskell winner Geaux Rocket Ride euthanized after Breeders' Cup training injury

Geaux Rocket Ride, who won the $1 million TVG.com Haskell Stakes at Monmouth Park in July, was euthanized Wednesday, four days after suffering a training injury at Santa Anita. The news was announced by the 3-year-old colt's owner, Pin Oak Stud.

Geaux Rocket Ride had been preparing for Saturday's $6 million Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita, where he was expected to be one of the favorites. Trained by Richard Mandella, Geaux Rocket Ride underwent surgery Sunday for what was described as an open fracture with ligament damage.

After the Haskell, Geaux Rocket Ride finished second in the Pacific Classic at Del Mar. In five lifetime starts, he won three times, with a pair of seconds.

On Oct. 13 at Santa Anita, Echo Zulu, a champion filly, suffered a career-ending injury trainer for the Breeders' Cup on the Santa Anita track. Echo Zulu is reportedly doing well more than two weeks after surgery.

Santa Anita became a lightning rod for equine safety in 2020 when a spike in horse fatalities at the track's winter meet caught the attention of the national media, eventually leading to reforms within the industry, including federal legislation to provide national oversight for the industry.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Daily Racing Form retracted a report that Geaux Rocket Ride had been euthanized.

"Earlier today, Daily Racing Form received a report that Geaux Rocket Ride had been euthanized after failing to recover from surgery. The information provided was in error. As of midday, efforts were being made to save the colt. DRF regrets any confusion caused by the article," Daily Racing Form said on Twitter, now known as X.

More: Haskell Stakes 2023: Five takeaways from Monmouth Park's big day, as Geaux Rocket Ride wins

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Haskell winner Geaux Rocket Ride euthanized after training injury