R. I. P. Saginaw

New York racing lost one of its finest on Friday when the mighty Saginaw broke down during the 3rd race at Saratoga. Starting odds-on favourite, he was stalking the leader and subsequent winner, Bernie The Maestro, when he suddenly lost action at the 7/16. He was vanned off back to the barn where it was discovered that he had broken both sesamoids in his near fore.

A winner of 21 races from 41 starts, he won close to $1 million and was an amazing bargain for David Jacobson and the Drawing Away stable who picked him up for $30,000 in a claiming race. Last year he won a staggering 10 races and continued that form into 2013 with 5 more wins. A New Yorker through and through, he has dominated the state bred Stakes scene in the Big Apple over the last season and a half, and has been a model of consistency throughout his career.

A great horse who always gave his best, he will be sadly missed.