BloodHorse.com | Horse Racing News

Spurious Precision euthanized after fracturing knee

By
Updated: Sunday, September 23, 2012 4:58 PM
Posted: Wednesday, September 19, 2012 3:15 PM

Spurious Precision, the undefeated winner of the Grade 2 Saratoga Special on August 12, was euthanized Tuesday morning. The two-year-old, who was preparing for the Grade 1 Champagne on October 6, suffered a fractured left knee during a workout at Aqueduct Monday. The preliminary diagnosis indicated the injury might be repaired surgically, and he was sent to the Hogan Equine Clinic in Cream Ridge, New Jersey, but additional X-rays revealed extensive damage to the bone structure of the knee.

"He went a mile Monday and he looked super," trainer Rick Violette Jr. said. "But (exercise rider Rodney Payne) felt his stride change as they finished the work, and he pulled him up right away. The horse ambulance brought him back to the barn, and after looking at the initial X-rays, there was some hope that surgery was an option. We sent him down to Dr. Patricia Hogan, but the comprehensive set of X-rays taken at the clinic showed that, in addition to a slab fracture, he had significant damage that could not be repaired."

According to Dr. Hogan, "Spurious Precision sustained a severely comminuted fracture of his left knee. Unfortunately, he shattered the two major weight-bearing bones of his knee, as well as incurring several other smaller fractures of the lesser-supporting bones, thus rendering the knee unstable and unable to support his frame. Heroic surgical measures were considered, but humane euthanasia was ultimately the only appropriate option for this type of injury."

Purchased for $105,000 from the OBS Sale in April, Spurious Precision made his debut at Saratoga July 21 and graduated by 3 1/2 lengths. The son of High Cotton added a five-length score in the Saratoga Special, and earned $168,000 in his two starts.

Spurious Precision was owned by Klaravich Stables and William H. Lawrence.

Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com

FREE! E-Newsletters from The Blood-Horse!...
Follow the top stories of major racing events, racing previews and results with FREE e-newsletters from bloodhorse.com. As news develops, we'll deliver updates to your inbox. Follow important events moment by moment, step by step!