Saratoga County, felled by laminitis, shown here winning last year's Gotham.
Saratoga County, winner of the Dubai Golden Shaheen (UAE-I) in March, was euthanized late Friday after developing laminitis, Daily Racing Form reports.The 4-year-old Valid Expectations colt had developed into one of the top sprinters in the nation this year after also winning the Mr. Prospector (gr. III) at Gulfstream Park and the General George (gr. II) at Laurel. He came down with colitis, however, and owner Evelyn Pollard told The Form that it developed into laminitis."He was a character," Pollard told the publication. "We had more fun with him in the barn. My kids loved him. He was a personable horse. I loved closers anyway. That's my favorite thing, when I get a closer. I knew he would have been a spectacular stud."Saratoga County was to have stood at stud next year in Florida at The Vinery, which purchased a majority interest in the breeding rights to him after the Golden Shaheen.As a 3-year-old, Saratoga County won the Gotham (gr. III) at Aqueduct. George Weaver trained Saratoga County, who finished with a career record of 6-4-1 from 17 starts and earnings of $1,646,590.
