Posted on 09/28/2010 5:09:37 PM PDT by Holen1
Real Quiet, who was nosed out of becoming racing’s 12th Triple Crown winner, died Sept. 27 in a paddock accident at Michael Jester’s Penn Ridge Farm near Harrisburg, Pa. The 15-year-old son of Quiet American was examined at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine's New Bolton Center.
“He broke five cervical vertebrae from C-5 through C-9, which is basically from his withers to his head,” said Jester, who served as stallion manager.
"I asked our stallion manager Chuck (King) what happened when he took Real Quiet to the paddock, and he said the horse walked toward his water, stood out in the middle of the paddock, and looked across the field to some mares on the hill like he always does. He wasn’t out there five minutes when it happened. He had to have reared up, slid, and fell on his left shoulder, and his left shoulder blade drove into his cervical spine area and fractured the vertebrae, which is how New Bolton described it.
How much was he insured for——it doesn’t say? I have been around horses, including stallions and thoroughbreds my entire life, and I have NEVER heard of a horse breaking it’s neck in the middle of a paddock, alone. FIVE vertebrae——not likely.
It is odd, but if you are suggesting some sort of shenanigans, then there are easier ways to kill a horse and make it look like an accident.
My first thought also.
I used to be a fan of Charisma, the jumper - used to watch him on Saturday after the cartoons as a teen. He was just so beautiful. When I found he was electrocuted for insurance, I was so, so angry.
And from what I understand Alydar went that way too.
Good question. I’ll admit I hadn’t thought of that.
Does sound very weird. My Dad ran a small string in the ‘80s, but gave up after losing several horses to accidents, illness, injury etc. They seem to die rather easily. Inbreeding I guess.
Oops, sorry, here’s the link to the story:
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/59081/derby-winner-real-quiet-dies
Wasn’t Alydar the horse that went to Ireland and just ... disappeared?
“Wasn’t Alydar the horse that went to Ireland and just ... disappeared?”
No, Alydar had an extremely successful breeding career for Calumet Farms. Poor management of the operations led to huge debt. Alydar was found in his stall with a serious cannon bone break. Had to be put down. Generally believed that the farm’s manager had it done for the insurance.
Ah, yes. Now, wasn’t there a Derby winner who just sort of disappeared? This might have happened in the late 70s or during the 80s.
Don’t know. Can think of a few that disappeared from the winning circle after winning the Derby.
I did a little sleuthing. It was Shergar of whom I’m thinking.
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