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Horse Cathedral Reader Dies At Keeneland Following Madison Stakes

Posted at 8:14 PM, Apr 06, 2019
and last updated 2019-04-07 00:00:46-04

LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) – Keeneland officials confirm a horse died following the running of the Madison Stakes on Saturday afternoon.

Cathedral Reader was reportedly euthanized following the race.

Horse writer Nicole Russo posted on Twitter that Cathedral Reader had suffered a pretty severe front limb injury.

Keeneland President and CEO Bill Thomason released this statement:

“On what was an otherwise spectacular day, our celebration is tempered due to the catastrophic injury sustained by Cathedral Reader during the running of the Madison. We have spoken with Ms. Gayle Benson’s Racing Manager, Greg Bensel, and trainer Dallas Stewart, expressing our sympathy for their loss. As is the law in Kentucky, the horse will be transported to the University of Kentucky Diagnostic Lab for a complete necropsy. Keeneland, in full cooperation with the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, will perform a full investigation, which includes continued evaluation of race track surface conditions, forensic review of past race performances, veterinary records, and personal interviews with the jockey, trainer and attending veterinarian. Keeneland has received nothing but positive feedback about the racing surface since it reopened in mid-March from the winter break. As is Keeneland’s normal procedure, we will review and evaluate all facets of our racing operation to ensure the safest possible environment for the equine and human athletes participating in our racing program. For an overview of Keeneland’s safety protocols and initiatives, visit Keeneland.com/safety.”