Owner Frank Sumpter told The El Paso Times on April 27 that Sunland Derby (G3) and Kentucky Derby (G1) winners are hopeful Wild On Ice died after sustaining a rear leg injury after a Thursday morning exercise session at Churchill Downs.
“Wild On Ice gave us a lot of great moments,” said Sumpter. “He will be forever remembered. It is a sad situation. My heart goes out to the team, coach Joel Marr and everyone who has helped us get to this point. These horses carry left us with so many great moments in life and our team devoted many many hours looking after the horses.He broke a bone in his hind leg and it was determined that he could not be saved. okay. Wild On Ice has a lot of hearts.”
The Texas crossbred racehorse hit five laps in 1:01 2/5 and was then pulled up by Ken Tohill, his regular rider, while galloping down the backseat.
Wild On Ice was evaluated at Churchill Downs Equine Medical Center and subsequently transported to Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital for evaluation. Marr and Tohill also made the trip to Lexington.
Wild On Ice’s defection would allow Skinner to finish third in the Santa Anita Derby (G1) into the Kentucky Derby.
BloodHorse plans to update this story further.
