Last Updated on July 18, 2019 by CCAR Staff
DEL MAR — A horrific head-on collision during morning training hours at Del Mar resulted in the death of two unraced horses and a mild injury to jockey Assael Espinoza.
The accident, first reported by the Daily Racing Form, occurred at approximately 6:40 a.m. Thursday, less than 24 hours after Del Mar opened its 80th season of summer racing with an injury-free program that included 88 horses in 10 races.
Three horses, two trained by Bob Baffert and one by John Sadler, were working in company from the starting gate Thursday morning, according to the Paulick Report, and approaching the 6-furlong pole when a horse trained by Carla Gaines threw its rider, Geovanni Franco, and began running the wrong way.
The loose horse, a 2-year-old colt named Charge a Bunch, collided head on with Baffert’s Carson Valley, ridden by Espinoza and working in the middle of the three horses.Charge a Bunch and Carson Valley died from the impact of the collision.
Espinoza, nephew of three-time Kentucky Derby-winning rider Victor Espinoza, was taken to a medical facility while complaining of lower back pain. The Daily Racing Form reported Franco did not require medical attention.
Brian Beach, agent for both Espinozas, told the San Diego Union-Tribune that Assael Espinoza has a mild back sprain and is expected to ride over the weekend.
