Aterradora Humanely Euthanized Following Lake George Stakes Injury

NYRA officials confirmed Wednesday that Aterradora (Ire) was humanely euthanized at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, two days after sustaining an injury during the GIII Lake George Stakes at Saratoga Race Course.

The 3-year-old filly, trained by Mike Maker and owned by Pura Vida Investments LLC, was pulled up by jockey Ricardo Santana, Jr. during the gallop out after finishing fifth in the July 26 stakes race. On-track veterinarians immediately attended to the horse before she was transported for specialized care.

Initial radiographs revealed a slab fracture of the right knee, prompting a CT scan for surgical planning. During surgery, veterinarians discovered the injury was more severe and complicated than initially diagnosed, leading to the recommendation for humane euthanasia.

Aterradora, a daughter of Starspangledbanner (Aus), was making her eighth career start in the Lake George Stakes.

According to NYRA officials, Aterradora represents the only racing fatality since the beginning of the Saratoga summer meet on July 10. Two equine fatalities have occurred during training hours — National Secret (American Pharoah) and Dazzle d’Oro (Bolt d’Oro).

The filly had been competing at the graded stakes level prior to the incident at Saratoga.