NYRA announced Wednesday that Celtic Dawn, a promising two-year-old filly who won her debut race at Saratoga, was vanned off following the race due to a left front leg injury.
The daughter of Honest Mischief captured the $90,000 New York State-bred maiden special weight by three lengths, completing the 5 1/2 furlongs in 1:04.58 over a sloppy main track. The race had originally been scheduled for turf.
Celtic Dawn, sent off at 6-1 odds, overcame early positioning challenges after breaking from the rail. Despite being shuffled back while in tight quarters at the half-mile pole, she rallied with an impressive closing move in the stretch to defeat runner-up Hot Currency.
The victory celebration proved short-lived. Celtic Dawn returned to the winner’s circle visibly lame in her left front leg and was immediately transported to Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital for evaluation.
Trainer Carlos Martin later confirmed via social media that the filly had suffered a pastern fracture and would undergo surgery.
“Thank all the NYRA staff and vets for their care and handling of our beautiful filly Celtic Dawn,” Martin wrote on Twitter. “Thankfully Rood and Riddle, one of the best clinics in the world, is down the street from Saratoga racecourse! After x-rays a pastern fracture was discovered, surgery will be performed.”
Celtic Dawn is owned and bred by Blue Devil Racing Stable. She is out of the mare Tapa Liath, by Paddy O’Prado. According to breeding records, Tapa Liath has not produced a foal since Celtic Dawn in 2023 but was bred back to Honest Mischief for a full-sibling due in 2026.
The filly earned $49,500 for her maiden victory.
thank all the nyra staff and vets for their care and handling of our beautiful filly Celtic dawn thankfully rood and riddle one of the best clinics in the works down the street from Saratoga racecourse ! After x-rays a pastern fracture was discovered surgery will be performed…
— Carlos martin (@TrainerCMartin)
thank all the nyra staff and vets for their care and handling of our beautiful filly Celtic dawn thankfully rood and riddle one of the best clinics in the works down the street from Saratoga racecourse ! After x-rays a pastern fracture was discovered surgery will be performed…
— Carlos martin (@TrainerCMartin) August 20, 2025
