SARATOGA SPRINGS — The first equine death of the season at Saratoga Race Course occurred on Wednesday, according to the state Gaming Commission.
The commission's website said thoroughbred, Heartspoke, collapsed on the race track and may have died from a cardiovascular-related issue.
An investigation into the thoroughbred's death is continuing.
Last season at Saratoga Race Course, 18 thoroughbreds died — surpassing the 2016 toll of 16.
As a result in the uptick of equine deaths, the state Gaming Commission, the New York Racing Association and the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association announced new safety measures last season.
According to the state Gaming Commission, the measures included increased regulatory veterinary presence at the track during training, “state-of-the-art” monitoring of horses and a more comprehensive education for trainers about common horse injuries at the state’s thoroughbred racetracks and prevention methods.
Heartspoke's trainer was Larry Rivelli and jockey was Javier Castellano.