Posted at 11:11 a.m., Sunday, August 12, 2007
Race horse collapses after apparent heat exhaustion
Associated Press
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — Testament, who has won three of 20 career starts, collapsed near the winner's circle at Saratoga Race Course on Sunday after apparently suffering from heat exhaustion.The 4-year-old gelding, trained by Daniel Conway, Jr., finished fifth in a field of seven in the first race. Testament returned to the area in front of the clubhouse, and had been unsaddled when he fell.
Grooms and track veterinarians worked for several minutes, pouring water and alcohol over the fallen runner, who made it to his feet but collapsed a second time.
After workers brought the horse to his feet a second time, he remained on the track until he was stable enough to be loaded onto the equine ambulance.
The temperature in Saratoga Springs was 82 degrees, with the humidity at 49 percent.
