Fasnacloich became the latest victim at the much-celebrated Del Mar Summer Meet when she “broke down” about midway through the 2nd race Sunday afternoon. Dead. The 6-year-old was under the whip for the 25th time. By my count, since tracking began on July 11, at least eight horses have either died on Del Mar grounds or while being trained off-site for upcoming Del Mar races. (I say “at least” because there may or may not be overlap between the stewards’ anonymous “deceased” and those who have been identified here and/or others may have simply slipped through the cracks.) Again, that’s (at least) eight dead “athletes” for Del Mar in just two weeks.

The ones we know about:

Presidential Air, July 15, race 6

Dynamite Charge, July 17, training

Whisky and Wine, July 23, training

Dutchessa, July 23, race 2

Fasnacloich, July 24, race 2

From the Del Mar Stewards Minutes, week of 7/11/16-7/17/16

“Deceased: 5”