Saturday started with tragedy at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore ahead of the Preakness Stakes when two horses died within the first four races of the day.
Homeboykris, a 9-year-old gelding, won his first race and took pictures in the winner’s circle but collapsed and died on his walk back to the barn. The cause of death was believed to be a heart attack. Former New York Yankees manager Joe Torre was among Homeboykris’ group of owners, according to the Louisville Courier-Journal.
The second horse who died was Pramedya, a 4-year-old filly. In another odd coincidence, Pramedya’s owners also owned Barbaro, who 10 years ago fractured his hind leg at the Preakness and several months later had to be euthanized.
Truly Together won the race in which Pramedya died, and coincidentally enough, Truly Together’s trainer, Michael Matz, was Barbaro’s trainer.
h/t to USA TODAY Sports
Thumbnail photo via Mitch Stringer/USA TODAY Sports Images