SARATOGA RACE COURSE Jockey mourns loss of Angels Seven

By Sam Blum SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. » A neck-and-neck finish in Saratoga’s third race was the last thing most of the crowd was focused on as the winner crossed the wire.

It was focused at the start of the turn on the turf course where Angels Seven was pulled up, unable to place weight on her leg. Within a few moments, a screen had been raised — shielding the view from the spectators as Angels Seven was euthanized and placed in the back of an equine ambulance. Thank goodness the horse stayed up with me and let me get back home safely.”

Davis, a Saratoga native, has ridden four horses that have died while competing in the state of New York. That includes a date just five months ago when both he and his sister Jacqueline Davis both rode horses that broke down on the same day at Aqueduct Park, according to the New York State Gaming Commission.

Dylan Davis came back to ride Small Bear to a runner up in The Curlin Stakes. It was his best placement in the 13 mounts he’s had at Saratoga this summer. He was all smiles after that accomplishment, but hadn’t forgotten about earlier in the day.

“Unfortunately, it happens to every jockey,” Davis said. “It just comes down to when. It does, it does. You’re right there, witnessing what happens. This is part of the game, you get a little callused about it. Your do feel the loss for the trainer and the owner.”

Angels Seven was owned by Mossarosa and trained by Nick Zito.

Davis has been racing for five years, and sometimes races for his father, who is a trainer. He’s experienced in dealing with these situations, even if they are difficult to handle.