Derby winner dies

Magnum Moon, the winner of the 2018 Arkansas Derby and Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, was euthanized Friday at an equine hospital in Elmont, N.Y., after a year-long battle with laminitis, a condition that affects the hoof and foot.

Magnum Moon, winner of the 2018 Arkansas Derby, was euthanized Friday at the Cornell Ruffian Equine Specialists hospital in Elmont, N.Y., after a year-long battle with laminitis, according to a story on bloodhorse.com.

The colt, sidelined since suffering a career-ending injury during a morning workout in June 2018 at Belmont Park, initially received treatment for multiple fractures before his condition deteriorated.

Laminitis is inflammation of the soft tissue structures that attach the coffin or pedal bone of the foot to the hoof wall. The inflammation causes extreme pain and leads to instability of the coffin bone in the hoof.

“He was a special colt that was obviously talented on the racetrack but also very smart and courageous during his treatment,” owners Robert and Lawana Low said in a news release. “Magnum Moon was all class until the very end. We cherished him dearly and thank him for all the joy, great times and for the inspiration he brought to our lives.”

Trained by Todd Pletcher, Magnum Moon was unraced as a 2-year-old before winning four starts at 3 and heading into the Kentucky Derby. His first two victories came in Florida at Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs before he made his way to Oaklawn Park, where he won the Rebel Stakes and Arkansas Derby.

“He came to us with high expectations and delivered in a huge way,” Pletcher said in the release. “I’m sorry he won’t get to pass on his heart and talent.”

A 4-year-old son of Malibu Moon, Magnum Moon last raced in the 2018 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, where he ran 19th under regular rider Luis Saez. He was retired a little more than a month later with earnings of $1,177,800.

Bred in Kentucky by Ramona Bass, Magnum Moon is out of the Unbridled’s Song mare Dazzling Song.