ARCADIA, Calif. -- Another horse has died after suffering an injury at Santa Anita Park, marking the 27th horse to die since late December, Eyewitness News has learned.
River Derby, an unraced 2-year-old colt, was injured Wednesday morning during a routine gallop.
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The horse had an X-ray taken on his ankle and was transported to Chino Valley Equine Hospital for a complete examination. It was discovered the colt had a broken shoulder and was euthanized.
River Derby was recently purchased for $50,000 in a sale in Florida. He had three recorded workouts at Santa Anita since arriving.
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The unusual number of horse deaths at the track this season has sparked controversy and criticism from animal advocates, and a re-examination of the sport in California.
After six weeks without recording a death at the track, there were three horse deaths in May.