Matanzas Creek’s Final Race: From Glory to Heartbreak
Santa Anita Park, Arcadia, CA
Earlier this year, we visited Santa Anita Park for the second time to celebrate a close friend’s birthday with their family and friends.
It’s always such an emotional tug-of-war for me, the juxtaposition of excitement seeing these thoroughbreds in their prime gloriously trotting about before taking their place in the starting gates and the angst felt at the thought of one sustaining an injury as they compete side-by-side at such great speed.
In the blink of an eye, the starting shot echoes, igniting a display of sheer strength and beauty as they dig their hooves into the soft soil kicking up pieces as they charge around the track in unison vying for that title of champion of the day. It’s a wonder to behold, and if all are fortunate, one that ends with glory for the few and uneventful for the rest.
Just before Race 6 that day, it began to rain, with huge drops of water glistening down, adding an enchanting layer to the atmosphere at Santa Anita. I was drawn to the veranda where I could view the parade of entrants heading out to the track, including colt no. 6, Matanzas Creek. As he trotted out of the stables into the rain, with his jockey mounted and focused, I was mesmerized by the colt's beauty and energy. As he rounded the corner and just before disappearing from view, I silently wished him luck. Little did we know, fate was about to be the bearer of both wondrous and tragic news.
This gorgeous creature would cross the finish line first—in a blaze of glory, a champion of the day. Then, in a flash just as swift and powerful, he fell. The collective gasp was as if we all felt the profound pain knowing what may come next. His injury was deemed insurmountable, leading to the heartbreaking decision to euthanize this beautiful 4-year-old colt on site.
It’s devastating that moments of glory can end in tragedy like this. Prayers up for all the owners, jockeys, and team members tasked with caring for these magnificent athletes, hoping tragedies like this never happen to any of them. Matanzas Creek, you were truly remarkable...Rest easy beautiful creature.
Matanzas Creek, May 18, 2020 ~ March 16, 2024
(*The jockey was thankfully okay.)