By Steven Sandberg
 
June 28, 2010
 
GRANTS PASS, Ore. - One week after two horses were euthanized because of injuries at the Grants Pass Downs, another horse was put down Saturday.
 
The horse broke its right back leg coming out of the first turn in the fifth race. The six-year-old thoroughbred was euthanized by a state veterinarian.
 
Investigators say the injuries were not caused by the new track, which had just been installed prior to this season.
 
"This type of thing happens, and it happens all too often. And it was very disappointing and frustrating for us to have this type of thing happen again," Tag Wotherspoons with the Grants Pass Downs.
 
On June 19th, two horses were euthanized following injuries they sustained while racing. A safety review board made up of race officials, jockeys, trainers and the Oregon Racing Commission ruled that the track did not cause the injuries. Veterinarians with the ORC will now conduct a more thorough investigation.
 
The Downs completed major renovations on its track this offseason to cut down on injuries. Prior to this summer's accidents, six horses had died from fatal injuries at the Downs over the past two summers, including a two-horse accident in June of 2009 that left two jockeys with season-ending injuries and one horse euthanized.
 
In August 2009, the ORC sent a letter to Josephine County Fairgrounds' officials stating it had received several reports of injuries or deaths to horses caused by a poorly maintained track. The commission told the fairgrounds to make improvements to the track, or else lose approval for future races. The renovations involved adding 5,000 cubic yards of new topsoil to the track, allowing it to drain better and make it less slick for the horses.