Racehorse euthanized at Hollywood Park

A popular racehorse was euthanized this morning at Hollywood Park after shattering its leg, The Times' Eric Sondheimer reports.

Nashoba's Key, pictured second from left above at Santa Anita Park, was a precocious 5-year-old mare who won eight of 10 starts and was runner-up for the female turf Eclipse Award last year. She had to be euthanized this morning after shattering her hind leg in her stall at Hollywood Park, according to the son of owner-breeder Warren Williamson:

Henry Williamson, in an e-mail, said: "Our family member, Nashoba’s Key, passed away this morning."

Hollywood Park spokesman Mike Mooney confirmed the death.

Nashoba’s Key, a daughter of Silver Hawk, was expected to be one of the favorites for this fall’s Breeders’ Cup at Santa Anita.

She was known for her feisty demeanor, and that might have been her undoing, as she apparently kicked the stall, shattering a hind leg. and could not be saved.

The death of Kentucky Derby runner-up Eight Belles earlier this month prompted a debate about breeding practices in the horse racing industry.

-- Tony Barboza

Photo: Benoit Photo