NEW YORK (AP) — The 5-year-old horse Giant Ryan has broken down in a race at Belmont Park, crumbling to the ground in front of the thousands of fans in the grandstand about three hours before the Belmont Stakes.
Giant Ryan was battling for the lead in the stretch of the True North Handicap on Saturday, when he was suddenly pulled up by jockey Willie Martinez. The horse staggered forward for a few yards before tumbling to the ground as the rider jumped off.
It appeared Giant Ryan had injured his left front leg. The horse managed to get back up, and an inflatable cast was applied to the leg. Giant Ryan was able to walk into a horse ambulance to the cheers of the stunned crowd.
There was no immediate word on his condition.
Giant Ryan won the Grade 1 Vosburgh last year and was making his first start since running fifth in Dubai in March.
