Trainer: Racing horse euthanized at Sonoma County Fair track snapped ankle

Trainer Gary Greiner, whose horse Mr. Candy Bar had to be euthanized after suffering a catastrophic breakdown following the second race on Thursday at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds, said the condition of the racing surface was not responsible for the injury.

Jockey Hugo Herrera began pulling up Mr. Candy Bar just past the finish line when the 7-year-old stumbled and snapped his ankle. The fracture was so severe, veterinarians decided there was no way to save the animal.

“It was just bad luck,” said Greiner, a Santa Rosa resident. “You’ve just got to accept it because there’s nothing you can do about it.

“The horse took an awkward step and came down wrong on his ankle. It had nothing to do with the racing surface, which I feel is in good condition.”

Thursday was the 61st race in Mr. Candy Bar’s career. He won six of those starts and finished among the top three 20 times. His career earnings were $188,580. The gelding ran for a $4,000 claiming price on Thursday and finished last, beaten nearly 11 lengths by the winner Fly Blue.

Mr. Candy Bar was owned by Gary C. Gomes of Oakland. He claimed the horse for $5,000 at Golden Gate Fields this past Jan. 11. The Kentucky-bred raced five times in the Gomes silks.

On the day of his last race, the gelding was examined by track veterinarian Sara Storer and state veterinarian Don Dooley. Both doctors saw nothing wrong and gave him the go-ahead to compete.

“It’s sad but it’s just one of those things that sometimes happen,” Greiner said.

Mr. Candy Bar was the second horse in two years to lose his life while racing at the local fair. A horse broke down during a turf race last summer.

“We do everything possible to ensure the safety of the horses,” director of racing Richard Lewis said. “There’s been no complaints about the racing surface; this was just plain bad luck.”