SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Trainer Carlos Martin and owner Marc Holliday didn’t have much time to celebrate the debut victory of their 2-year-old New York-bred filly Celtic Dawn in Wednesday’s sixth race.
After winning the off-the-turf race by three lengths and having her picture taken in the winner’s circle, Celtic Dawn had to be vanned off the track. She was taken to Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital about a mile from the track where she was diagnosed with a fractured pastern in her left foreleg.
Celtic Dawn underwent surgery on Friday morning, when she had four screws put in to stabilize the injury. Celtic Dawn is expected to be able to make it back to the races next year.
Martin said a similar injury was suffered by Come Dancing, a filly he trained who would go on to win the Grade 1 Ballerina. The Hall of Fame mare Personal Ensign also suffered a fractured pastern early in her career.
“She’ll come back,” Martin said of Celtic Dawn. “Come Dancing, same thing. Personal Ensign. I don’t know if she’s in Come Dancing or Personal Ensign’s league but she’s nice.” The 5 1/2-furlong race that Celtic Dawn won was originally scheduled for the turf, but rain forced it to be moved to the main track, which was sloppy and sealed. Celtic Dawn stalked the pace under Javier Castellano and drew clear in the lane. She covered the distance in 1:04.58 and earned a respectable 61 Beyer Speed Figure.
“She always trained like a nice filly, but never showed that kind of speed. She always was kind of steady galloping out, Martin said.
Martin said Celtic Dawn would convalesce at Sugar Maple Farm, a facility that was purchased in 2023 by the New York Racing Association and one which houses many horses who are in need of time off.
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