Owner Jacob Haddad claims negligence on the part of the New York Racing Association (NYRA) led to the catastrophic injury of his Thoroughbred, Salsa Mambo, during a July 15, 2012 race at Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y.

Haddad has filed a lawsuit against NYRA in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Queens, seeking $500,000 and other damages to be determined at trial. A NYRA representative declined to comment on the lawsuit.

In the lawsuit, Haddad questions the actions of outriders after Salsa Mambo stumbled badly at the start of a 1 1/16-mile allowance-optional claiming race on the inner turf course at Belmont Park. Salsa Mambo, without a rider, followed the field around throughout the race.

The suit says an outrider acted irresponsibly by attempting to catch Salsa Mambo after the race concluded, causing her to dart to the outside where she jumped a bush, crashed into a rail, and stepped on at least one protrusion, likely a sprinkler head. Salsa Mambo fractured her left front leg and was euthanized

Create a free account with TheHorse.com to view this content.

TheHorse.com is home to thousands of free articles about horse health care. In order to access some of our exclusive free content, you must be signed into TheHorse.com.

Start your free account today!

Already have an account?
and continue reading.