Sunday, June 06, 1999
Charismatic injured at wire
Colt fractures leg trying for Triple Crown
Enquirer news services
NEW YORK — Anticipation turned to heartbreak Saturday at the Belmont Stakes when Charismatic, poised to win the first Triple Crown since 1978, broke down just as he crossed the finish line, placing third behind long-shot winner Lemon Drop Kid. Vision and Verse placed second.
A pall dropped over the huge crowd as Chris Antley pulled up the big chestnut colt and leapt from his back.
About an hour later, word came that Charismatic had fractured two bones in his left front leg — the cannon bone and the sesamoid.
Veterinarians said the horse likely would have surgery today or Monday, but said the injury was not life-threatening.
“He's through as a racehorse,” Dr. Larry Bramlage said. “We expect him to be fine as a stallion.”
A tearful Antley, who probably saved Charismatic from more serious injury by his quick action, said his mount “gave us a lot. He gave America a lot.
“Heading for the finish, he suddenly dipped underneath me and I could tell he was in pain,” the rider said.
“But he is an athlete and ran through the pain. Hopefully, if he can't come back to race, he can make a lot of babies we could enjoy later on.”
Charismatic had been placed on a heavy schedule by trainer D. Wayne Lukas, who is often criticized for pushing his trainees too hard. The Belmont was Charismatic's 10th start this year and fifth since April 3.
“All week we talked about how maintenance-free this horse was and how durable he is,” Mr. Lukas said. “These things happen and we have to deal with them. It's not an easy part of the game.”
COMPLETE BELMONT COVERAGE from Associated Press
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