Two horses died after the first race at Los Alamitos Race Course Saturday, adding to the death toll in a year that has seen increased scrutiny of the sport in Southern California.
According to official Los Alamitos racing results, Mighty Elijah -- a 4-year-old gelding -- weakened between horses in the lane, was injured and pulled up inside the furlong marker and was vanned off."
Into a Hot Spot "broke out and bumped a rival at the start, was hustled along early, fell back into the turn, gave way and collapsed after being unsaddled."
Horse racing has been under the microscope since 37 horses died at Santa Anita racetrack in Arcadia during the most recently concluded racing season.
