Exercise rider dies in training accident at Churchill Downs

Odanis Acuna, a work-rider for prominent US trainer Kenny McPeek, died in a training accident on Saturday morning at Churchill Downs in Kentucky.

Acuna, a 42-year-old Cuban who had been working for McPeek for around a decade, incurred fatal head and neck injuries after an unraced two-year-old he was breezing broke down in both front legs, according to the trainer.

Quoted by Daily Racing Form, McPeek said: "Obviously everyone is extremely upset about this.

Trainer Kenneth McPeekCredit: Edward Whitaker

"Odanis was a fantastic person and one of the hardest-working people you'll ever meet. It's a real tragedy."

The two-year-old New York Harbor had to be put down and breezing at Churchill Downs was cancelled for the remainder of the morning.

Members can read the latest exclusive interviews, news analysis and comment available from 6pm daily on racingpost.com