Thoroughbred racing on the turf course at Del Mar was suspended for the rest of the week after a horse was seriously injured in a race Thursday, the latest in a string of injuries and deaths at the track this month.
In announcing the suspension, the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club expressed "deep sorrow" over the latest injury.
"We will continue efforts to improve the course during this down time and hope to resume racing on it in the near future," according to a statement.
The horse, a 4-year-old filly named Serious, suffered a sesamoid bone injury in her left foreleg, track officials told The Orange County Register.
Officials originally said the horse was euthanized, but later said her owners had sought veterinary care for her against the advice of the track veterinarian, the newspaper reported.
Four other horses suffered fatal injuries on the turf track this month and Thursday's injury was the first since measures intended to enhance safety on the course were undertaken, according to news reports.
Races that had been scheduled to take place on the turf course will be moved to the track's Polytrack course, Del Mar officials said.
Four other horses have suffered fatal injuries on the track during this year's thoroughbred meet, which began on July 17.
