DEL MAR — Pacific Classic Day at Del Mar got off to a sobering start Saturday, when a 3-year-old gelding broke down during the stretch run of the second race and had to be euthanized.
General Jackson, making his 11th career start, was in fifth place and being passed by other horses with about 70 yards remaining in the six-furlong race when the incident happened. Jockey Antonio Fresu was able to jump off the horse and was not injured.
It was the second fatal breakdown of the summer meeting, which began July 18 and concludes Sept. 7. On Aug. 2, another 3-year-old, Uncrowned King, suffered a fractured shoulder in a five-furlong turf race.
General Jackson was owned by David Landeros and trained by Genardo Vallejo. Saturday marked his third start for his connections, who claimed him for $12,