The racing world just lost a champion way too soon, and it’s a gut punch. Ewing, the 3-year-old racehorse who absolutely lit up the 2025 Saratoga Special, has tragically died after an accident at trainer Mark Casse’s facility in Florida. It’s a shocking end for a horse that had so much promise and a real personality, according to those who knew him.
A Tragic Accident Ends A Champion’s Life Too Soon
The news broke from social media personality Griffin Johnson, who owned a stake in Ewing through the West Point Thoroughbreds ownership group. Johnson took to X on Tuesday afternoon to share the devastating details. Turns out, Ewing’s death came after he attempted to jump a fence and, well, he didn’t make it. “Unfortunately, he tried to jump a fence last night and did not make it,” Johnson said in a video post, his words heavy with sadness. This wasn’t some long, drawn-out illness, this was sudden and brutal. Johnson also revealed in the video that Ewing was actually set to retire, had recently been gelded, and was already being retrained for a second career post-racing. Talk about a future snatched away. “He was such a good horse,” Johnson added, “I loved being around him. I learned so much with Ewing.” You can feel the heartbreak through the screen.
Ewing’s Brief But Electric Career On The Track
Ewing’s time on the track might have been short, but man, he left his mark. Trained by Mark Casse, and co-owned by West Point Thoroughbreds, D.J. Stable, and Kenneth Freirich, he was a son of the legendary Knicks Go, the 2021 Breeders’ Cup Classic winner and Horse of the Year. And yeah, he was named after New York Knicks Hall of Fame center Patrick Ewing, which is pretty cool. His debut was at Saratoga on July 5, 2025, and he crushed it with a 12-length maiden special weight victory. Just four weeks later, he was back at the same track, taking home the big one, the Grade 2, $200,000 Saratoga Special, a 6 1/2-furlong sprint. He overcame a slow start in that race to win by a length, proving he had that champion’s grit. Those two Saratoga wins in 2025 ended up being his only career victories. His five-race career also included a sixth-place finish in the Ozark Stakes this past February, an 11th-place finish in the Grade 3 Quick Call this past July 19 at Saratoga after a five-month layoff, and a seventh-place finish on August 8 in the Colonial Turf Dash Stakes.
Ewing’s story is a reminder of how fleeting greatness can be, and how quickly things can change in sports. A champion gone at three, just when he was about to start a new chapter. It’s a sad day for anyone who loves these incredible athletes.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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