In Tragedy’s Aftermath, Humanity, Humility Rule the Day

[Wandering Eyes]

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY — With a simple but poignant salute Sunday morning, trainer Brendan Walsh honored Maple Leaf Mel (Cross Traffic), the ill-fated standout of the GI Test S., by giving the winner's blanket of flowers for race to the filly's trainer and namesake, Melanie Giddings.

The flowers were placed as a memorial at the front of the filly's vacant stall.

Maple Leaf Mel, unbeaten in her five-race career, was on her way to victory went she suffered the injury about 10 yards from the finish. A moment later, Pretty Mischievous (Into Mischief), trained by Walsh for Godolphin, reached the wire first. Maple Leaf Mel was euthanized on the track just past the finish line.

There was no winner's circle ceremony after the race. Walsh's assistant Charlie Lynch was able to locate the floral arrangement from the New York Racing Association Sunday morning and Walsh took it to Giddings.

“She was the best horse in the race,” Walsh said. “It was just horrible that happened. When I think about it, if it happened to [Pretty Mischievous], I'd be in an absolute mess.”

Maple Leaf Mel's injury came at the end of a gallant effort under jockey Joel Rosario and instantly changed the mood at the track. Rosario was taken to Albany Medical Center to be checked for injury. Although Sunday was bright and sunny at historic Saratoga Race Course, the palpable grief lingered.

“We weren't sure whether it'd be a nice thing or not to do it,” Walsh said, “but the team and Godolphin, they were they were all for it as well. And I think Melanie liked it. So, it was nice.”

Walsh and Giddings are stabled close to each other near the Oklahoma training track. He said she thanked him for giving her the flowers.

“I can't imagine what she's gone through in the last 12 hours,” he said softly. “It's just devastating.

Walsh said he does not know the longtime exercise rider and first-year trainer well. Moments after the tragic incident at the end of the Test, he tried to support and console her.

“She was out in the track yesterday and I went over and gave her a hug, because she was just stood there crying,” he said. “I felt so bad.”

Walsh repeated his post-race comments Sunday.

“I would have rather just finished second and everybody come back fine,” he said. “We were beat fair and square and that was it.”

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