Free Like a Girl euthanized after trailer accident; Louisiana racing mourns

Free Like a Girl, a dual Louisiana-bred Horse of the Year in 2022 and 2024 and the state’s all-time leading earner, was euthanized after a trailer accident on January 14, 2026. The mare compiled more than $2.5 million in career earnings, finishing with 21 wins from 55 starts and a resume that mixed state-bred dominance with competitive graded stakes performances.

Her death removes one of Louisiana racing’s most durable and productive campaigners. Free Like a Girl carved her place in the regional game by repeatedly turning state-bred opportunities into big-race victories and by holding her own when stepped into graded company. She recorded numerous state-bred stakes wins and earned placings in graded events, including a strong showing in the GI La Troienne Stakes against elite opponents, underscoring her versatility and toughness.

Beyond the raw numbers, the mare mattered to connections, breeders and fans who follow the Louisiana program closely. As the highest-earning Louisiana-bred in history, she became a benchmark for owners targeting state-bred ranks: a reminder that carefully campaigned state-breds can provide both longevity and meaningful purses. Her consistent presence across seasons boosted the profile of local stakes schedules and offered tangible returns for breeders and owners investing in the state program.

The circumstances of a trailer accident leading to euthanasia also bring attention to an issue that affects every stable and transport crew. Accidents in transit can have catastrophic outcomes for equine athletes and for the people who care for them. For trainers, drivers and owners, this loss is a stark prompt to review transport protocols, emergency planning and the attention paid to handling horses before and after travel.

Free Like a Girl’s career record—21 wins in 55 starts and over $2.5 million earned—will remain a statistical lodestar for the Louisiana circuit. Her back-to-back recognition as state Horse of the Year in 2022 and 2024 reflected not only peak performances but sustained excellence across multiple seasons, a trait that breeds confidence among state breeders and keeps fans coming back to the track.

The immediate aftermath will be felt by her connections and by the wider state-bred community that celebrated her victories. In the weeks ahead, expect remembrances at local barns and on the Louisiana racing circuit as people mark the mare’s contribution. For breeders, trainers and owners, her loss underscores both the fragile nature of equine life and the lasting value a single durable performer can provide to a regional program.