Mahoning Valley cancels remainder of card after fatal injury

Live racing at Mahoning Valley Race Course was halted after the seventh race on January 7, 2026, when the remainder of the card was listed as canceled by Equibase due to track conditions. The decision followed a catastrophic injury in the seventh race and came after a day of challenging winter track maintenance.

The seventh was a one-mile $5,000 claiming event in which seven-year-old gelding American Silver suffered a catastrophic injury just past the three-quarter pole and was euthanized on course. Earlier in the card another runner, American Toast, was vanned off after bleeding, compounding concerns about how the surface was riding under winter weather stress.

Track officials reported the racing surface was sealed and sloppy at the time of the incidents. Trainers and members of the track safety committee told racing officials that recent snow removal efforts combined with wide temperature fluctuations in the days leading up to the card made maintenance difficult and left the surface less predictable than usual. Based on those conditions and the on-track incidents, the cancellation of the remainder of the card was described as an abundance-of-caution decision.

Equibase reflected the action in its charting, listing the remainder of the Mahoning Valley card as canceled due to track conditions. That notation is the official record attendees, horsemen, and stable staff will use for entries, paperwork, and follow-up inquiries. The incidents also will appear in daily condition reports and veterinary logs as part of ongoing safety reviews.

For horsemen and trainers this is a reminder of how quickly winter weather can change a race-day plan and the importance of close communication with track superintendents and veterinarians. For bettors and casual fans, canceled cards affect live wagering opportunities and shift daily handicapping; always check the official track condition and Equibase notices before traveling or placing bets.

The takeaway? Winter racing demands an extra layer of vigilance. When surfaces are sealed or sloppy after snow removal and freeze-thaw cycles, prioritize horse welfare and double-check official cancellations and condition reports before heading to the track. Our two cents? It’s better to have a cold card and intact horses than a full card and unnecessary risk — keep tabs on Equibase and your trainer contacts so you’re not caught off-guard.