1991 Eclipse Winner Dies of Heart Attack

Pleasant Stage, the 1991 Eclipse Award winner as the nation’s top 2-year-old filly, died of a heart attack Friday.

Scheduled to run in the Del Mar Oaks Sunday, the 3-year-old Pleasant Colony filly was given a routine vitamin B shot by veterinarian Helmut Von Bleucher, then suffered the heart attack as a result of an allergic reaction, according a statement released by trainer Chris Speckert.

“There is no warning with something like this,” said B. William Bell, Del Mar’s track veterinarian. “There is no way to predict when it happens.”

Victories in the Oak Leaf Stakes at Santa Anita last fall and the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies enabled Pleasant Stage to win the Eclipse, but she was winless in six starts this year. She did finish second in both the Kentucky Oaks and Acorn and was third in the Coaching Club American Oaks July 11 at Belmont Park, her final appearance.

After failing at 4-5 odds in his first three starts, Devil Diamond has rallied here.

Always well regarded by trainer Gary Jones, the 2-year-old Devil’s Bag colt followed up a six-length maiden victory July 29 with a five-length win over Wheeler Oil and four others in the $79,650 Balboa Stakes on Friday.

Providing Kent Desormeaux with his fourth victory of the day, the 8-5 second choice covered seven furlongs in 1:22 3/5. Wheeler Oil, an 11-1 shot, was second, beating Crafty. and Altazarr, the 4-5 favorite, was fourth.