Riva Ranger Destroyed After Breakdown in Race

Riva Ranger, the first stakes horse and first stakes winner for owners Al and Neil Toffel, was destroyed Thursday. He broke down after winning the Graduation Stakes at Del Mar on Wednesday.

A 2-year-old California-bred son of Video Ranger, Riva Ranger took charge at the top of the stretch, beating runner-up Bridge of Royalty by 3 1/2 lengths. Immediately upon reaching the finish line, the colt broke down, throwing jockey Kent Desormeaux, who was not injured.

Riva Ranger was found to have a shattered front left sesamoid and broken and displaced cannon bone.

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Trainer Jack Van Berg saddled four winners at Del Mar on Thursday. Van Berg won the first race with London Connection at 13-1, the second with Star Potential at 11-1, the fourth with Wheatly Special at 16-1 and the sixth with Supreme Survivor at 7-1.