Another day, another death at Santa Anita Park.
Commander Coil, a 3-year-old gelding, died Friday after suffering a fatal shoulder injury, marking the 24th thoroughbred fatality at the California track since Dec. 26.
Another horse, Congrats Gal, died Friday at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore ahead of Saturday's 144th running of the Preakness Stakes. No cause of death was immediately announced.
Santa Anita and Pimlico are both owned by the Stronach Group.
"Congrats Gal suffered sudden death after the eighth race [Friday]," the Maryland Jockey Club and the Stronach Group said in a statement, via the Los Angeles Times. "The incident occurred after the wire. Commission veterinarians attended to the horse immediately. Our thoughts go out to all of the owners, trainers and connections of Congrats Gal."
While it's believed that Congrats Gal could have died of a heart attack, Commander Coil's cause of death was a much less frequent occurrence.
"Equine shoulder injuries are rare, especially for a horse that is galloping as opposed to breezing or racing. A comprehensive evaluation will be completed to understand what might have caused this uncommon injury," the Stronach Group said in a statement, via ABC News.
Santa Anita Park had closed for racing for three weeks in March after the deaths of the first 22 horses. Two days after racing resumed, a 23rd horse died on March 31.
Friday's death marks the first fatality in six weeks.
"Since reforms were introduced on March 15, there have been over 80,000 gallops during training with no fatalities," the statement continued.
"The Stronach Group remains committed to operating Santa Anita Park with stringent protocols that prioritize the health and safety of horses and riders first and foremost."
The deaths have prompted an ongoing investigation by California horse racing officials.