Del Mar moves races off turf after latest injury

DEL MAR, Calif. (AP) A horse was injured on the new turf course in the seventh race at Del Mar on Thursday, prompting the seaside track to discontinue racing on the surface for the rest of the week. Nine horse deaths have occurred since the summer meet began on July 16.

Serious was pulled up on the far turn by jockey Francisco Duran. The 4-year-old filly sustained injuries to her left front leg and she was being taken to Los Alamitos in Orange County to be evaluated by her owner's veterinarian on Friday.

Four deaths occurred as part of racing on the turf course, one happened on the synthetic Polytrack surface while racing, two came on Polytrack during training hours and two were the result of heart attacks, according to a track spokesman.

Crews worked on the turf Monday and Tuesday before racing resumed Wednesday. The turf course was approved by safety officials from the California Horse Racing Board on Tuesday.

''We continue to be of the belief that Del Mar's turf course is safe for our horses and riders,'' the track said in a statement.

However, there will be no turf racing the rest of the week and the track said it will continue to work on the course during the down time. The track hopes to resume racing on the turf in the near future.