Report: Alva Starr is euthanized after problem during workout

Grade 1 winner Alva Starr, a 4-year-old filly trained by Brett Brinkman, was euthanized Wednesday at Delaware Park, Thoroughbred Daily News reported.

Owner Dale Ladner told TDN that it was a routine work until she was turning for home. “She switched leads and there was a problem with her right rear.”

Ladner said this was the first time he had been in such a situation. “It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do.”

Alva Starr, by Lord Nelson out of the Into Mischief filly Sittin at the Bar, was bred by Brinkman and Ladner and earned just over $1 million. In 10 career starts, she had four wins and never finished worse than second.

Her first graded win came in last year’s Prioress (G2). She opened this year by winning the listed American Beauty at Oaklawn, followed by a win in the Madison (G1) at Keeneland and a second in the Derby City Distaff (G1) on Kentucky Oaks day.

Her most recent start was a 9 3/4-length win in the black-type Rehoboth at Delaware Park on June 5.

Ladner told TDN he and Brinkman planned to ship her to Saratoga for the Honorable Miss (G2) and the Ballerina (G1), with the Breeders’ Cup as a goal.