EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Sunland Derby winner Wild On Ice was euthanized Thursday morning, April 27 after suffering an injury while preparing for the Kentucky Derby, KTSM confirmed on Thursday morning.

Wild On Ice’s left hind leg was injury while training at Churchill Downs in Louisville, the horse’s trainer Joel Marr told KTSM. He pulled up while galloping on the backstretch during the training session.

The 3-year-old horse was evaluated at the track’s equine medical center, before being transported to an equine surgical facility in Lexington, Ken., for further evaluation. It was there that the decision was made to euthanize Wild On Ice.

KTSM speaking with Wild on Ice owner Frank Sumpter, he credits trainer Joel Marr for the incredible run. While the news is devastating news, Wild on Ice will forever be remembered,

“You know to have an elite runner like this that can run that can beat the giants so to speak Bob Baffert and those horses its not like I have a grudge on Bob Baffert or nothing like that I just you know I’m so proud of my horse stepped up and run so well,” said Sumpter.

KTSM also spoke with Dr. Alan Ruggles, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in Kentucky who specializes in equine medicine and a member of the American Association of Equine Practitioners.

He said that the decision to euthanize a horse because of an injury or other factors falls to the owner first. What veterinarians do need to factor in is if the horse is treated, would they have a comfortable life afterward.

“Would we able to realign the skeleton and hold it in a way that the horse be comfortable because when they’re not comfortable then they have GI problems dietary problems and most importantly problems with support,” said Dr. Ruggles.

Wild on Ice won the Sunland Park Derby at 35-1 odds back in March of this year and showed potential to become the first Texas-bred horse to win the Kentucky Derby since 1950. Sumpter said because of this win, he was able to keep a promise to wife they they would someday take a horse to the coveted race.

Even though they won’t be racing in Kentucky Sumpter said he and his wife have something to be proud of.

“I put my arms around her and said we did it we did get our Kentucky Derby horse and she looked at me and gave me a big hug and said I know you may not get to run but he got us there.”

The Kentucky Derby will be taking place on Saturday, May 6 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ken. Wild On Ice was one of 20 horses expected to enter.