DEL MAR — 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.
