Hilco Scamper Dies After Race In California

POMONA, Calif. - Hilco Scamper, a Washington-bred 7-year-old, died of a ruptured aorta following the third race yesterday at Fairplex Park in Pomona, Calif.

Hilco Scamper collapsed immediately after finishing second as the 6-to-5 favorite in the 870-yard Call Caleb Stakes for thoroughbreds and quarter horses. Hilco Scamper died almost instantly, his heart literally exploding. A gelding owned by Yakima natives Larry Wright, George Cross and John Roche, Hilco Scamper finished as the seventh-leading money earner in state history. He won 8 of 20 starts for $382,205, including the Longacres Doo Dah Express on opening night April 4.

Hilco Scamper earned an additional$130,000 competing in mixed races against quarter horses.

Hilco Scamper will be remembered as one of the fastest and guttiest runners in state history. As a 2-year-old, he was unbeaten in his first five starts, his debut the fastest five-furlong race (:56 4/5) by a 2-year-old in Longacres history. He proceded to win stakes races at Golden Gate Fields, Hollywood Park and Monmouth Park, resulting in several Washington-bred honors: Champion 2-Year-Old Colt, Champion 2-Year-Old and Horse of the-Year.