Tokubetsu

I read on the Hakkaisan restaurant site that in Japanese tokubetsu means “special” and is part of the name of their signature sake there. I wonder, do any of you know where/how this horse got his name? Just curious, so as to honor this horse's memory by putting up more info about him for posterity.

My buddy and I were at the race. He led out of the turn, shot out with momentum, and was pulling away clear by a few lengths, which is unusual for him since he's a closer. IMO, he had the race, but in the stretch shortly after the turn he went down. Watching the replays at the race, you could tell moments before he was in trouble. And while hoping he would get up, like most horses do, he never did. He slightly moved his head up, but went limp afterwards and never tried to get on his feet. So Hopefully it was quick for him. It's a sad situation, since I've seen all of his races, and hoped he would fill his hype. I was hoping to log on hearing good news, but read of his passing.

It was heartbreaking to learn that Tokubetsu was put down. People at the track indicated that they put him down immediately. I could not see the whole thing thru, my last visual was that Tokubetsu was perhaps trying to get up. I held onto hope not wanting the worst. I got home and I sadly learned that wasnt the case. It was devastating. I was told that this was the second fall for a horse at this track at almost the same spot within a weeks time. I was told that Garcia was the rider also.. I dont know if this is true.

Terrible looked like horse took a bad step,Garcia lucky to be alive if he has a mount in Derby thats who i'm bettin on

Even though the news wasn't good for the horse, thanks for answering so quickly ~turbulent. I think this horse looked fabulous in the 3rd race at Santa Anita and it's heartbreaking to know he's gone. "TOKUBETSU sped to the early lead outside a rival, inched away and set the pace off the rail, kicked clear, remained clear into the stretch then broke down and fell in upper stretch. The stewards conducted in inquiry into the stretch run before ruling TOKUBETSU broke down of his own accord."

p.s. I'm glad Martin Garcia appears to be OK (no major injuries, anyway).

neither the horse nor rider got up while the camera was still on them... does anyone have an update on either of them?

wow! bad fall for this guy just a few minutes ago...hope he turns out sound...