Trainer killed by a loose horse at Portland Meadows

August 12, 2011 - A horse trainer was killed Thursday morning after being kicked by a loose horse at Portland Meadows.

Just before 7:15 a.m., firefighters were called to the horse racing track at 1001 N. Schmeer.

A female trainer, Charlynn Taketa, 62, sustained severe head trauma after she was kicked by a loose horse as she was leading her own thoroughbred, Caballito de Mar to a hot walker, said her husband Jerry Taketa, a fellow trainer.

Jerry Taketa, a former jockey, was working a horse nearby at the time of the accident.

"I'm glad she went quickly and died doing what she loved," said Jerry Taketa, who wondered what his wife was doing on the ground when he saw her moments after the accident.

Taketa, who seemed shocked as a fellow trainer led him to his car carrying his wife's leather purse over his shoulder, added that he didn't want the horse to be put down. "It wasn't the horse's fault."

Read More: Oregon Live