A Branford man says he just wanted to go for a ride, so he stole his ex-girlfriend’s horse from a New York racecourse, police said.
Jose Romero, 41, told police that his ex said to stay away from Buddy, a mixed breed quarter horse-paint thoroughbred, but he apparently did not listen.
Buddy’s owner reported the animal missing from Saratoga Race Course Tuesday, a day before the track opened for its 36-day season, Saratoga Springs police said.
The horse did not get too far. Police said they found Buddy and Romero at a track right next door.
Buddy, a horse worth $3,000, was returned to its owner, unharmed.
Romero's alleged horsing around landed him in Saratoga County Jail with a grand larceny charge. He was held in lieu of $1,000 cash bail and is due back in court Aug. 13.
Sports Illustrated has named the course one of the greatest sports venues in the world.
