There have been countless debates over the past few years about the ethics of horse racing, with animal rights activists raising questions. How often is it safe for a horse to race? And, how long should horses be racing? Traditional trainers and jockeys oftentimes dismiss these concerns as being too sensitive and being detrimental to the progression of the age-old sport. However, every now and then, an incident occurs that draws attention to just how dangerous horse racing actually is, for the horses, as had been in the Belmont Stakes earlier this year, and as is the case with Trueshan just today.

By now, most who follow horse racing must know the terrible news. 9-year-old horse racing legend Trueshan has died following an injury that occurred during the Goodwood Cup in Great Britain earlier today. Trueshan, who won the cup in 2021 and who also had 16 wins in 34 career races, along with the Long Distance Cup at Ascot three times, the Prix du Cadran in Paris twice, was being ridden by Hollie Doyle, who he won the cup with in 2021.

At some point in the race, the animal’s left hind pastern broke, and after an ambulance was called to the spot, trainer Alan King, alongside a veterinary team, felt the only option was to put him down.

Obviously, this incident has sent shockwaves around the world, his community, and his jockey, Hollie Doyle, who shared a great bond with him. Though Doyle tried to pull him up the moment she saw something was wrong, there was nothing more she could ultimately do to save him. “I’m just devastated. It couldn’t be any worse. He was a special, special horse, I can’t think of anything else to say.” Doyle said after the incident.

Though Alan King was by the horse’s side in his final moments, and was able to bid him goodbye, he is facing a lot of criticism from fans for deciding to race the 9-year-old at all.

Fan reactions to Trueshan’s tragic death in the Goodwood Cup

Some fans shared their condolences for all involved, noting the pain of such an incident in a horse that has had such a longstanding career: “Such a sad loss.” This fan wrote, “Our thoughts are with all connections and anyone affected.” Certain to have built connections with his team and community beyond just racing, Trueshan’s loss will undoubtedly affect those who knew and loved him for a while to come.

Others, however, were not so forgiving and pointed out the fault in racing a 9-year-old horse in a highly competitive $500,000 Grade 1 race. With one fan writing, “What was the point in Trueshan running?? 9 years old no chance of sniffing a win. Blame the owners!!! Shocking.” While this fan, however, made it clear that the fault should lie with the owners, Singula Partnership, who have the final say on Trueshan racing, and not Alan King.

Other fans still felt the need to state that a horse such as Trueshan, who has done so much for his team and community, deserved a better passing, writing, “Didn’t deserve to not go out on his own terms poor horse.” Most race horses, especially winners, retire between the ages of 3-6 and are treated to luxurious lives in fancy stables. Trueshan, however, was made to race even when his bones were not having it.

Some fans took it out on trainer Alan King, writing, “Blood is on the hands of alan king and anyone defending him will be instantly blocked but gutter for hollie as she loved the horse.” This fan, however, stood by jockey Hollie Doyle, who had a noticeably deep connection with this horse, the one that put her on a pedestal as a female jockey.

Of course, there was another fan who tried to offer a positive take on the whole situation, “Condolences to all connections and those that put all the effort into a wonderful career. Important to remember he had a great life, infinitely better than most horses, it’s how they live, not how they die.” This fan wrote, disregarding the fact that Trueshan, at 9, just should not have been racing.

Wherever the fans stand, the fact of the matter is a legend has died on the track today, and it could have been avoided. Surely, James Given, BHA Director of Equine Health and Welfare, will have to consider how the department deals with the racing of elderly horses in the future.