Accidents continue to claim the lives of horses during the racing season this year. Summer times are especially popular with locals, with hundreds traveling to the racetrack to watch top jockeys compete at the historic races. The sport has been practiced for decades and continues to entice new generations to participate in the fun. Many in the equestrian community would agree that they have watched some of the most iconic races in history. While others express sadness over the tragic destiny of losing equine lives. Previously, the death records were difficult to keep track of, which now does not go under the radar.

This year has already seen multiple instances of death and euthanasia in the first seven months. Churchill Downs was even probed after a spate of death reports. As tragedy looms over the sport centered around rider-horse alliance, more tragic news has emerged.

Equestrian life suffers tragic fate in iconic race

At the 18:45 race at Kilbeggan on July 21, a 6-year-old bay gelding named Spoiled Rotten ran his last race. In the All Irish & UK Handicap Hurdle, jockey Sam Ewing was seen riding the young champ in the 18f distance race. The news was reported on Twitter by @banhorseracing1, who wrote, “Literally raced death. The poor horses dead body just lying there whilst the others have to race past.”

Spoiled Rotten was pulled up in the end after running alongside 13 other Irish horses and one French horse. The homebred was foaled on May 14, 2017, raced on hurdles, and was trained by Gordon Elliott. The Twitter message showed the anger over the loss of equine life, referring to Elliott as an “animal abuser.” Without adding further information, it also stated that it wasn’t the “first kill of the day either.” 

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Kilbeggan racing has a long history, dating back to 1840, when townspeople held a race with a prize of 40 Guineas for the winner. Since then, Kilbeggan Racecourse has grown in significance, and despite a few venue changes, it has been at its current position since 1901. It has been noted that attendance has touched the mark of 50K in recent years compared to the last few decades. In a similar vein to the Kilbeggan track tragedy, an investigation was announced days after the horrific incidents in Churchill Downs.

Loss of equine lives puts iconic race track under probe

The site of the Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs, was under investigation following a string of equestrian deaths. It all started on April 27, when 12 horses died at the track and facility, including two on Derby Day. The tragic episode occurred in less than a month, prompting the Horse Racing and Integrity Authority (HISA) to intervene. Later, an investigation into the fatalities was done in partnership with the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC).  The track’s owner, Churchill Downs Inc was compelled to halt the remaining races rest of the Spring Meet (July 3). The management also promised a thorough examination of safety measures during the shutdown.

Some actions like practicing new safety initiatives, and holding thoroughbred races were imposed. The facility even paused “track-based incentives such as trainer start bonuses and purse pay-out allocations to every race finisher through last place.” While there have been no definitive explanations as to what caused the deaths, racing has resumed. Did you closely analyze the situation, what do you think about it, do you feel the equine deaths were natural?

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