These unfortunate incidents have sparked concerns about the safety and well-being of horses in the sport of horse racing.
The New York Racing Association (NYRA) confirmed the devastating news of the horses’ deaths. NYRA spokesman Pat McKenna stated that despite the immediate response and best efforts of on-site attending veterinarians, the severity of the injuries left no choice but to humanely euthanize the horses.
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PETA, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, criticized the racing industry for its failure to ensure the safety of the horses, advocating for stricter measures such as requiring CT scans to screen for preexisting injuries before races.
PETA called for an immediate suspension of racing at Belmont Park, stating that two horse deaths in two days with the same trainer on the same track reflect a failure to protect horses. The organization drew parallels to Churchill Downs.
In a sport that depends on the health of the horses, it is important to protect them. Only through such concerted efforts can the racing community work towards a future where tragic incidents become a thing of the past.
