After Brutal Injuries, Equestrian World Mourns As Two Horses Pass Away at International Racecourse

The Hasting Racecourse, Vancouver, is one of the well-known courses in North America. The track, which opened in 1889, is now known as Vancouver’s longest continuously used professional sports facility. Having an early start, the center has provided grounds for not just racing but for housing people during war times. However, now as it has risen through dire times, the equestrian ground has yet again stood witness to unfortunate events.

The Flat five furlongs track recently saw the fall of equines more than once within a month. The ground majorly is home to various classes of Thoroughbred racing and entertainment. However, unfortunately with the start of the season this year, the course wasn’t as safe for the residing equines.

Tragedy befalls Hastings Racecourse

On the 14th of October, the 2-year-old foal, “Skyblazing” was in a race at the Hastings Racecourse. During its run, Skyblazing broke down according to the reports by Oak Bay News. Following the accident, the 2-year-old was attended to by the out rider, members of the gate crew, and a veterinarian. After a check-up, the team declared that it had sustained a “catastrophic injury”; which translated to an open fracture on the left front leg.

As the condition was deemed unrecoverable, Skyblazing was euthanized and further transported for necropsy. Disappointingly, the 2-year-old’s demise wasn’t the only one that the track witnessed during a month’s time. On September 15th, “Shadesofriogrande” faced a similar fate after breaking loose from the stable. The racehorse, escaping from the stable, ran off to the barn in the backstretch. As the run made rounds in the area, it crashed into a wooden wall.

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The accident left Shadesofriogrande with blunt-force trauma and blood loss. The attending veterinarian declared the horse dead from the cause and transported Shadesofriogrande for a necropsy. The accidents totaled the count to 8 fatalities during the season. The accidents called for the involvement and reactions from governing bodies.

Equestrian organizations take active involvement

The Public Safety Ministry made sure to announce its presence at the sight of the accidents. The equestrian governing body oversees the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch. This further ensures racing is conducted safely and with integrity; through licensing and regulating the B.C. horse-racing industry. The Ministry administered the procedures post-accidents and announced the declarations.

Further, the body stated that it has taken various measures to prevent and respond to incidents, however, the fatalities remain inevitable. Following the stance and accidents, the Vancouver Humane Society has spoken up against the racing industry. However, the industry continues to persist with new measures constantly being put in place and governing bodies assessing necessary situations.

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