The equestrian community in recent times has been engulfed in news of misconduct and allegations. While the sport stands out to portray the bond shared by the equines and the humans, there have been instances that overlook the tip. However, when news of such makes it to the spectators, the ultimatum of the case is often accepted as presented; forgoing the sides of the story.

Dan Blacker, the famed equestrian recently came under scrutiny for negligence of his equines’ conditions. The California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) issued a notice earlier last month following an investigation into the death of an equine. Dan, who has been a trainer for well over a decade took to X to share his side of the story as the shock waves took center stage.

Equestrian steps forward to release a statement

On the 8th of September, the CHRB issued a complaint against the famed trainer, Dan Blacker. The trainer was accused of letting horses run through 527 workouts in 1 1/2 years without completing veterinary checks. The case reached a step higher when the 2-year-olf filly, Animae died despite being unraced. The board stated that Animae did not have a veterinarian examination 72 hours before workouts. The case made by the board evoked a response from the trainer. “Horse Welfare is the top priority in my barn, it has been for 11 years since I started training. I have always been an advocate for safety and medication reform,” read the statement released by Dan on X. The trainer further added that he is constantly in touch with his veterinary team and that they make sure to warm their horses up before they go on track. “In June one of my horses suffered a pelvic injury during a workout. The severity of the injury became apparent back at the barn and sadly proved fatal,” Dan explained.

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He also explained that the procedures in Santa Anita widely varied from that of the California Horse Racing Board. However, upon learning, the team made an instant switch. In the final parts of the statement, Dan also agreed to take full responsibility for the matter and the consequences it bore. However, the trainer stood tall when mentioning that his care towards his horses has always been of the highest level. The board previously issued a notice asking him to appear in the court on 28th of September however, the session was postponed. Awaiting a clear discussion on the matter, the case holds a lot more to it.

The provided details on the matter

Dan Blacker started his career back in 2011 having known that he always wanted to be a trainer. But prior to standing on his own, Dan spent time under Richard Mandella during the Godolphin Flying Start program; a place where he kicked off his journey. Fast forward to 2023, Dan has a total of 841 starts under his belt alongside an accusation of misconduct.

According to CHRB, the board conducted an audit on all horses trained by Dan from Jan 1st, 2022 until July 1, 2023. The reports stated that out of 789, 527 did not have veterinary examination completion; thus violating the CHRB rule 1878. The rule reads, “A horse shall not be permitted to workout unless the horse has been examined by the trainer’s attending veterinarian during the 72 hours…” The rule also obliges the officials to record the readings of the horses.

The violation of the rules sets Dan Blacker up for strengthened consequences. The Horse Racing Nation reports that Dan might either stand to receive a fine, or a suspension and both if the violations of the rules are proven against his stance.

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