Horse racing is a contentious sport that often results in injuries to both the horses and the jockeys. Recently, there has been a disproportionate number of horse deaths in one Southern California racetrack. On Tuesday, another horse, a 6-year-old bay mare, Twentyseventrouts, succumbed to its injuries at the Los Alamitos Race Course. Since then, animal rights activists have demanded that all other horse racing be suspended and the sport banned.

This is the eighth horse to die at this particular racetrack. Number seven on the list was a 3-year-old colt named Fire Stel that died last week. Two horses dying in two weeks at the same race course has the equestrian community deeply concerned about the welfare of these magnificent animals.

Protests Erupt as Equestrian Community Demands Action

Animal lovers have always argued that using animals for entertainment, such as horse racing, is inherently cruel and unethical. The recent deaths at the Los Alamitos Race Course have only intensified these arguments and sparked widespread protests from the equestrian community. Heather Wilson of the animal rights group ‘Kill Racing Not Horses’ spoke to KNX News about the pain riders inflict on these horses. All because of fame, victory, and money. She rightfully compared the whip and the spurs to tools of torture. Several incidents have been marked by owners and jockeys using the animals to make a profit, showing little regard for their well-being.

Twentyseventrouts would have won the third race on Sunday before she tripped and hit her head on the turf. The catastrophic event resulted in her untimely death, yet another tragic casualty of the racing industry. This incident highlights the inherent dangers that these horses face every time they step onto the track at the racecourse. Even with these numbers, the Los Alamitos Race Course is the “deadliest racetrack in California.” Wilson wants the management to be held accountable for this incident and a deep investigation into their affairs.

Calls for Stricter Regulations and Potential Legal Changes

On the Kill Racing Not Horses Facebook account, they have called the demise of Twentyseventrouts a murder. Wilson pressed for the involvement of the government and the general public in demanding stricter regulations and potential legal changes. She also stated that the group is working towards making this issue part of the agenda in the upcoming state elections.

Read More: “Even the Best Have Their Oops Moments”: Equestrian Community Stunned as Horse Rider Makes Quick Recovery After Losing Balance

In 2020, the Los Alamitos Race Course had been put on probation by the CHRB due to a slew of horse deaths; approximately 20 reported CBS. In 2021, this number went down to 11 (2 more marked as ‘others’), and in 2022 it shot up to 17.

On the other hand, the Los Alamitos Race Course officials are standing by their existing security measures, refusing to make any changes. They have argued that there has been a 30% drop in horse deaths in the current year. We leave it to you to decide if that number is good enough.

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