Equestrian World Mourns the Loss of 12 Horses Following Injuries at Santa Anita Track

Ever since it was included in the Olympics in 1900, equestrianism has flaunted a rich and storied history. But a constantly lurking issue with the sport has been horse deaths. There is barely a race that does not have an equine partner dying or sustaining fateful injuries. These injuries ultimately led to the euthanasia of these poor souls. Many initiatives are being taken to ensure the safety and well-being of the equine athletes, yet effective results remain elusive.

The year 2023 was also not an exception, and even prestigious events and race tracks like the Kentucky Derby, Triple Crown, Saratoga Racetrack, and Santa Anita were not untouched by horse deaths. Furthermore, another horse fatality at Santa Anita Park has sparked significant concern within the equestrian community.

Another equine partner faces a tragic fate

Captain Maverick, a two-year-old colt who was yet to appear for a race, met his tragic end on Tuesday. As reported by Fox 11, the horse was training at the Arcadia track in Santa Anita Park, where he sustained injuries and lost his life. Maverick has become the 12th horse whose life was cut short after suffering an injury during a race or training in Santa Anita this year. To name a few popular equines who lost their lives on the Californian race track, Bellstreet Bridie, a winner of four races, died on Sunday, and another 3-year-old was met with a fateful end on Thursday.

However, if Santa Anita’s authorities are to be believed, then they have made some developments on the ground level in the past few years after the racetrack garnered scrutiny when 42 horses died at the track in 2019. Furthermore, they also claimed that their track is the safest horse racing track in South America as compared to others in the vicinity. Incidents like these are heightening concerns for horse safety in the equestrian world, and this particular incident contributes to a growing list of horse fatalities this year.

Not a great year for the equine partners

Churchill Downs, the home of Kentucky Derby, witnessed more than 12 horses falling prey to their ultimate fate this year. This led the authorities to shift the races to Ellis Park. Kimberley Dream and Lost in Limbo are the two out of 12 horses who lost their lives during the Derby. During the final start of the Belmont Stakes, Excursionniste sustained some major injuries, ultimately resulting in the horse being euthanized.

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Subsequently, another mare named Mashnee Girl met a similar fate and had to be euthanized, just like Excursionniste. Preakness Stakes was also not untouched by horse deaths. There is still an investigation going on into these horse deaths, and the authorities have yet to take a major step to overcome these incidents. Now the question is: will the horses that died get any benefit from the initiatives that are being taken?

Watch The Story: After Five Horses Meet Their Death At Belmont Park, New York Racing Association Releases Statement of Equine Safety