[ad_1]
LOS ANGELES – Santa Anita Park will continue its racing program, rejecting a request for closure of state authorities, even though three other horses had been killed in the last five days.
The Daily Racing Form, one of the leading newspapers in the thoroughbred racing industry, and the Associated Press reported Sunday that a horse had fractured the pelvis during a race on Saturday and was then euthanized. Then, on Sunday, another collapsed and died of an apparent heart attack during a run on grass.
A third horse was put to death Wednesday after breaking a shoulder during a routine gallop.
Twenty-nine horses have died or been put to death since Christmas after being injured at the park in the suburbs of Arcadia, east of Los Angeles. An explanation of the series of deaths and euthanasia has still not been found.
After Saturday's first weekend death, the California Horse Racing Board, or CHRB, said in a statement that he "recommended Santa Anita's management to suspend the race for the remaining seven days, while allowing the horses continue to train during this period. "
But "after consulting with some other industry players, the management of Santa Anita believes that for various reasons, the future of California racing is best served by continuing to run," said the board.
The CHRB is not entitled to suspend racing on a California runway unilaterally without the approval of the runway or after a public meeting. Public meetings require 10 days notice under state law; The Santa Anita season ends on June 23rd.
In a statement on Sunday evening, Stronach Group, owner of Santa Anita Park, confirmed that the way would remain open "to carry out these reforms", referring to a series of changes made by the track since December, including new rules prohibiting the administration of most drugs and the use of whips during the races, except for security reasons.
"We have great respect for the governor [Gavin] Newsom and the CHRB, and we look forward to working with them as we discuss these issues, "he said.
"Since extensive reforms have been implemented in Santa Anita, the catastrophic injuries have significantly decreased compared to those of this competition, decreasing by 50% in race and more than 84% in training," said Stronach.
"To be clear, there are no acceptable losses, and every day we are working to end all serious injuries, but the reality is that our improvements and changes have been effective," he said. -he declares.
Kathy Guillermo, Senior Vice President of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, quoted by the Associated Press, said Sunday that "either the rules are not strict enough, or the rules are not followed."
"Santa Anita must listen to the California Horse Racing Board and close her doors," she said.
Senator Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., Also called for the closing of the runway, declaring to the CHRB in a letter in April: "The death of a single horse is a tragedy".
[ad_2]
Source link