Folks for the Moral Therapy of Animals (PETA) has referred to as for legendary horse coach Bob Baffert to be banned from horse racing after the current demise of a horse beneath his care at Pimlico Downs.
On Saturday, Havnameltdown, a horse owned by Baffert, was euthanized after struggling a severe ankle harm on the monitor on the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Downs.
“Pimlico ought to have adopted Churchill Downs’ instance and barred Bob Baffert from the monitor,” PETA mentioned in an announcement to the New York Publish. “Baffert has been implicated in drugging scandals, the deaths of seven horses who collapsed in California, and at the least 75 horses in his care have died.”
The tragic incident occurred as Havnameltdown made a powerful transfer to take the lead in his race. Sadly, thoughrounded a nook, he stumbled and despatched his jockey flying. Regardless of the apparent ache of the harm, the horse continued operating.
“We by no means had a difficulty with him [Havnameltdown],” Baffert advised reporters. “We’re so cautious with all these horses, and it nonetheless occurs. It’s one thing that’s disheartening. … There may be nothing worse than coming again, and the stall is empty. He’s a pleasant horse. He couldn’t have been doing any higher. It’s sickening. I’m in shock.”
Coach Bob Baffert seems on after successful The Sir Barton Stakes with jockey John Velazquez (not pictured) and horse Arabian Lion forward of the 148th Working of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course on Might 20, 2023, in Baltimore, Maryland. (Patrick Smith/Getty Pictures)
PETA, nonetheless, sees the incident as part of a lethal development.
“The tragic demise of Havnameltdown is the most recent in an extended line of fatalities,” PETA mentioned. “The racing business should kick out the dangerous guys, or it can have blood on its arms in addition to blood on its tracks.”
.@ScottFDTV speaks with veterinarian Dr. Scott Hay following the Chick Lang Stakes.
Our honest condolences to the connections of Havnameltdown. pic.twitter.com/1J9jImVLY2
— TVG (@TVG) Might 20, 2023
Havnameltdown was not the one horse to die this weekend. Swanson Lake, a 3-year-old filly, grew to become the ninth horse to die this 12 months at Churchill Downs after sustaining a “vital” leg harm.
