Two Horses Die at Belmont Park in 24 Hours, PETA Calls for Racing Suspension

Belmont Park in New York experienced tragedy over the weekend as two horses lost their lives, reigniting concerns about the safety of horse racing and prompting animal rights organization PETA to demand a suspension of racing activities at the renowned track.

The first incident occurred during the third race on Saturday when a 3-year-old filly named Excursionniste suffered a devastating leg injury. Despite immediate veterinary attention, the severity of the injury led to the difficult decision to bring her back on track.

The following day, during the first race, another horse met a similar fate. Mashnee Girl, a 4-year-old filly, sustained a catastrophic injury to her left front leg, leaving no choice but to euthanize her as well.

In response to these tragic events, PETA released a statement condemning the deaths of Excursionniste and Mashnee Girl, referring to them as distressing examples of the inherent cruelty within the horse racing industry. PETA called upon Belmont Park to suspend racing until the necessary safety measures are implemented to safeguard the well-being of the horses.

PETA Senior Vice President Kathy Guillermo emphasized that horses are living beings and should not be pushed to their limits, risking exhaustion and death. Guillermo urged Belmont Park to take immediate action to protect horses from further harm and create a safer environment for racing.

Sadly, the incidents involving Excursionniste and Mashnee Girl are not isolated cases. Belmont Park has witnessed a series of horse deaths, with 15 reported in 2022 alone, making it the track with the highest number of fatalities in the United States.

The horse racing industry has been under increasing scrutiny due to the alarming number of horse deaths in recent years. In 2021, there were 230 horse fatalities at racetracks across the country, the highest figure in over a decade.

Advocacy groups, including animal rights organizations, have been calling for comprehensive reforms within the racing industry. These reforms include the implementation of stricter safety regulations and more severe penalties for trainers who violate the established rules.

While the racing industry claims to be dedicated to improving safety, critics argue that more substantial measures need to be taken. Animal rights advocates assert that addressing the root causes of horse deaths, such as overtraining and poor track conditions, should be a priority.

The tragic losses of Excursionniste and Mashnee Girl serve as a poignant reminder of the risks inherent in horse racing. Urgent action is needed to ensure the safety and well-being of these magnificent animals, compelling the racing industry to reassess its practices and make substantial changes to protect the lives of horses.