WASHINGTON—Following the recent spate of horse deaths at the Saratoga Race Course this summer, Kitty Block, president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States released the following statement:
“In a tragic and disturbing summer at the Saratoga Race Course, 11 horses have died. Many of these deaths were likely preventable, and the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority should hold the New York Racing Association accountable for the safety of horses. Visitors to the Saratoga Race Course reject the notion that horse deaths are a cost of doing business—nobody wants to attend an event where they routinely see these majestic animals die on the track. We call on the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority to exert its power under the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act and recommend a suspension of any further races until there is an extensive safety review conducted at Saratoga, because horse racing should not be a matter of life or death.”
According to the Albany Times Union, 11 horses have died at the Saratoga Race Course since May 26, including six in August.