Four deaths in just one day – three at Ludlow Racecourse
On Wednesday 6 February 2008, three horses were killed and another was seriously injured during the day’s racing at Ludlow. On the same day, Balmoral Star, a seven-year-old mare fell dead at Carlisle Racecourse.
On Wednesday 6 February 2008, three horses were killed and another was seriously injured during the day’s racing at Ludlow. On the same day, Balmoral Star, a seven-year-old mare fell dead at Carlisle Racecourse.
The carnage at Ludlow started with Terminal Bee, a five-year-old gelding, breaking a fetlock and falling in the opening hurdle race – though it is thought the injury occurred before that event. Irish-born, seven-year-old Port of Morgan, broke his leg at the 12th fence of the Beginners’ Chase and six-year-old Desert Inferno was pulled up having broken a hind leg, and subsequently destroyed.
Earth Man was injured and is currently in an equine hospital.
The British Horseracing Association has said that it will investigate the high number of fatalities at Ludlow yesterday, but one thing is for certain – that the inexcusably high death toll in racing looks likely to continue.
With an increased number of racing fixtures this year, the only sure bet is that horses will continue to suffer and die as a result of the racing industry’s lust for power and money.