Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
Another Horse Dies Just Two Days After Santa Anita Park Reopens For Racing
Clockers' Corner at Santa Anita Park (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Despite multiple assurances to the public that conditions are safe for racing and training, another horse died over the weekend at Santa Anita Park, bringing the total number of equine casualties to 23 since late December.
The horse, Arms Runner, was mid-race Sunday when he fell and collided with another horse, according to a statement released by The Stronach Group, the company that owns Santa Anita. The Los Angeles Times reports that Arms Runner suffered an injury to his right front leg and was euthanized.
The other horse, La Sardane, survived the collision.
Arms Runner's death came just two days after the park reopened, having closed its doors for racing for several weeks to address the cause of the initial 22 horse deaths.
Protesters were outside Santa Anita Park Friday when the track reopened, holding signs and chanting, "how many horses died today?"
On March 14, following the death of three-year-old filly Princess Lili B during training, The Stronach Group announced new measures designed to protect the health and safety of their equine athletes; enacting a zero-tolerance policy for game day medication, and reconsidering the way jockeys use riding crops.
"The health and welfare of the horses will always come first," the company said in a statement at the time.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
