Tag: horse racing

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Horse racing season to begin at deadly Hastings Racecourse

  • April 27th marks the beginning of live racing season at Hastings Racecourse in Vancouver.
  • Last year, eight horses lost their lives at Hastings.
  • Horses used in racing events endure stress, pain, and risk to their lives due to the high-pressure events, aversive training methods, and the use of painful tools like whips and bits.
  • Horses who no longer generate a profit are at risk of being sent to auction, where they face further trauma and can end up on a slaughterhouse floor.

Can you take the pledge to boycott inhumane horse racing events and add your name in support of protecting horses?

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2023 incidents

Take the pledge to say no to horse racing

By taking the pledge today, you will reflect your concern about recent race horse fatalities and incidents and to sign up to receive updates about the VHS’s upcoming horse racing campaign.

Learn more about the deaths of eight horses at Hastings Racecourse in 2023 here.

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Another horse death & incident in B.C.’s horse racing industry 

The VHS continues to raise concerns about B.C.’s horse racing industry following this year’s eighth horse fatality at Hastings Racetrack and a separate incident that resulted in the injury of another horse.

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Media coverage

On October 14th, a two-year old horse named Skysablazing was euthanized following a complete open fracture to the left front leg sustained during a race at Hastings Racecourse. Skysablazing’s death marks the eighth horse fatality at Hastings this year. 

On October 19th, a two-year old horse named Wannabeabigstar stumbled and fell during a harness race at Surrey’s Fraser Downs Racetrack, resulting in a collision with another two-year old horse named Outlawstaythcourse. Wannabeabigstar sustained injuried to his knees and was receiving ongoing treatment as of October 31, when B.C.’s Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (GPEB) responded to the VHS’s inquiry about the condition of the horses. 

Following the spate of recent horse fatalities and incidents, along with the welfare issues associated with aversive training in the horse racing industry, the VHS is encouraging the public to pledge to not attend horse races.  

Incident details

See the most recent horse racing incident that took place at Surrey’s Fraser Downs racecourse. 

Race horse fatalities at Hastings Racecourse in 2023: 

  • On July 16, a five-year old horse named One Fifty One was euthanized after being injured during a race.  
  • On July 22, a three-year old horse named Lent Me Twenty died after falling backward and hitting her head prior to a race. 
  • On July 30, a four-year old horse named Memorandum was euthanized after sustaining a traumatic injury during a race.  
  • On August 6, a five-year old horse named Eddie Who died after falling during a workout. 
  • On August 7, a four-year old horse named Lil Miss Intaglio was euthanized after presenting with symptoms of colic (gastrointestinal distress) on September 5. Despite treatment, her condition worsened and she was subsequently euthanized. 
  • On August 22, a five-year old horse named Indy Go Gold was euthanized after sustaining a catastrophic injury of his right hind leg during a timed workout.  
  • On September 16, a two-year old horse named Shadesofriogrande died after escaping the stable area at the racecourse and running into a wall. 
  • On October 14th, a two-year old horse named Skysablazing was euthanized following a complete open fracture to the left front leg.

Media coverage

You can read and watch more about this year’s incidents and responses from the public and the Vancouver Humane Society in the following news outlets:

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VHS raises concerns after eighth horse death this season at Hastings Racecourse

Charity raises concerns after eighth horse death this season at Hastings Racecourse – BC | Globalnews.ca

‘There were eight horse deaths at Hastings Racecourse last year,’ the Vancouver Humane Society said. ‘We’re now already at another eight deaths at Hastings Racecourse this year.’

The Vancouver Humane Society is raising alarm bells after eight horses lost their lives at Hastings Racecourse this year. The most recent death was that of two-year-old Skysablazing, who was euthanized after suffering a catastrophic injury during a race on October 14th.

“Skysablazing suffered a complete open fracture to her leg, which means the bone is exposed,” VHS Communications Director Chantelle Archambault told Global News. “It’s quite devastating to imagine the pain and the fear these horses experience in the moments before their death.”

“These horses are facing stress and risks to their lives at every stage of this process, including aversive training techniques [and] the use of painful tools like whips and bits that are meant to strictly control their movements.”

The B.C. Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch also reported eight racehorse deaths last year. The VHS is asking that the public consider the serious, recurring welfare issues in the horse racing industry when deciding which events to support – and to choose other activities that don’t put animals in harm’s way.

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Another horse has died at Hastings Racecourse

Racehorse dies after escaping Vancouver stable and running into wall, marking 5th death of 2023

Another horse has died at the Hastings Racecourse, bringing the 2023 death toll to five.

Another horse has died at the Hastings Racecourse, confirmed the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (GPEB), the regulatory body of B.C.’s horse racing industry.

“How many more incidents will it take for organizers to address the unnecessary risks posed to these sensitive and intelligent animals, who are forced into stressful and dangerous events week after week?” VHS Communications Director Chantelle Archambault responded.

She also argued officials should be more forthcoming with information about these incidents, noting that it took the GPEB eight days to respond to VHS’s September 18 inquiry about the latest death.

“The GPEB’s delayed response is concerning,” said Archambault. “The public should be asking themselves what is being done to keep these horses safe; and if they can’t be kept safe, how transparent will organizers and regulators be about the tragic consequences?”

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