The death of Give Me the Lute and Lady Derby at Los Alamitos is not an isolated event. It represents a disturbing pattern that has claimed the lives of numerous horses in this particular arena. These incidents raise serious questions about the safety and welfare of the animals involved. Horses are not just objects to be used in a sport; they are living beings with their own lives and sensitivities. The fact that 38 have already died this year is a clear indication that there are serious issues that need to be addressed.
What could be causing these sudden deaths? Are there underlying health problems or inadequate safety measures in place? These are questions that need to be thoroughly investigated to ensure the well-being of the horses. The racing industry has a responsibility to provide a safe environment for these animals, and it is clear that Los Alamitos has fallen short in this regard.
In addition to the deaths at Los Alamitos, the CHRB has also disclosed a tragic incident at Santa Anita on Sunday. This victim was so young that it hadn't even been christened yet. With these three deaths from the weekend alone, the state of California has now officially surpassed the century mark in dead racehorses in 2024. All the talk about safety and welfare seems to have fallen on deaf ears.
The continuous loss of these young and innocent horses is a heartbreaking reality that cannot be ignored. It is a stark reminder of the dangers and risks that these animals face in the pursuit of the sport. There must be a concerted effort to improve the safety standards and provide better care for the horses to prevent such tragedies from continuing to occur.