By Equestrian Life

Santa Anita Racetrack in California, USA, has been rocked by a 23rd equine death in just over three months, just three days after the track was reopened for racing.

Gelding Arms Runner was tragically euthanised after a fall in the $100,000 San Simeon Stakes on Sunday. The horse injured his right front leg and fell on the odd section of the track where the turf track crosses the main dirt track. Turf races at Santa Anita start at the top of a hill which brings runners through a sweeping righthand turn before they cross the main dirt track prior to hitting grass again. It has been reported that Arms Runner was several strides from hitting the main grass track surface when he fell.

After Arms Runner went down he was tripped over by La Sardane, however the mare was able to regain her feet and appeared uninjured.

Competition at the track has been suspended multiple times in recent months to determine the reason behind the spate of deaths. The latest suspension was from March 5 to conduct a safety review, however racing resumed last Friday.

Earlier this month Santa Anita track owners the Stronach Group announced an initiative aimed at eliminating race-day medication for horses, including the diuretic Lasix which is used to prevent pulmonary bleeding. The group is also seeking a rule outlawing the use of whips, except to protect the safety of a horse or jockey.

Many have argued that the track surface is the issue, and these initiatives announced will do little to address the immediate problem.

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