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Two horses die in one day at Meadows racetrack
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Two horses die in one day at Meadows racetrack
A division of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is asking questions about an "unprecedented" event Tuesday in which two horses died within minutes of each other at The Meadows Racetrack and Casino.
Department spokeswoman Samantha Krepps said one horse died during a live race at the Washington County track and the other was euthanized after breaking its leg.
Mike Jeannot, president of Meadows Racing, said three or four horses die each year of various causes, sometimes heart attacks.
"So two in one day is way out of the ordinary," he said. "It's not only unusual, it's unprecedented."
The Harness Racing Commission, which initiates investigations at the racetrack, will take action if evidence emerges that indicates a trainer violated any rules, Ms. Krepps said.
Mr. Jeannot said the first horse, a 7-year-old named Little Bit Tricky, died just before the start of the 14th race, as the horse and its driver were getting ready behind the starting gate.
About 15 minutes later, toward the end of the 15th race, 8-year-old Lislea Isabella went down on a stretch of track.
First Published February 7, 2013 12:00 am
