A chariot rider has had to make the difficult decision to drop a racehorse.
Around 10:45 p.m. Thursday, the Calgary Stampede said a chariot horse was injured during a race.
The horse belonged to Grimshaw, Alta., The rider, Cody Risdale.
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After a veterinary evaluation, the owner decided to sacrifice the horse.
New protocols are set for the 2022 stampede after the death of six horses in 2019. It is the first time only three mandrels have competed in the race, compared to four in previous years.
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Joel Cowley, CEO of Calgary Stampede, said it was an unfortunate event and showed sympathy with Risdale.
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Cowley added that they have included lane delimiters that offer drivers an escape route in case they are pressed inside. The Stampede also uses a ground penetration radar on the track to make sure the base is completely level before starting any of the races.
Animal Justice, a national animal law organization, said they are calling for an investigation into animal cruelty.
“Stampede organizers and runners know full well that it is almost certain that horses will die from horrific injuries in‘ half a mile hell ’chariot races,” said Camille Labchuk, executive director of Animal Justice.
“Animal Justice is calling on the Calgary Humane Society, Calgary police and the Alberta SPCA to investigate this latest death and bring charges in court.”
Cowley said that while there is always a risk of injury in any sport, “but we do everything we can, from preparing the track to making sure the animals have time to get in shape before running, inspections are done before the race “.
“Our veterinarians inspect all the horses, 18 were retained from the competition this year due to lameness or risk of heart attack, so we are doing a lot to help minimize any incidents, but unfortunately we cannot eliminate all the risk of an incident occurring, “he continued.
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