For Immediate Release, Friday 23 June 2023
7 Horses Killed on Queensland Tracks in 3 Weeks
Spark Animal Rights Advocates to Call For a Public Boycott of Racing
Brisbane 23/06/2023— Animal Liberation Queensland (“ALQ” or the “Organisation”) & Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses (CPR)
The Queensland horse racing industry is being called out by animal protection groups as a devastating series of events unfolded over the past three weeks, resulting in the deaths of seven horses. Tragically, these animals suffered catastrophic injuries during races held at various tracks across the state, casting a dark cloud over the integrity and safety of the sport.
The unprecedented spate of horse fatalities has sent shockwaves through the industry and ignited grave concerns regarding the welfare and protection of racehorses. Animal advocates and the wider public have been left deeply disturbed by these deaths, prompting urgent calls for a public boycott of the racing industry.
The incidents that occurred at various race tracks across the state are deeply troubling:
- On Saturday, June 3rd, ‘Little Trojan’ suffered an injury to his near front leg during his debut race in Cairns. The 3-year-old was then killed by the on-track veterinarian.
- On the same day, at the Gold Coast, ‘Zatara’ was forced to withdraw from the race at the 800-meter mark due to a severe injury to his near fore fetlock, ultimately leading to the 4-year-old’s euthanasia.
- On Monday, June 5th, in Thangool, ‘Cooeybaymagic’ tragically broke down near the finish line, shattering her off fore fetlock and resulting in the euthanasia of the 4-year-old. The incident has been selectively removed from race replays.
- The following day, on Tuesday, June 6th, in Dalby, ‘Miralie’ suffered a catastrophic fall near the 500-meter mark, resulting in a compound fracture to his off-foreleg and the heartbreaking decision to euthanise the 8-year-old horse. Racing Queensland has chosen to entirely remove the replay from their website.
- ‘Dominique’, a 3-year-old filly, became the fifth horse to lose her life on Queensland tracks within a five-day period. Sustaining a severe and distressing injury during a race at Mackay on Thursday, June 8th, ‘Dominique’ was sadly euthanised due to the extent of her injuries.
- ‘Duchess Rothesay’, a 4-year-old mare, experienced cardiac arrest following a race on Friday, June 16th at the Sunshine Coast, leading to her subsequent death.
- Tragically, on Saturday, June 17th, ‘Bea Epoch’, the race favourite in Mount Isa, sustained a leg fracture despite finishing third. The severity of the injury necessitated the euthanisation of the 3-year-old gelding. In race replays, the gelding’s visible lameness after crossing the finish line and a recorded voice saying “we might need a cover” further highlight the distressing nature of the incident.
These successive incidents have sparked outrage among animal advocates. What further deepens the sense of concern is the subsequent removal of incidents from race replays, raising questions about transparency within the industry. The absence of these events from the public eye intensifies the need for open and honest communication about the welfare and safety of racehorses.
Amanda Holly, Campaign Manager at Animal Liberation Queensland, stated that the racing industry poses significant risks to horses, leading to their perilous and untimely demise. “Disturbingly, statistics reveal that, on average, a horse loses its life every 2.5 days on Australian race tracks. In the year 2023 alone, the state of Queensland has already witnessed the tragic deaths of seventeen horses in race track incidents, with seven of those deaths occurring over the past 3 weeks.
“These numbers don’t include the horses who are killed as a result of injuries sustained through training, trials, or unwanted race horses who are sent to abattoirs and knackeries every year.
“More and more Australians are turning their backs on the racing industry and refusing to support animal cruelty. Meanwhile, our state government shamefully continues to throw money at the industry. Public money is funding the killing of horses. This needs to stop”.
The horse racing industry, despite its harmful consequences, receives favourable treatment in Queensland as the state government re-invests 80% of all point of consumption taxes (POCT) from betting back into the industry to enhance prize money, construct additional racetracks, and inadvertently perpetuate the suffering and loss of countless animals.
“At a time where most Queenslanders are struggling with the cost of living, this cash splash funding the certain injury and deaths of horses should be met with outrage from taxpayers”, said Ms Holly.
Animal Liberation Queensland in collaboration with Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses (CPR), has staged several protests outside Queensland tracks this month, most recently at the Ipswich Cup on Saturday, to educate the public about the stark and sad realities of horse racing.
CPR’s Campaign Director Elio Celotto is calling for a Royal Commission into the industry stating: “The racing industry is shrouded in secrecy and lies, yet supported by taxpayer dollars. In addition to the high number of racing fatalities we learn of, countless other horses are taken from the track injured, listed as ‘retired’ and never heard of again. Queensland and all other state governments are addicted to the gambling dollar at the horses’ expense. The public has the right to know how deep the cruelty, abuse and cover-ups go.”
Ms Holly added,“This is why we encourage the public to boycott horse racing and to join us on July 1st to say Nup to the Caloundra Cup. The industry has proven time and time again that they see these horses as mere collateral damage”.
