Unprecedented Track Closures Follow PETA's Appeal to Suspend Racing in Heat Wave

Tracks Respond to Group's Warning That Rising Temperatures Can Lead to Heatstroke and Death in Thoroughbreds

For Immediate Release:                                                                                                                   
July 21, 2011

Contact:
Robbyn Brooks 202-483-7382

Norfolk, Va. — After whistleblowers reported that two thoroughbreds had collapsed from heat stress at the Fairmount Park Racetrack in Collinsville, Ill., PETA sent urgent letters to 17 racetracks in locations now experiencing soaring temperatures calling on officials to suspend races for the duration of the current heat advisory. As a result, New York's Finger Lakes Casino & Racetrack, Monmouth Park in New Jersey, Pennsylvania's Presque Isle Downs, Colonial Downs in Virginia, and Toronto's Woodbine Racetrack have all joined Iowa's Prairie Meadows Racetrack—which had already announced that it was halting race activity—in canceling their Thursday races. This makes for an unprecedented six racetracks that have suspended races out of concern for animal welfare.

"Horses are pushed to the limit every time they race, and the added physical stress caused by skyrocketing temperatures can have deadly consequences," says PETA Vice President Kathy Guillermo. "We're urging all racetrack officials to prevent tragedy by canceling races whenever their state faces extreme heat."

In letters sent to racetrack stewards across the country, PETA points out that the current high temperatures put horses at risk of heatstroke, brain damage, and death. An average of three horses die in racing every day, and extreme heat can easily add to this death toll. By suspending racing until temperatures cool, racetracks can help forestall further heat-related deaths.

Copies of PETA's letters to racetrack officials are available upon request. For more information, please visit PETA.org.