Santa Anita calls in racetrack expert from Kentucky after rash of horse fatalities

An expert from the University of Kentucky has been called on to figure out why Thoroughbred racehorses are dying at Santa Anita Park in California.

The Los Angeles Times reported this week that Dr. Michael “Mick” Peterson, director of UK’s agricultural equine programs, will lead evaluation and testing of the racetrack, where 19 horses have died in the past two months. The most recent death came Monday when a 3-year-old gelding named Charmer John was euthanized following an injury to his left front fetlock, the Times reported.

According to the Times, Santa Anita announced Sunday that it was closing the main track Monday and Tuesday to do surface and soil sampling in an effort to identify causes for the breakdowns. The track was expected to reopen Wednesday, with live racing resuming Thursday.

Heavy rainfall this winter is reportedly considered to be one factor in the increase in horse deaths.

Several trainers objected to the closing, saying the track was safe, the Times report said.

Peterson, who has been leading UK’s equine program since January 2017, is renowned worldwide for his work on racetrack safety.

While a professor at the University of Maine, Peterson was called on by Keeneland Race Course in Lexington to examine the main track’s dirt surface after three horse fatalities during the 2015 Fall Meet.

Read the full Los Angeles times article here for details about the frequency and types of breakdowns.