Overview
- The horse suffered a severe bone fracture during Heat 8 of the chuckwagon races on July 12 and was humanely euthanized on July 13 following veterinary assessment.
- Stampede CEO Joel Cowley said the on-track veterinary team determined euthanasia was the most humane course after consulting on the injury.
- Under the Stampede’s fitness-to-compete program, veterinarians check horse health each morning and again before events to ensure fitness for racing.
- Barn misting systems, saltwater spas, and nightly track conditioning are among the measures aimed at minimizing horse injuries.
- Ongoing collaborations with the University of Calgary’s veterinary faculty support research into improved equine safety protocols.