Santa Anita Park

Santa Anita Park Under Fire for Another Horse Death

Jockey Ricky Gonzales Dies After Being Thrown from His Horse

Santa Anita Park is under fire again after another horse death. This time, it was 8-year-old gelding, Exaggerator, who collapsed and died after a workout on the track. This is the 33rd horse death at the track since December 2018.

Just a week before Exaggerator's death, jockey Ricky Gonzales died after being thrown from his horse during a race at the track. Gonzales was a 25-year-old native of Venezuela who had been riding at Santa Anita for just two months.

PETA Calls for Santa Anita to be Closed

The recent deaths have prompted calls for Santa Anita to be closed. PETA has launched a petition demanding that the track be shut down, and several other animal rights groups have joined the call.

Santa Anita officials have defended their safety record, saying that they have taken steps to improve the safety of the track. However, the recent deaths have raised serious questions about whether the track is doing enough to protect its horses and jockeys.

What's Next?

It is unclear what will happen to Santa Anita Park in the wake of these recent deaths. The California Horse Racing Board is investigating the deaths, and it is possible that the track could be fined or even suspended.

The deaths have also put a spotlight on the safety of horse racing in general. Several other tracks have reported horse deaths in recent months, and there is growing concern about the welfare of horses in the sport.