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Two horses died on a beach in Tolaga Bay after a racing event
Graphic Warning: Some images in this story can be disturbing.
Organizers of a racing event in Tolaga Bay have denied allegations that two racehorses were shot and dumped on a beach on the east coast.
The Coalition for the Protection of Racing Horses (CPR) said it was “not surprised” to learn that two horses were killed and dumped on the beach on December 28 last year while racing continued.
Tolaga Bay Beach Races is an annual horse racing event that has been held on Kaiaua Beach since 1876.
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But his committee faces scrutiny after photos posted on social media showed waves washing two dead horses on the beach.
CPR spokeswoman Frances Baker said one horse broke both legs and the other had a heart attack as families “cheered and bet on their lives.”
“After being shot in the head, those horses were not given the dignity they deserved and were left lying on the beach without cover very close to the shore.”
Tolaga Bay Races took to social media to say that “false accusations” had been made without knowing the facts.
“It is speculative and disrespectful to the group of volunteers who are passionate about hosting this community event,” the publication said.
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One of the horses is removed from the beach after the December 28 race.
The committee also denied that the horse’s injuries were caused by “soft sand” and the races were held intentionally at low tide to avoid problems with the sand.
“The entire area of the beach where the horses run is inspected by the butler before and after each race.”
The committee said the first horse to fall and collapse did not break a leg. The veterinarian at the scene “thoroughly inspected the horse and confirmed that there were no injuries to the legs.”
“The horse was humanely euthanized after consulting with the race stewards and both the rider and the horse owner. However, the second incident of the day involved a horse that tripped and broke its legs. “
The committee said the accusation that the horses were “dumped” at the end of the beach was “misleading.” They were moved and remained at the southern end of the beach away from the public until the event ended.
“The north end was the only accessible point on the beach for the horses to be carefully removed. This was done late the night after the event. “
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Two horses on the beach of Tolaga Bay after a racing event on December 28.
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) Legal, Compliance and Regulatory General Manager James Dunne believed the horses were farm horses and not thoroughbreds at the event.
“However, those images are certainly distressing and, despite our rather limited role in these types of beach races, they are not what we would like to see or expect to see treated horses under all circumstances.
“We hope that these horses in all circumstances will be treated with dignity and respect and that the appropriate measures are taken.”
Dunne said it was not unusual for horses to run on sand, it was “quite common and generally quite safe.”
“Beach races take place all the time in New Zealand and in most cases with great success,” he said.
“Obviously we have something to work on with the club in terms of how things could be done differently and that is an ongoing discussion that we need to have at NZTR.”
