It’s been described as the “worst jumps race” ever, as Sandown Racecourse became host to a scene of chaos, panic – and death. Today, jumps racing claimed its third victim of the 2014 season – a seven year old gelding they called Show Dancer. He crashed catastrophically at only the third hurdle, his powerful body somersaulting through the air before hurtling to the ground. The race continued as he lay on the track, his injuries apparently so severe, he didn’t appear to try to get up. As the ominous green screen was carried out, race-goers were shielded from the tragic reality for this horse, as Show Dancer was destroyed where he fell. It was a race that seemed doomed from the start, with disaster striking before even the first jump. Another horse – Allanthus – crashed through the hurdle and the wing, dislodging his jockey in the process. Later in the race, the riderless horse would collide with another, causing him to fall too (bit.ly/1gNxzkH). Eventually, the race was abandoned – the remaining horses spared, at least for today. Jumps racing is a cruel and dangerous ‘sport’ that puts the lives of animals at risk for the sake of gambling profits. Help end the carnage by joining our friends from Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses TOMORROW in Melbourne’s Bourke Street Mall from 12pm. Head to bit.ly/ShowDancerDemonstration for more information and to RSVP. If you’re unable to make it tomorrow, please TAKE ACTION for horses now – head to AnimalsAus.org/6i Footage courtesy of the Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses
Posted on: Wed, 21 May 2014 07:06:32 +0000