A suspected collision between a horse and a chuckwagon during Saturday night’s races at the Calgary Stampede has claimed the life of a three-year-old thoroughbred.
The incident occurred during Heat 6 of Saturday’s Rangeland Derby when the horse appeared to contact another wagon while leaving the infield.
“We’re saddened to report that one of the horses on the team of Layne Bremner suffered a broken leg,” .said Kurt Kadatz, Calgary Stampede director of communications. “A veterinarian was on scene immediately and determined the horse had suffered a broken right hind leg and specifically a fractured cannon bone “
“It’s considered a serious injury and our veterinarian unfortunately needed to euthanize the horse immediately.”
According to Kadatz, the horse had been inspected by a veterinarian prior to the race and received a clean bill of health.
A review of the incident resulted in Rangeland Derby officials penalizing Bremner. The driver received a no-time result for Saturday’s race, a five second interference penalty and a fine of $2,500.
“It is a regrettable incident,” said Kadatz. “We take every precaution we feasibly can to reduce the risk of injury.”
“We’ll learn what we can from this incident and continue on.”
