Racehorse Deaths Are Steadying, Not Spiking

Racehorse deaths today are at nearly the same level as they were nearly 25 years ago, after a spike in the 2000s.

All CHRB tracks

Del Mar Racing

Golden Gate Fields

Los Alamitos Race Course

Santa Anita Park

Horse deaths, FY 2008-21*

*NOTE: Data from FY 1998-99 is omitted from the chart because the number of deaths by track was unavailable for this time period.

Horse Deaths at California's Private Racetracks

Since July 1, 2008, 1,716 horses have died at California's private horse racetracks. This accounts for roughly 75% of deaths at all the tracks and racing venues in the state in that time period.

Horse deaths FY 2008-18

Racing*

Training**

Other***

FY 2017-18

FY 2016-17

FY 2015-16

FY 2014-15

FY 2013-14

FY 2012-13

FY 2011-12

FY 2010-11

FY 2009-10

FY 2008-09

NOTE: Fiscal years run from July 1-June 30 of each year.

*Racing includes any fatality associated with racing.

**Training includes any fatality associated with training.

***Other includes any non-exercise related fatality, including stable area accidents. The most common cause of death in the Other group is gastro-intestinal diseases, such as colic, colitis, and enteritis, followed by respiratory disease, primarily pneumonia and pleuropneumonia, and neurological diseases, including West Nile Virus and equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM).

Source: California Horse Racing Board

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