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A horse was euthanized after breaking a leg during the sixth heat of Saturday’s chuckwagon races at the Calgary Stampede.
A veterinarian was on the scene immediately and determined that the horse, a 10-year-old thoroughbred named Duke, had suffered a broken cannon bone in his right hind leg.
The horse, who was competing in the team of Layne Bremner, was euthanized.
Bremner had acquired Duke about three years ago after a previous career as a racehorse.
Officials said a Stampede veterinarian had inspected Duke earlier this week and before the heat.
Stampede officials will undertake a review to determine if there were any contributing factors to the incident that could have prevented it.
The injury appeared to have been sustained in contact with another wagon.
Bremner, who was driving, received a “no-time” sanction, a $2500 penalty, and a five-second penalty for interference.
A post-mortem examination will not be performed, as the official Stampede veterinarian determined that the injuries were self-evident and did not require further investigation.
Stampede organisers have increased efforts in recent years to improve safety in chuckwagon racing, in response to public concern over the death and casualty rates.
They brought in changes in 2011 aimed at making chuckwagon races safer for horses and competitors.
All horses are now inspected by veterinarians on arrival at the Stampede, and before and after races. Horses are now given mandatory rest days during the competition.
Officials also reduced the number of outriders in each chuckwagon.
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