Arizona Commission Reviews Steps to Reduce Fatalities

During the Arizona Racing Commission's monthly meeting April 21, ARC state veterinarian Dr. Susan Gale noted the equine fatality rate at Arizona tracks for the 12-month period ending March 31 was 3.34 per 1,000 starts, more than double the national average of 1.39.

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Arizona tracks are taking steps to combat the higher fatalities by taking measures that included bringing an additional regulatory veterinarian from Texas to Turf Paradise the past month. Gale said having the added experience is a great resource. 

"The horses are starting to show some wear and tear, and we've been having to scratch several horses each day," Gale said. "But again, I think that's been a contributor, positive contributor to reducing the fatalities."

While the national fatality rate dropped to 1.39 in 2021, marking the third consecutive year of decline and the lowest rate in 13 years, Arizona has struggled to follow course. In the 2019-20 fiscal year, which was shortened due to the COVID pandemic, the state's three tracks had 22 fatalities. Last season, that number was 20, and this year it is at 22 through March. Gale noted the last fatality at Turf Paradise happened March 4. 

Meanwhile, the commission discussed the implementation of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act. The cost to implement HISA would cost Arizona approximately $355,000, state racing division director Rudy Casillas said. He added that there are concerns of how to pay for the program and its implementation in Arizona.