A Call for Change: The Disturbing Pattern of Horse Deaths at Golden Gate Fields Racetrack News of continued horse deaths at the Golden Gate Fields racetrack has sparked outrage among animal rights advocates and prompted a demonstration outside the track. The protest aims to shed light on the alarming number of horse fatalities and to denounce the horseracing industry as a whole, memorializing the horses who tragically lost their lives this fall. According to the California Horse Racing Board, six horses have died at Golden Gate Fields this fall alone. The deaths occurred amidst an “unprecedented surge” since the track’s owners announced their decision to extend operations for an additional season before indefinite closure. The horses who lost their lives include Gardees World, a five-year-old mare on September 20th

Hangin at Haven, a two-year-old gelding on October 4th, and Zakkiyyah, a five-year-old mare on October 21st.

Regrettably, the causes of death for Zakkiyyah, Gardees World, and Hangin at Haven remain undisclosed. However, it is known that Navy Queen suffered a musculoskeletal injury during training on October 1st, while Great Story succumbed to a similar injury during a race on September 25th.

These recent fatalities add to the grim tally of 16 horse deaths at Golden Gate Fields in 2023. Originally slated for closure this fall, the track’s timeline was extended by the owners, prolonging horseracing activities until June 2024.

Animal rights advocates argue that horseracing is an outdated spectacle that profits from the cruelty inflicted upon animals and fuels the addiction of gambling enthusiasts, only serving to inflate the egos of billionaire owners. Those participating in Saturday’s protest demand that the California Horse Racing Board revoke Golden Gate Fields’ license and permanently shut down the track this season.

Golden Gate Fields, situated along the shores of the San Francisco Bay between Albany and Berkeley, has been in operation since 1941. The track was acquired by the Stronach Group in 2011, further highlighting the need for accountability and reform within the horseracing industry.

The relentless deaths of these magnificent creatures at Golden Gate Fields cannot be ignored. It is imperative that we come together as a society to address the systemic issues surrounding horseracing and enact meaningful change. The lives of these horses matter, and we must demand a future where their well-being is prioritized over profit and entertainment.

In conclusion, the ongoing deaths of horses at Golden Gate Fields racetrack have sparked outrage and prompted a demonstration calling for the industry’s accountability. As advocates for animal rights, we stand in solidarity with those demanding change and memorialize the lives tragically lost. May this be a wake-up call to reevaluate the ethics and practices within horseracing, ensuring a future that respects and protects these magnificent creatures.

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Suggested Featured Image: In Memory of Fallen Horses