Belmont Park plunged into controversy again as ANOTHER horse dies - 24 hours after another passes

Yet another race horse has died at Belmont Park in New York - with today's death of thoroughbred Mashnee Girl at the famed track.

According to the NYRA's Senior Examining Veterinarian, Mashnee Girl 'sustained a catastrophic injury to her left front leg and despite the efforts of veterinarians, was humanely euthanized on track'.

The jockey riding on Mashnee Girl, Jose Lezcano, reportedly took a visit to first aid personnel and was cleared to keep riding.

This comes after Excursionniste was put down on the track at the end of the Belmont on Saturday afternoon.

Animal rights group PETA released a statement calling for the suspension of racing and saying Belmont is 'failing to protect horses'.

A second horse has been put down after the conclusion of Saturday's Belmont Stakes

Excursionniste (above) was put down at the end of Saturday's Belmont Stakes race

In a statement provided to Mail Sport, the organization said: 'Two dead Thoroughbreds in two days with the same trainer on the same track means one thing: Belmont Park is failing to protect horses. 

'Like Churchill Downs, Belmont must suspend racing immediately to avoid the same bloodbath. Anything less makes Belmont complicit in the fatalities.'

The NYRA provided a further statement to Mail Sport through spokesman Pat McKenna, saying, 'In the course of investigating these injuries, necropsies will be performed at Cornell University with the results to be analyzed by Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) officials as well as the New York State Equine Medical Director. 

'In addition, NYRA, HISA and the New York State Gaming Commission will closely review the circumstances around these incidents to ensure the safest possible environment for racing and training at Belmont Park.

'The main dirt track and both turf courses are inspected before, during and after each race day. Data and soil samples are then shared with independent engineers, who evaluate the condition and consistency of each surface. Our review has found all three racing surfaces to be consistent throughout with no anomalies.

'NYRA’s comprehensive safety strategy is informed by the most advanced science and research in consultation with independent experts, veterinarians, and horsemen. The health and safety of horses and jockeys competing at NYRA tracks is our highest priority and one that stands above all other considerations.'

The NYRA also says that out of 1,740 horses taking part in 224 races, only four have suffered fatal injuries during Belmont's 2023 spring/summer meet season - which began on May 4. 

Since April, a whopping 12 horses have died at Churchill Downs, with officials yet to be able to identify a commonality between the deaths.

Additionally, Havnameltdown was euthanized after buckling on its front left leg at the Preakness undercard last month.

Multiple horses have died since April - including at least one at Pimlico in Maryland (above)

Following the recent spate of deaths at Churchill Downs, the track made the decision to suspend all racing there, instead moving its 2023 Spring Meet to Ellis Park. 

However, PETA accused the track of playing 'Russian roulette' with the lives of the horses after that move. 

'We are relieved that racing has been suspended, which PETA has been calling for since May 2, but Churchill Downs must not play Russian roulette with these horses' lives by simply shifting the problem elsewhere,' the animal-rights organization said in a statement to Mail Sport.

'Putting the bullet in a different chamber could have the same lethal outcome. We are frustrated at the racing industry's refusal to implement technology that is scientifically and statistically proven to save lives.

'Until race tracks install synthetic surfaces and utilize CT scanning equipment to detect injuries, among other improvements, they can't pretend to be mystified by fatalities.'

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