Progress! The Ohio State Horse Racing Commission is taking action to protect horses after receiving a report from PETA about an 8-year-old horse named Mox Nix that died while racing at Belterra Park in Cincinnati on September 28. PETA has called on the commission to change the rules governing when horses can run and to conduct a thorough investigation into Mox Nyx’s death.
“Just Tragedy”: Virgo’s death at its first launch since 2016 could spark change in Ohio – Horse Racing News | Paulik’s report https://t.co/BIEcwLuksW pic.twitter.com/SELPFYhkFg
– Polik’s Report (@paulickreport) October 7, 2021
Prior to the fatal race, Mox Nix had not competed since October 2016.
This more than four-year hiatus in his racing history indicates that he may have suffered from injuries or pre-existing medical conditions that should have been detected by coaches in veterinary records and identified during pre-competition check-ups. PETA discovered that Mox Nix had just two recorded training this year, which may also indicate that he had underlying veterinary problems that should have raised concerns about his race resistance.
We urged the Ohio State Horse Racing Commission to review veterinary trail protocols for testing and screening horses that are leaving after lengthy layoffs at Belterra Park and other Ohio racecourses.
And the good news– After receiving the PETA letter and seeing a wave of concern from Twitter users and online activists elsewhere, the commission issued a statement that it would review and consider rule changes to protect horses dismissed at races and announce an investigation into the death of Mox Nicks.
Did you know that at least 56 horses were reported to have died on Ohio highways last year?
PETA reminded the Ohio Horse Racing Commission that simple but effective policy changes can help protect horse racing in the state.
PETA will continue to monitor the Ohio situation to ensure these rules are updated to protect horses.
Take action for horses in other states
Shocking footage obtained by PETA shows racehorse trainer Amber Cobb screaming, cursing, and hitting a young purebred purebred with a plastic pitchfork as the horse was tied to the back of a stall on a New Jersey farm. Cobb’s actions scared the horse so much that as it tried to run away, the horse rolled over and collapsed heavily to the floor.
This excessive punishment imposed by an enraged coach presents a problem of brutality that goes beyond simple rule breaking and is a stain on the “sport.” Anyone who abuses a horse and demonstrates a clear disregard for the rules of the race should not be allowed to participate in racing, training or owning a horse. Join PETA in calling on all racing commissions to protect horses and ban this trainer:
Call on racing commissions to revoke Cobb’s license