Horse Dies at Santa Anita Park, Raising Death Toll to 35 Since December

Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

A horse was euthanized at Santa Anita Park on Friday, raising the death toll at the Southern California racetrack to 35 since Dec. 26, 2018, according to Reuters.

Six-year-old mare G Q Covergirl injured her front two legs while running on the training track. She was euthanized at the recommendation of a veterinarian, reports ABC News. The mare, trained by Doug O'Neill, had won six of her 16 races and earned over $200,000 in her career. Philip D'Amato previously trained G Q Covergirl until June.

G Q Covergirl's death comes one week before Santa Anita Park hosts the Breeder's Cup world championships.

PETA released a statement on G Q Covergirl's death, calling for the California Horse Racing Board to take action.

"If horse racing ever needed a three-strikes rule, it's now. Trainer Phil D'Amato's training and medication records needs to be investigated and released to the public and the horses still in his barn should be thoroughly examined," PETA said.

"D'Amato also trained Satchel Paige, who died on October 19, and Formal Dude, who died on June 8–the same day that G Q Covergirl was transferred to O'Neill. O'Neill also has a long record of medication violations and suspensions. When a horse dies, the California Horse Racing Board should suspend the trainer pending a full investigation."

On Thursday, the California Horse Racing Board announced it will release a report in December on the 30 racing-related deaths that happened during Santa Anita Park's previous meet.