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Horse Congrats Gal Dies Following Race At Pimlico, PETA Responds

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A horse named Congrats Gal collapsed and died Friday following a race on Black-Eyed Susan Day at Pimlico a day before Preakness.

The horse collapsed after the eight-horse race at Pimlico Race Course.

Black Eyed Susan Horse Race
Jockey Trevor McCarthy, left, looks on as track officials tend to his ride Congrats Gal after the horse collapsed after the eighth horse race at Pimlico Race Course, Friday, May 17, 2019, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Lauren Helber)

Jockey Trevor McCarthy looked on as track officials tended to the horse.

PETA's Senior Vice President Kathy Guillermo issued a statement on the death on Congrats Gal:

The sickening collapse and sudden death of Congrats Gal at Pimlico today are proof that the Maryland racing industry has not done enough to protect horses. PETA will be calling for a formal investigation, including a necropsy and blood toxicology panel, and for the release of all medication and veterinary records. We will be contacting the district attorney's office, as we did in California, where the D.A. has appointed a task force to investigate training and veterinary practices.

The Stronach Group and Maryland Jockey Club also released a statement:

Congrats Gal suffered sudden death after the eighth race today. The incident occurred after the wire. Commission veterinarians attended to the horse immediately. Our thoughts go out to all of the owners, trainers and connections of Congrats Gal. The Stronach Group is committed to the welfare and safety of horses above all and we are saddened by what happened today. A full necropsy will be performed to try to determine the cause of death.

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