A horse died shortly after racing at the Breeders' Cup at Del Mar Racetrack in Del Mar, California, on Saturday.
Jayalebe, a 3-year-old horse from France, ran off the track toward his stable and collapsed after running a mile and a half of turf for a total of $5 million.
The Breeders' Cup announced that Jayalebe had suffered a “heart attack.”
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Jaya Rebe, ridden by jockey Sean Leavy, heads to victory in the Hampton Court Stakes on the third day of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire on June 20, 2024. (David Davis/PA Image via Getty Images)
“During the Breeders' Cup Turf at Del Mar, Jayalebe (France) suffered what appeared to be a heart attack while galloping. He was immediately treated by a team of veterinary experts led by Dr. Brent Cassady, but unfortunately… Jockey Shawn Levy was not injured in the race.''
“We extend our thoughts and condolences to Jaya Rebe’s connections and the many fans whose lives he touched.”
The stallion, trained by Brian Meehan and owned by Iraj Palvij, finished seventh out of 13 horses.
Jaya Lebe walks during morning training ahead of the 2024 Breeders' Cup Championship at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. (Dennis Poloy/Imagn Images)
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In response to the news, PETA issued a statement saying it wanted a “thorough investigation” into the matter.
“Another horse died on the biggest racing day of the year, and we can't let it become a footnote in the results,” said PETA Vice President Kathy Guillermo. “PETA conducted a thorough investigation into the death of Thoroughbred Jaya Rebe in the $5 million Breeders' Cup Turf, including all veterinary records, the treatment the horse received during international transportation and quarantine, and a complete autopsy report. We request that the information be published.
“He was only three years old and not yet physically mature. There is no reason for a healthy young horse to fall and die.”
Last year, horse safety became a hot topic again at Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby, after numerous fatalities occurred in the weeks and, in some cases, hours before the event. The track suspended racing due to the alarming number of deaths.
California made several protocol changes after more than 30 deaths at Santa Anita in 2019.
Last year, Practical Move passed away just days before he was scheduled to run in last year's Breeders' Cup. He was also hurt in the 2023 Kentucky Derby.
Sean Levy and Jaya Rebe win the Hampton Court Stakes on day three of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire on June 20, 2024. (John Walton/PA Image via Getty Images)
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Meehan's Red Rocks and Dangerous Midge won the Turf in 2006 and 2010, respectively.
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