Autopsy scheduled for horse that died mid-race
Fargo, ND (WDAY TV) - For the first time since 2007, a horse died mid-race this weekend at the North Dakota Horse Park in Fargo. WDAY 6 Reporter Stephanie Goetz has our story tonight.By: Stephanie Goetz, WDAY
- Horse Park
Fargo, ND (WDAY TV) - For the first time since 2007, a horse died mid-race this weekend at the North Dakota Horse Park in Fargo. WDAY 6 Reporter Stephanie Goetz has our story tonight.
It's been Jerry Jones' life for over 30 years. Nurturing and racing thoroughbreds all across the country.
"You get up early, you feed them, you know, you gotta get them out.”
But this weekend things took a shocking turn. While coming around the last leg in Friday’s third race, Sun Devil Bill's heart stopped, dying instantly of what veterinarians say was an aneurism or heart attack.
"I can say honestly after 20 years of horse ownership I’ve never seen a horse have a heart attack."
“Just like losing a family member."
The death is rare. The last death at the horse park was early 2007. In 150 races this year, track General Manager Heather Benson says only one other horse was injured with a fractured leg. Unfortunately, there's no safe guard from the intense desire to win a championship spot.
"It's something that happens, the horse will just try to hard like a regular professional athlete, basketball player or anything where they're heart exceeds its limitations."
And for people like Jerry and Shannon, these animals, turned family will always be part of their lives. An autopsy is being done on the horse. It will be released tomorrow.
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