Parx Racing Suspends Turf Races After Tragic Horse Racing News

Parx Racing of Bensalem, Pennsylvania, has temporarily suspended all turf races due to safety concerns after a reported heartbreaking incident in horse racing news: a horse had to be put down due to a serious injury. This racing suspension, to pause the races, was inspired by complaints from horsemen about the deplorable condition of the turf, leading to a probe into it on the part of HISA, Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority.
Causes Trouble, a 5-year old horse, fell in a race on Parx’s turf track, sustaining a severe leg injury on August 24. He was taken off the track, but the injury proved so severe, he had to be euthanized. Causes Trouble had been racing well of late, with two victories in his last three starts, and the grass event was his first from 32 races on dirt or synthetic tracks.
The safety concerns about the turf course were highlighted when Bob Hutt, President of the Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, received videos and photos showing large holes and uneven areas on the track. Shocked by what he saw, Hutt contacted Parx’s Chief Operating Officer Joe Wilson, urging a stop to turf racing until experts could inspect the course. After not receiving a response, Hutt reached out to HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus, who quickly started an investigation, which was further highlighted in the horse racing news.

Hutt stressed that the safety of the horses is the top priority and called for upgrades to the outdated equipment used for track maintenance at Parx to ensure the safety of both horses and riders. In response, HISA has assigned its Track Advisory Group to assess the turf course, and the Racing Services Testing Laboratory (RSTL) has been brought in to test the surface. The racing suspension at Parx will remain in place until the investigation is completed and any necessary repairs are made.

This racing suspension follows Parx’s annual summer break, during which several races were moved from the turf to the main track due to safety concerns about the course. Despite the ongoing issues, the condition of the turf was not previously addressed by track management or the Pennsylvania State Horse Racing Commission in their regular meetings.

As the investigation continues, efforts are focused on ensuring the turf course is safe before racing resumes, with HISA overseeing the required improvements to protect the horses and maintain the integrity of the sport. The situation, which involved a fatal injury that can cause death and has garnered significant attention in horse racing news, emphasizes the importance of addressing safety concerns to prevent future incidents.