I N V E S T I G A T I O N S
Thoroughbred trainer Steve Asmussen leads Tapiture to the paddock before the Rebel Stakes. Asmussen has been accused of cruelty to racehorses by PETA. PHOTO: DANNY JOHNSTON / AP
HORSE RACING IN THE USA
Backstory
As you have probably read, Peta conducted an undercover investigation of leading Thoroughbred racehorse trainer Steve Asmussen and his staff.
What was uncovered is painful to watch but no surprise to people who work in and around the horse racing industry.
Surely the multitude of abuses exposed are illegal.
As of this writing no charges have been filed. No one witnessed carrying out these acts or caught on tape has been arrested.
Peta submitted their video files and documentation to horse racing officials in Kentucky and New York.
Both New York and Kentucky Racing Boards gave Asmussen a pass, saying they could find "no smoking gun".
Asmussen fired the assistant in the video not long after it was released. It wasn't long before he was back again. This is horse racing.
PETA Video
More Required
The undercover investigation by Peta, while a major breakthrough and highly welcomed, shows that more needs to be done. And in a different way.
New Investigations
Three law enforcement officers from different parts of the U.S. have contacted us and offered their assistance and expertise.
They know the law, what is required to make arrests and get convictions.And they know how to protect themselves.
These types of investigations are critical if we are going to begin to make a difference and spare racehorses from the savagery of the criminal element in horse racing.
How You Can Help
If you would like to help fund investigations, please contact us for further information.
Related Reading
• Asmussen, the torture of racehorses and agonizing death of Nehro, Tuesday's Horse »
• KHRC finds no smoking gun in undercover sting of racehorse trainer Asmussen, Tuesday's Horse »
• Racehorse Memorial Wall, Fallen Horse Resource »