A third racehorse death reported at The Big Fresno Fair. ‘Unfortunate, rare accident’

A third racehorse has died at The Big Fresno Fair.

The horse, named Acclider, was injured while running in Race 7 on Friday afternoon. The horse pulled up before the final turn of the race and had to be taken off of the track via ambulance, according to a statement from Larry Swartzlander, executive director of the California Authority of Racing Fairs and racing director at The Big Fresno Fair.

Because of the severity of the injury, the horse was euthanized.

“This unfortunate, rare accident occurred despite extensive veterinary oversight and examinations of the horses, as well as a thorough maintenance and inspection of the racetrack,” Swartzlander said. “Fresno has one of the strongest safety records in the state. This is only the second racing-related injury that resulted in a horse death on the Fresno track in 12 years.”

It is the third horse death reported at the Fresno track this year.

Tulane Tryst died on Sep. 27 from pneumonia, according to officials.

Two days later, Cry Me a Runner was euthanized after a fall on the track.

The California Horse Racing Board is conducting an investigation on the deaths, as is required any time a horse dies, Swartzlander said.

“All California horse racing facilities, including Fresno, must be state licensed and monitored by the CHRB. That licensing process includes rigorous safety standards for both horses and track surfaces,” he said. “The Big Fresno Fair and the California Authority of Racing Fairs work hard to ensure that the training and racing of horses is done to not only meet, but exceed those safety standards.”

Through Oct. 6, data from the California Horse Racing Board shows 67 horses have died at racetracks across the state this year. Earlier this month, six horses were euthanized at Los Alamitos Race Course after an outbreak of equine infectious anemia, according to the Los Angeles Times.