The Royal Western India Turf Club, in a press release, has clarified the circumstances leading to Running Bull being euthanized following the hind leg of the horse getting stuck in the starting gates while being loaded for the start of the Turf Club Trophy on August 1. The RWITC had come in for severe criticism for the manner in which Running Bull was pulled out from the gates which was dubbed as cruel and insensitive.

The RWITC release states that Running Bull while being loaded, played up whereby his right hind leg got stuck in between the gap and despite all efforts, the horse’s leg could not be freed as the gap was very small. The Senior Veterinary Office who was at the gate, attended immediately to the horse. In the process of trying to pull out its leg, the horse broke his hind cannon bone above the fetlock. Only the tendon and ligaments with little skin kept the two parts of the leg attached. To save the animal from further agony, only these soft issued were incised and the leg was taken out. Since the animal was in a very awkward position and was in a state of extreme excitement, the vet decided to administer a sedative so as to avoid any adverse behavior on the part of the horse, which in fact, could have caused an even more serious accident.

The horse was taken out in an ambulance and thereafter euthanized on humanitarian grounds. The Senior Veterinary Officer was of the view that euthanizing the horse at the gates would have had adverse consequences.

The RWITC has stated that they have planned several corrective measures to prevent recurrence of an incident of similar nature. The existing gaps have been since closed and new gates incorporating several new safety features had been ordered. Further, handlers from abroad will be called in to train the club’s handlers.