Calgary – We are saddened to report that after heat 4 of tonight’s chuckwagon race, one of Doug Irvine’s outrider horses collapsed and died.
Our thoughts are with Doug and his outfit on the loss of Hughey, a 12-year-old thoroughbred, which was part of Doug’s team for five years.
The incident happened after the race had concluded, as the horse and rider were returning to the infield.
The veterinarian was on the scene and determined that the horse had died immediately. The horse was not involved in a collision or infraction during the heat, and there is no obvious sign of injury.
The cause of death is undetermined at this time. The horse will undergo a post-mortem to determine cause. The Calgary Stampede will release the cause when it is available.
The horse had been cleared to compete prior to the race as part of the Calgary Stampede’s Fitness to Compete program and all signs were normal at that time.
We acknowledge that the death of an equine athlete in a public event may be upsetting for some people.
Bonni Clark
Communications Advisor
Calgary Stampede
C 403.837-3663
