The Calgary Stampede confirmed three more horses were euthanized following the chuckwagon races on Sunday, bringing the total to six deaths.
According to a press release, the right lead horse on Evan Salmond’s wagon sustained a running injury. A veterinarian assessment found the horse had a fractured left hind cannon bone.
Two other horses on the wagon team suffered serious injuries, as a result.
READ MORE: Second horse dies at 2019 Calgary Stampede chuckwagon races
Both were cared for immediately on the track but the medical team found there was no option for treatment and all three horses had to be euthanized, Stampede officials said.
The Calgary Stampede called the incident “upsetting” and said it will be initiating a thorough review process surrounding chuckwagon safety following the recent deaths.
“This is as upsetting to us as it is to our community, and is challenging for us. The Stampede’s commitment to the safety of animals and the conditions of their participation in our events is paramount to our values and brand integrity,” the release said.
“At this time, we don’t know what form that process will take, and we ask for your patience and understanding.”
The incident happened at the Calgary Stampede on the final night of races just after 9 p.m. Sunday.
The incident happened in Heat 8, resulting in a no time. The final heat was delayed several minutes while officials were sent to the field to assess the crew involved. Tarps could be seen from the infield.
On the chuckwagon broadcast, the announcer said: “There was an issue in heat number eight, down the back stretch, and we’re not going to show it to you.”
WATCH BELOW: Another horse injured at Calgary Stampede’s ‘half mile of hell’
It’s been a deadly year for horses at the Stampede. On Friday night, a horse was injured on a track often referred to as the “half mile of hell.”
What happened was not clear, however, the Stampede said a horse suffered a small cut in the third heat.
READ MORE: Horse injured at Calgary Stampede’s ‘half mile of hell’ Friday night
During the same heat, witnesses told Global News it appeared to them as though an outrider may have been injured. They said it appeared that a wagon collided with an outrider on the first turn and someone ended up in the dirt. People ran out to help the person and the wagon was secured and prevented from going further.
Thursday night, a horse crashed into the inner rail of a track, leaving it dead and injuring three other horses. The incident saw a chuckwagon driver be fined and disqualified from the 2019 GMC Rangeland Derby, the Calgary Stampede said.
Driver Chad Harden impeded the wagon of another driver, Danny Ringuette, causing his wagon to collide with a third wagon belonging to Evan Salmond, according to the Chuckwagons Safety Commission.
READ MORE: Calgary Stampede wraps up for 2019
Salmond’s wagon then collided with the track’s inner rail.
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