In addition to race horse “retirement funding” already in place, Suffolk Downs racetrack in Boston is now telling its local trainers that sending unwanted race horses to slaughter will not be tolerated.
Under the new track rule any trainer at Suffolk who sends a horse to slaughter will lose his stables and the right to train at the track.
Vice President for Racing at Suffolk Downs, Sam Elliot told Tracy Gantz, of thehorse.com, "It's not really a problem right now. But if this saves even one horse, that's a good thing."
Partnering with a local equine welfare group, the Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, Suffolk Downs has also instigated plans to create retirement facilities for ex-racers. Currently the track has ten stalls set aside for horses awaiting new homes and a whole host of local professionals who volunteer time and expertise when needed – including vets, farriers, grooms, transport etc.
"Two years ago we began putting aside money to donate to the retirement facilities," Al Balestra of HBPA told thehorse.com. "There is no need for these horses to go to the killers. I gave a horse to a little girl in 4-H, and she's always sending me notes about ribbons they've been winning."