James Cromwell Wants Memorial to Deceased Horses in Belmont Program

Oscar Nominee Urges Racing Officials to Recognize Deaths of 35 Horses at Belmont Park Since Last Year’s Stakes

For Immediate Release:
June 4, 2013

Contact:
Wendy Wegner 202-483-7382

Belmont, N.Y. — If actor James Cromwell has his way, every attendee at the Belmont Stakes will get a firsthand reminder of the deadly toll that thoroughbred racing takes on horses. In a letter sent today, the Oscar nominee asks Belmont Park officials to expand the June 8 racing program to include a special memorial page as a tribute to the 35 thoroughbreds who have suffered catastrophic injuries and died after training or racing at Belmont Park since the 2012 Belmont Stakes.

“Horseracing is the only sport in America with a regular, predictable death toll, and New York has been heavily criticized recently for the staggering number of breakdowns and deaths on its tracks,” writes Cromwell. “I ask that you consider paying respect to the horses who have died…. It would be a small gesture and would cost you little, but it would honor those who paid the highest possible price for your industry.”

James Cromwell’s letter to Belmont Park officials is available here. For more information, please visit PETA.org.