HBO Horse Racing Drama Cancelled over Third Equine Death

BBC.com is reporting that HBO has cancelled its horse racing drama, Luck, following the death of a third horse on set.

The drama, starring Dustin Hoffman, depicted the relationship between horse racing, gambling, and slot machines.

During filming of previous series in the program, two horses were injured and put down while filming racing scenes.  The production company had been working with the American Humane Association (AHA), which monitors movie and television filming involving children and animals.  

The AHA had suspended production following the first two incidents to revise horse handling guidelines for the series.  However, following the third accident in which a horse being led back to the barn reared, fell over backward and struck its head, the AHA had again issued a suspension.

Following vociferous criticism from animal rights organization, PETA, HBO issued a statement ending the program.

BBC quotes the HBO statement:

"While we maintained the highest safety standards possible, accidents unfortunately happen and it is impossible to guarantee they won't in the future. Accordingly, we have reached this difficult decision."

For further information, check BBC.com.

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