The New York Times is reporting that horse racing fatalities of both animals and riders have increased dramatically with the advent of gambling casinos at race tracks.  Tracks have been forced to turn to onsite gambling to bolster attendance and revenue which had been lagging.

The Times based the report on a computer analysis of over 150,000 races, along with accident reports, drug testing data and interviews with jockeys and veterinarians. 

The investigation indicates that with the increased revenue from gambling, tracks can offer purses worth more money.  This offers incentive to trainers to run horses while drugged which can mask underlying injuries leading to catastrophic breakdown, especially in the lower end claiming races.

Since 2009, according to the Times, 6,600 horses broke down or were injured: 3,600 horses died.  In the same period, 3,800 horses tested positive for illegal drugs which suggests that the practice is widespread since only a fraction of horses racing are tested.

For the full story and video check NYtimes.com - in addition, see the related editorial entitled 'Horses to the Slaughter.'

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