controversy

The "Heroes Day" program at Caymanas Park on the island of Jamaica had to be called off after the second race Oct. 21 when hooligan racegoers reacted violently to a controversial stewards' disqualification of an odds-on winner by upending garbage bins, hurling debris at horses and jockeys on the track and in the winner's circle, and blocking the tunnel between the paddock and the track. "After an initial announcement that the third event was abandoned, the day's meet was officially called off by the stewards, citing safety concerns," the Jamaican...

Group 1 winner Al Riffa (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), a two-time winner at the highest level, leads the 16-strong G1 Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe field by Timeform ratings at 125, the company announced on Friday. Trained by Joseph O'Brien, the 4-year-old is rated four pounds inferior to Calandagan (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}), who finished second to Al Riffa's third behind City Of Troy in the G1 Eclipse earlier this season. Another rated higher is Goliath (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}), who is two pounds above the G1 National Stakes and G1...

Scandals involving top equestrians have ignited fierce debates about animal welfare at the Olympics. As comparisons to horse racing's more controversial practices emerge, TTR AusNZ's Vicky Leonard discusses how all equestrian sports face mounting pressure to address these issues head-on, requiring strong leadership to ensure robust practices that can uphold public acceptance. It's the grand stage of the Olympics, where the thunderous applause for our elite equine athletes should be deafening, but instead, it's muffled by controversy. The recent removal of revered British dressage rider Charlotte Dujardin from the Olympics...