Horse Dies At Pimlico Race Course On Black-Eyed Susan Day

BALTIMORE, MD — A horse reportedly died crossing the finish line at Pimlico Race Course Friday in Baltimore. Congrats Gal collapsed and died at the end of a race, according to Fox 45.

The horse had a heart attack during the Miss Preakness Stakes at Black-Eyed Susan Day, according to Horse Racing Nation.

Featuring a test race for fillies, Black-Eyed Susan Day runs from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Friday, May 17. Held the day before Preakness, it draws a smaller crowd to Pimlico, for a fashion show, cocktails, book signings and other activities, including the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes.

The race that Congrats Gal ran in was eighth on the ticket, according to Maryland Racing, which showed that she was in second place near the end of the race behind Covfefe, who ended up setting a track record.

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The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) issued a statement following the death of the horse Friday afternoon.

"The sickening collapse and sudden death of Congrats Gal at Pimlico today are proof that the Maryland racing industry has not done enough to protect horses," PETA Senior Vice President Kathy Guillermo said. "PETA will be calling for a formal investigation, including a necropsy and blood toxicology panel, and for the release of all medication and veterinary records."

PETA said it plans to contact the district attorney's office to investigate.