HBO has decided to cancel the horse racing show “Luck,” which starred Dustin Hoffman and Nick Nolte. PETA criticized the show today after news broke that a third horse died on the set. HBO said that the show maintained high safety standards but could no longer guarantee the safety of the horses.
HBO said in a 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.”
The Associated Press reports that the decision to cancel “Luck” was made by David Milch, the show’s creator, and Michael Mann, the executive producer responsible for bringing Hoffman to the show.
Earlier today, PETA called for the show to start using racing footage instead of real animals. A rep for PETA said:
“All the evidence we have gathered points to sloppy oversight, the use of unfit, injured horses, and disregard for the treatment of race horses.”
HBO responded earlier today, saying:
“An American Humane Association Certified Safety Representative was on the premises when the accident occurred, and as always, all safety precautions were in place.”
HBO said that an accident occurred on Tuesday which resulted in another horse being euthanized. According to HBO, the horse was being led to a stable when it reared back and fell. The horse injured its head and had to be euthanized.
Dr. Rick Arthur, the medical director of the state racing board, said that the injury is common enough among racing horses. Arthur said that the board would investigate the incident despite the fact that the show has been canceled.
Were you a fan of “Luck?”