DOVER, Del. — Following a starting gate incident related to the fifth race at Delaware Park on June 14, 2018, the Delaware Department of Agriculture opened a full animal cruelty investigation into the treatment of the horse, “Accolade.” Based upon a thorough investigation at both the state and track levels, the assistant starter was cleared of any wrong doing.

The decision was based upon a thorough and diligent investigation at both the track and state levels, which included but was not limited to a review of videos, interviews of those involved in the incident, and individuals who are knowledgeable regarding the standard protocols of handling a fractious horse in the starting gate when a horse becomes a danger to the jockey and/or assistant starter.

The Department of Agriculture does not condone animal cruelty and investigates any complaints to the fullest. Unfortunately, the video that the public saw did not accurately depict what happened in the starting gate.

The final decision is fully supported by the Delaware Department of Agriculture and the Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission.

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Media Contact: Stacey Hofmann, 302-698-4542, stacey.hofmann@delaware.gov

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