West Virginia Racing Commission officials said May 21 they are continuing an investigation into the April death of a horse at Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort, and are developing protocol to handle such incidents in the future.
The horse died in the receiving barn at Mountaineer April 19. Officials are looking into the cause and any violations that occurred at the time. They are also examining how reporting and protocol were handled after the death of Slippin' Around, who was trained by Kathy Jarvis.
"We're moving forward on a number of fronts," WVRC executive director John Amores said. "In addition, an internal investigation is being done (in conjunction with) the state investigator."
One aspect of the investigation is focused on the apparent failure to report the horse's death to the Mountaineer stewards. West Virginia racing rules require trainers to promptly report serious injury or death of their horses to the stewards and a racing commission veterinarian.
Officials also are looking into a possible breakdown in the chain of command among racing officials.
Changes already have been made in the receiving barn at Mountaineer involving signage with contact numbers and "more consistent coverage" by officials, Amores said. A plan could be ready in about 10 days, he said, but the WVRC will still have to schedule a hearing into the incident.
Jarvis continues to race horses in Indiana and Ohio.
