Horse drowns in freak accident at race park

ANDERSON, IN -- Tragedy at the horse track after a racing horse crashed through a fence and drowned in a lake.

The heartbreaking scene came as the three-year-old Standardbred known as 'Just Dance' was rounding a turn during a training session.

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Officials say the bit in the horse's mouth broke, causing Just Dance to break free from its driver.

Just Dance crashed through the fence and landed in the water.

Rick Moore, vice president of Hoosier Park Racing and Casino, says these events are rare, but do happen.

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An abandoned horse that was shot with paintballs is recovering at a Chester County facility.

"There are times when things happen in horse racing that are unfortunate," Moore says. "And today was one of those days."

Track officials say an incident like this hasn't happened in the park's 22-year history.

"When you lose one of your own, whether it be a human or equine and unfortunately we lost a horse today, it's a very sad day," Moore says.

Fans say they are grieving the loss, but know the races must go on.

See also: Dozens of horses rescued from floodwaters

The horses were rescued from high water along Cypress Trails