At least six horses died as a result of racing or training incidents at Wyoming’s tracks in 2025, according to records obtained through a public records request filed with the Wyoming Gaming Commission.
The Wyoming Gaming Commission confirmed the deaths following a request for information regarding equine fatalities. The records detail incidents at Wyoming Downs in Evanston and Energy Downs in Gillette. Specific causes of death varied, ranging from musculoskeletal injuries sustained during races to cardiovascular events during training exercises.
The Wyoming Public Records Act, enacted in 1978, grants citizens the right to inspect and copy public records, with procedures outlined for submitting requests and clarifying the information sought. According to the Wyoming Gaming Commission’s public records request procedures, the agency promptly releases requested information that is not confidential by law. A written estimate of charges for records must be responded to within 10 working days to avoid withdrawal of the request.
Records indicate that three horses died at Energy Downs in Gillette. One horse experienced a fatal fracture during a race on July 12th, 2025. Another sustained a catastrophic injury during a training run on August 5th, 2025, and a third died from what was described as a sudden cardiac event while being prepared for a race on September 18th, 2025.
Wyoming Downs in Evanston reported three equine fatalities. On June 29th, 2025, a horse was euthanized after suffering a leg injury during a race. A second horse died during training on October 14th, 2025, due to complications from laminitis. The third fatality at Wyoming Downs occurred on November 2nd, 2025, when a horse collapsed after a workout and was determined to have suffered a massive heart attack.
Sara Beth Lyon, Public Records Official Custodian for the Wyoming Gaming Commission, confirmed the release of the records. Further details regarding specific veterinary reports and post-mortem examinations were not immediately available.
The Wyoming Gaming Commission has adopted rules consistent with the Wyoming Department of Administration and Information regarding public records, ensuring transparency in agency operations. The Commission did not respond to a request for comment regarding potential changes to track safety protocols in light of the reported fatalities.
