Arcangelo, a gray colt, made history by winning the Belmont Stakes, the final race of the Triple Crown series. Jena Antonucci, the trainer of Arcangelo, became the first female trainer to win the race in its 155-year history.
Antonucci expressed her pride and gratitude for the horse’s victory and encouraged others to persevere and create their own opportunities. The jockey, Javier Castellano, also achieved success by winning his first Kentucky Derby earlier in the year.
However, recent horse deaths have sparked concerns about safety practices in the horse racing industry. Churchill Downs, the venue for the Kentucky Derby, suspended racing after 12 horses died on the track since April.
The Humane Society voiced its concerns about the industry’s lack of commitment to horse safety and the need for reform. Animal rights organization NYCLASS organized a protest against the perceived cruelty and death associated with horse racing.
Despite the recent controversies, the victory of Arcangelo and the milestone achieved by Jena Antonucci highlight the triumphs and challenges within the world of horse racing.
