In a turf race at the Hipódromo de Palermo, the horse Giant Malevo fell behind at the beginning of the competition, leading jockey Joaquín Guida to violently punish him in the head with the whip. The mistreatment continued until the finish line and was recorded in videos and photographs, triggering a legal claim for animal cruelty.
Legal Actions and Jockey Suspension
A group of animal protection lawyers filed a criminal complaint for animal abuse before the Special Prosecutor’s Office for Environmental Matters (UFEMA) of CABA, demanding:
- Urgent review of the horses’ medical records.
- Appointment of a veterinarian to analyze the physical and psychological damage to the horse.
- Judicial inspection of the Hipódromo de Palermo and computer records.
The Palermo Racing Commission, after evaluating the evidence, decided to suspend Guida for six months due to his “serious lack of professional responsibility”.
Summary Details and Evidence Presented
The Racing Commission confirmed that the jockey unjustifiably punished Giant Malevo, even when the horse posed no threat to him or other competitors.
The report states:
- The rider’s defense does not justify his actions.
- The images show excessive and unnecessary cruelty.
- Possible banned substances used to enhance the horses’ performance are being investigated.
Additional Requests and Possible Related Crimes
The lawyers also requested investigation into:
- Illegal or underground gambling related to turf racing.
- Illegal practice of veterinary medicine with unauthorized supplies given to the horses.
- Criminal association, if a systematic abuse scheme is proven.
A Call for Justice and Animal Protection
The complainants demand that authorities act swiftly to stop abuse in horse races and ensure stricter controls at the Hipódromo de Palermo and other horse racing circuits in the country.
*With information from ERA Verde
