HBO’s ‘Luck’ Suspends Filming with Horses After Third Horse Dies

HBO announced that it will suspend filming with horses on its racing drama “Luck” after a third horse died in connection with the series.

Pending investigation, the American Humane Association, which oversees Hollywood production, called for a halt in using horses after a horse fell and suffered a head injury Tuesday morning.

A groomer was leading the animal to a Santa Anita Park racetrack stable when it reared and fell back Tuesday morning, suffering a head injury, according to HBO. The horse was euthanized at the Santa Anita Park racetrack near Los Angeles, where “Luck” is filming its second season.

“HBO and everyone involved with the production are deeply saddened,” the network said in a statement. They also pledged “full cooperation” with the investigation by the humane association.

Two other horses were hurt during racing scenes and were euthanized during filming for season one of “Luck” in 2010 and 2011. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals criticized HBO after the first two horse deaths, saying that safety guidelines used in filming failed to prevent the deaths.

Filming that does not involve horses will continue.

HBO ordered nine episodes of “Luck,” which stars Dustin Hoffman and Nick Nolte, for the first season. The eighth will air next week. HBO ordered 10 more for a second season.