Dustin Hoffman drama cancelled following horse deaths

Acclaimed US horse-racing drama ‘Luck’ has run out of precisely that. HBO cancelled the series after three horses died while working on the show.

Starring Dustin Hoffman and Nick Nolte, the series follows Hoffman’s ex-con as he rebuilds his life in the horse-racing world following a stint in prison. 

PETA criticised ‘Luck’ after two horses were injured then put down, calling the safety of the show’s work environment into question. The death of a third horse this week saw HBO suspend filming of the show’s already-commissioned second season.

When the animal rights group called for the production to be shut down entirely, HBO pulled the plug.

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A statement from HBO said: “While we maintained the highest safety standards possible, accidents unfortunately happen, and it is impossible to guarantee they won’t in the future. Accordingly, we have reached this difficult decision.

"We are immensely proud of this series, the writing, the acting, the filmmaking, the celebration of the culture of horses and everyone involved in its creation."

Veterinarian Dr Gary Beck, who was on hand while filming took place at a Californian racetrack, said that the third horse “reared, flipped over backward and struck her head on the ground.” Attending vet Heidi Agnic immediately came to the horse’s aid but it was soon decided that humane euthanasia was the appropriate course of action.

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Executive producers David Milch and Michael Mann said in a joint statement: “The two of us loved this series, loved the cast, crew and writers. This has been a tremendous collaboration and one that we plan to continue in the future.”

In a statement given to The Hollywood Reporter, PETA said: "HBO, David Milch and Michael Mann should be ashamed. Three horses have now died, and all the evidence we have gathered points to sloppy oversight, the use of unfit or injured horses and disregard for the treatment of racehorses.”

The American Humane Association [AHA] said in a statement issued at the tail-end of January, following the second horse death, that the horses working on the show were "limited to three runs per day and were rested in between those runs".

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Despite strong reviews, the show underperformed in the ratings, so perhaps it won’t be missed that much by its channel HBO. The rest of show’s first season will still air as planned.

‘Luck’ airs Saturdays at 10pm on Sky Atlantic.