by Frank Angst

The Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission and Philadelphia Park stewards are investigating allegations that a veterinarian shot a Thoroughbred to euthanize the filly.

The commission is investigating veterinarian Thomas Lurito for allegedly shooting the horse in her stall at Philadelphia Park. The Daily Racing Form, which first reported the story, said the euthanized horse was Rich and Mean, a four-year-old filly by Distinctive Pro. Lurito has been licensed in Pennsylvania since 1995.

“This incident was reported to the commission and it is being investigated,” commission spokesman Chris Ryder said.

Pennsylvania licensing rules prohibit the possession of firearms on track property.

Frank Angst is senior writer for THOROUGHBRED TIMES