RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Six days after a 5-year-old horse died at the Kentucky State Fairgrounds , questions remain. According to reports, Mr. Spots died Wednesday, Aug. 19, after his horseshoe hit a metal bar on the ground that electrocuted him.
"An investigation into the incident is underway, and electrical inspectors are continuing inspections across the property throughout the show to verify compliance," fair spokesperson Ian Cox wrote in a text message Tuesday, Aug. 25, to The Courier Journal.
"The barns and tents utilized for the World’s Championship Horse Show received all the required inspections and approvals for occupancy," he wrote. "Preliminary info from licensed electricians indicate that an electrical cord not provided by the show was responsible for an electrical short."
On Monday, Aug. 24, fans were seen running at the fairgrounds to keep the horses cool. Trainers feared horses would overheat without them. Many trainers bring in help from out of town to keep up with grooming and the overall setup.
Fans are the only cooling appliance allowed into the fairgrounds. All others are banned.
"The 2026 prize list requires that all electrical equipment comply with national, state, and local safety codes and that all cords be the 3-wire grounded type," Cox said to The Courier Journal. "Fans remain permitted on compliant cords. Refrigerators, air conditioners, and other appliances are not permitted in the tents or barns."
Mr. Spots is not the first horse to die at the Kentucky State Fair. In 2023, a horse died and a rider was injured during the fair's World Champion Horse Show. In 2024, a horse was euthanized after suffering an injury during a performance.
The horse show will continue until Aug. 29, wrapping up the day before the state fair ends.
This story may update.
Enterprise and investigative sports reporter S tephanie Kuzydym contributed to this report.
Reach sports trending writer Alaina Morris at [email protected] and follow her on X at @alainammorris.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Questions remain after horse dies at Kentucky State Fairgrounds
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