CRAWFORD, N.Y. — A Canadian man has been convicted in the violent killing of a racehorse in Orange County after a judge found him guilty on all charges stemming from the July 2023 incident that led to the animal’s death.
Key Points
- Frederick Bourgault, 27, convicted in fatal beating of racehorse “Finish Line”
- Incident occurred at Pine Bush Training Facility in Crawford, N.Y. on July 17, 2023
- Sentencing is scheduled for July 7 in Orange County Court
Frederick Bourgault, 27, was found guilty following a bench trial of second-degree criminal mischief and felony interference with a domestic animal after investigators concluded he struck a racehorse named Finish Line with a hard object. The impact caused a skull fracture, and the horse was later euthanized due to the severity of its injuries.
The case, prosecuted by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, was built on forensic evidence from an autopsy performed at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine after the horse’s remains were exhumed.
Investigation led by multiple agencies
The New York State Police, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, and the New York State Gaming Commission jointly investigated the incident. Authorities arrested Bourgault after identifying him as the sole suspect involved in the death of the horse, which had an estimated value exceeding $5,000.
“This defendant’s senseless act of violence deserved the justice that was delivered on his behalf,” District Attorney David M. Hoovler said. “We will not… allow abusers to bring harm to helpless animals.”
Sarah Klein of the Gaming Commission’s Division of Horse Racing also acknowledged the cooperation between agencies, stating they are committed to ensuring accountability in such cases.
Sentencing set for July
Bourgault is scheduled to be sentenced on July 7 in Orange County Court. He faces sentencing on both the criminal mischief and agriculture felony charges under New York law.
Chief Assistant District Attorney Christopher P. Borek and Assistant District Attorney Roger Dean led the prosecution.
Authorities said the conviction underscores their commitment to protecting animals in the racing industry and maintaining oversight on licensed facilities.
A Canadian trainer now faces justice for the death of a horse that shocked New York’s racing community.