PAWS Magazine

Issue 39, Fall 1998

Omak Suicide Race claims another life

The infamous Omak Suicide Race claimed another horse this year. Deuce, ridden by Tony Desautel, broke his shoulder in a pileup on suicide hill, and was euthanized after he (barely) was able to swim across the Okanogan River. Deuce is the latest victim of an event that has claimed the lives of 13 horses since 1983, when PAWS began investigating the race.

Two animal advocates attended this year’s race armed with a Hi-8 video camera they had purchased specifically for the event. They captured the death throes of Deuce as he slowly died in the river. PAWS advocate Mike Jones was able to obtain the footage and present it on the nationally syndicated "Extra" TV magazine show.

"PAWS is opposed to the race for the simple reason that it kill horses," said Jones on Extra.

The Suicide Race is held every year in Omak, Washington as part of the Omak Stampede rodeo.