Man Beat Racehorse to Death at Pine Bush Training Facility, DA Says

A Canadian man has been found guilty on all charges related to the violent death of a racehorse at a New York training facility. Frederick Bourgault, 27, was convicted on Monday, April 7, in Orange County Court for the 2023 killing of a horse named Finish Line at the Pine Bush Training Facility in the Town of Crawford, Orange County prosecutors announced. The case drew widespread attention due to the nature of the crime and its location within the horse racing community. Bourgault, originally from Canada, was found guilty of second-degree criminal mischief and felony interference with or injury to certain domestic animals—serious charges under New York’s Agriculture and Markets Law.

Attack Led to Devastating Injuries

According to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, Bourgault fatally struck the horse with a hard object, causing a linear depressed skull fracture. The impact of the blow was so severe that Finish Line had to be euthanized. Officials did not release the exact motive behind the attack, but they emphasized the brutality of the act and its impact on the equestrian community. The case was particularly disturbing due to the deliberate harm inflicted on a defenseless animal. District Attorney David Hoovler issued a strong statement following the verdict: “The beautiful horse that was the victim of this defendant’s senseless act of violence deserved the justice that was delivered on his behalf.”

Extensive Investigation Led to Conviction

Bourgault’s conviction was the result of a lengthy and detailed investigation conducted by the New York State Police and the New York State Gaming Commission. The Orange County District Attorney’s Office provided legal support throughout the process. A key piece of the investigation involved the exhumation of the horse’s remains, which were then analyzed by veterinary experts at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Their findings confirmed the nature and severity of the trauma inflicted on Finish Line, which became central to the case. This case underscores the increasing role of forensic veterinary science in solving crimes involving animals and highlights the legal protections afforded to domestic animals under state law.

Sentencing Set for July

Frederick Bourgault is currently awaiting sentencing, which is scheduled for Monday, July 7. He faces serious penalties for his actions, and prosecutors are expected to push for a strong sentence that reflects the cruelty of the crime. The conviction serves as a warning and a precedent in cases of animal cruelty, especially in professional and regulated environments like racehorse training facilities.