Blog_SaratogaRaceCourse389.JPG

Horses break from the gate during opening day Friday for thoroughbred racing at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, NY.

(Ed Burke I Contributing Photographer)

Eleven horses have died so far at Saratoga Race Course in just over two weeks since opening day. The track is on pace to surpass last year's 15 deaths.

The 11th horse, "Unbroken Chain," suffered a fatal musculoskeletal injury and was euthanized after a race on Sunday, according to NYS Gaming Commission's equine incident database.

In just one week, from July 31 to Aug. 6, six horses died at the race course. In the past eight years, there have been an average of 13.5 training and race-related horse deaths at Saratoga, causing outrage from protest groups like Horseracing Wrongs.

The group protested at the race course on opening day and plans to continue throughout the 2017 meet. However, many argue that the race and training-related deaths are just a part of the sport.

The NYS Gaming Commission veterinarian told News Channel 13 that despite the horses having their own doctors and individual care, the deaths are a "major concern" and they are investigating ways to prevent them going forward.