On July 7, 2025, Canadian harness racing trainer Frederick Bourgault was sentenced to two to six years in state prison and ordered to pay $5,000 in restitution for the brutal beating that led to the death of a Standardbred racehorse named Finish Line.
The Incident: A Fatal Blow at Pine Bush Training Facility
The fatal event took place on July 17, 2023, at the Pine Bush Training Facility in Crawford, New York. Bourgault reportedly struck the horse in the head with a hard object, causing a linear depressed skull fracture. Due to the severity of the injury, the horse was euthanized.
An extensive investigation followed, led by the New York State Police, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, and the New York State Gaming Commission. The horse’s remains were exhumed and examined by veterinary experts at Cornell University, who confirmed the trauma. The Gaming Commission also coordinated with police for Bourgault’s arrest and provided expert testimony.
Additional Charges and Rocky’s Law Compliance
Bourgault also pleaded guilty on June 25, 2025, to Attempted Assault in the Second Degree for attempting to injure a woman using her cellphone. He is scheduled for sentencing on that charge on October 2, 2025, where the prosecution is expected to recommend a state prison term.
During the July 7 sentencing, prosecutors reminded Bourgault of Rocky’s Law, an Orange County Local Law requiring animal abusers to register with the Animal Abuse Registry within five days of release. The law, enacted to prevent further violence, is based on studies linking animal abuse to domestic violence and other criminal behavior.
Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler emphasized the broader implications:
“The beautiful horse that was the victim of this defendant’s senseless act of violence deserved the justice that was delivered on his behalf… We will continue to work with law enforcement to ensure crimes against animals and intimate partners are prosecuted appropriately.”
Industry and Legal Reactions
Sarah Klein, Director of the New York State Gaming Commission’s Division of Horse Racing, also responded to the sentencing:
“We are proud to work with law enforcement to protect horses and hold those who abuse them accountable. We’re grateful for the efforts of the Orange County District Attorney’s Office and the New York State Police.”
District Attorney Hoovler credited Chief Assistant District Attorney Christopher P. Borek and Assistant District Attorney Roger Dean for their work on the case.
A Troubled Past in Racing
Bourgault has a history of abuse listed in the New York State Gaming Commission’s database from 2021 to 2023. Records include three instances of kicking horses either in the stretch or after the finish line, and two whipping violations — one of which occurred after a race had concluded.
Closing Thoughts
This case marks a significant step in enforcing animal cruelty laws within the racing industry. It highlights the legal system’s increasing willingness to hold trainers and handlers accountable for violent behavior toward animals. For the horse named Finish Line, justice has finally been served.
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