It's not uncommon....
Kentucky Derby Winner Slaughtered for Human Consumption
Has the death of one champion helped to expose the cruelty faced by the tens of thousands of horses each year in the US ? News about the horrific end faced by Kentucky Derby winner, Ferdinand in a Japanese slaughterhouse, have sent shock waves through the Thoroughbred industry and horse community.
http://opinions.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=17063 Dell Hancock, of the famed Kentucky Clairborn Farm, where Ferdinand was born, has come out urging support of the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act.