Canadian Guilty Of Beating That Killed Hudson Valley Racehorse

TOWN OF CRAWFORD, NY — A Canadian man who beat a Hudson Valley horse so severely that it had to be euthanized has been convicted of all charges.

Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced on Monday that 27-year-old Frederick Bourgault, of Canada, was convicted in connection with the fatal beating of a racehorse on July 17, 2023, at the Pine Bush Training Facility in the Town of Crawford.

The indictment charged Bourgault with second-degree criminal mischief for having "damaged" a racehorse named "Finish Line." The horse had an estimated value of at least five thousand dollars.

Bourgault struck the horse with a hard object causing a linear depressed skull fracture, which resulted in "Finish Line" having to be euthanized. The indictment also charged Bourgault with felony interference with or injury to certain domestic animals, for willfully and unjustifiably injuring or destroying a racehorse.

"The beautiful horse that was the victim of this defendant's senseless act of violence deserved the justice that was delivered on his behalf," Hoovler said. "We will not, as a civilized society, allow abusers to bring harm to helpless animals. My Office will continue to utilize all legal resources available and work with our law enforcement partners to ensure that crimes like these are investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent under law."

Bourgault is scheduled to be sentenced on July 7.

The New York State Police, assisted by the Orange County District Attorney's Office and the New York State Gaming Commission, initiated an investigation into the death of the horse, including having the horse's remains exhumed and examined by experts at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. The NYS Gaming Commission provided expert witnesses and assisted in coordinating the arrest of Bourgault by state police.

District Attorney Hoovler thanked the NYSP, BCI Middletown, for their investigation and the arrest of Bourgault, and the NYS Gaming Commission for their assistance and support of the arrest and prosecution.

"The New York State Gaming Commission is proud to work closely with law enforcement to protect horses and hold those who abuse them accountable," said Sarah Klein, Director of the Gaming Commission's Division of Horse Racing. "We are grateful for the work of the Orange County District Attorney's Office and the New York State Police in delivering justice for Mr. Bourgault’s crimes."