HBO announced Wednesday it is canceling "Luck," after three horses died in production of the horse racing drama.
On Tuesday, a horse on set was injured and had to be euthanized, prompting the American Humane Association to call for an investigation, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Two horses died previously during filming for the first season of the show, starring Dustin Hoffman and Nick Nolte, prompting a complaint from lobby group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).
The series premiered Jan. 29, this year and had been renewed for another season. The third incident came in production for the second season.
"It is with heartbreak that executive producers David Milch and Michael Mann together with HBO have decided to cease all future production on the series 'Luck,'" according to a statement from the cable network.
"Safety is always of paramount concern. We maintained the highest safety standards throughout production, higher in fact than any protocols existing in horse racing anywhere with many fewer incidents than occur in racing or than befall horses normally in barns at night or pastures," the statement continued.
"While we maintained the highest safety standards possible, accidents unfortunately happen and it is impossible to guarantee they won't in the future. Accordingly, we have reached this difficult decision."
Milch and Mann added in a statement, "The two of us loved this series, loved the cast, crew and writers. This has been a tremendous collaboration and one that we plan to continue in the future."
The show was set at Santa Anita, where many of the scenes were shot.
The fatal injury Tuesday reportedly did not occur during a racing scene. Rather, the filly flipped while being walked back to her stall.
“All of us here at Santa Anita, including horsemen, management and employees are deeply saddened by the stable area accident which resulted in the death of a horse being used in the production of 'Luck' here on Tuesday morning,” said thoroughbred horse owner Mark Verge in a statement on behalf of the Stronach Group, which owns the racetrack.
“While it was the totally unpredictable result of the filly being frightened and then flipping over backwards as she was being hand-walked to her stall, we nonetheless feel badly for the horse and all of those involved with her care."
