On opening day (July 8) of the 2011 Calgary Stampede, a Thoroughbred was euthanized after suffering a catastrophic injury during a chuckwagon race. A spokesman for the Stampede said equine conformation had more do to with the injury and subsequent euthanasia of the horse than the risks associated with the event.

The annual Calgary Stampede features rodeo-style competitions and livestock exhibitions including the GMC Rangeland Derby Chuckwagon race. Some animal welfare advocates have criticized the races on grounds that the events put horses at risk for undue stress, injury, and death. Last year six horses died in separate Stampede events; of those, four Thoroughbred horses died in connection with the chuckwagon races.

In February, the Stampede adopted new rules intended to improve safety of chuckwagon race horses including pre- and post-race veterinary evaluations, mandatory days of rest, and the mandatory insertion of microchips to aid in monitoring horse health.

On July 8 a Thoroughbred was euthanized after sustaining a broken cannon bone during a chuckwagon race