Premium television network HBO issued a statement March 14 saying it has decided to cancel production of the horse racing drama "Luck" after a horse that was part of the series died the preceding day at Santa Anita Park, in Arcadia, Calif. Meanwhile, the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) said it is investigating the latest incident.

The most recent accident, in which the horse reportedly reared while being walked to her barn and fell and struck her head, was the third equine death associated with production of the program. "Luck" was filming its second season when the latest equine fatality occurred.

"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," the HBO statement read.

"Safety is always of paramount concern," the statement continued. "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. 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