HBO today abruptly cancelled production on its quirky race track drama, “Luck” following the death of a horse — the third to die while filming the series.
It was a shocking and sudden move by the premium cable network which had just weathered a storm of rough publicity for its controversial TV movie about Sarah Palin and the 2008 Presidential campaign.
“Luck,” which starred Dustin Hoffman in his first TV series, was filming racing sequences Tuesday at Santa Anita Park in Los Angeles when a horse was injured and euthanized at the track, according to reports.
It was the third such incident during filming and brought an immediate outcry from humane groups.
HBO said in a statement that the highly unusual decision to end the series was made jointly by the network and the producers, David Milch and Michael Mann.
“While we maintained the highest safety standards possible, accidents unfortunately happen and it is impossible to guarantee they won’t in the future,” the statement said.
“Accordingly, we have reached this difficult decision.”
The series was not a ratings bonanza for HBO — but because the network does not sell ads and earns its income from monthly subscriptions, ratings are not paramount.
“Luck” had won a second season based on the star power of Hoffman and the prestige of its producers, who created shows like “NYPD Blue” and “Miami Vice.”
The filming Tuesday was for the show’s second season.
The final two episodes of the first — and now final — season will air as planned later this month.
None of the footage filmed for the planned second season will air.