HBO Cancels 'Luck' After Multiple Horse Deaths

We hardly knew ye "Luck"! The HBO drama about horse racing featuring the star power of Dustin Hoffman and Nick Nolte has officially closed up shop today, according a statement from HBO.

This is hot on the heels of several scandals of the equine-death variety. At least three horses that starred in the booze-soaked tale of gambling on horse races have died since the show started production. This has angered animal rights activists and drawn sharp criticisms.

Below is the full release from HBO Networks on the cancellation of "Luck":

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.

Safety is always of paramount concern.  We maintained the highest safety standards throughout production, higher in fact than any protocols existing in horseracing 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.

We are immensely proud of this series, the writing, the acting, the filmmaking, the celebration of the culture of horses, and everyone involved in its creation.

“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," said executive producers Michael Mann and David Milch.

More cynically the HBO star-studder had taken a beating in the ratings, even for pay-cable standards. Perhaps HBO just saw an excuse to off-load an expensive and low-rated series, despite it's prestige.

What do you think? Are you upset to say goodbye to "Luck"? Sound off in the comments!