Owner of racehorse used for meat speaks out

Allegations of "equine meat" in meals distributed at a soup kitchen belonging to the Mersin Metropolitan Municipality have caused a major stir. As a result of a DNA test, it was revealed that the meat used in the roasted dish belonged to a racehorse named Smart Latch, which competed at the Adana Yeşiloba Hippodrome and had three first-place finishes. A microchip containing the horse's identification information was found inside the meat.

HORSE OWNER SUAT TOPÇU IN SHOCK

The horse's owner, Suat Topçu, stated that he was in deep shock when he learned of the situation and that an investigation into the incident had been launched. Topçu expressed his profound sadness, noting that they had rehomed Smart Latch to ensure it would have a good life on a farm.

COMPLETED RACING CAREER, COULD NOT BE USED FOR BREEDING

Topçu stated that Smart Latch was brought to his farm after its racing career ended and was examined by a veterinarian. He said that upon the veterinarian's report that the horse could not be used for breeding, it was given away to be rehomed. Topçu emphasized that racehorses are generally given to farms used for hobby purposes or to educational institutions, and that such incidents are very rare.

Stating that racehorses are strictly rehomed abroad, Topçu noted that the horse ownership system in England is more tightly regulated and that a similar system should exist in Turkey. The identification information of horses can be tracked via microchips placed on them.

Emphasizing that raising racehorses is a long and meticulous process, Topçu stated that they take care of every stage of their horses' lives. He said they rehome horses whose racing careers have ended after years of training and care.

STATEMENT FROM MERSIN METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY

In a statement regarding the meat purchased for the soup kitchen, the Mersin Metropolitan Municipality stated that meat procurement is carried out through an open tender method and that all of the municipality's transactions are conducted in accordance with official audits. It stated that meat deliveries to the municipality were made under the supervision of the District Directorate of Agriculture and a veterinarian, and were carried out in line with official analysis results.

The municipality announced that the allegations in question reached them on February 4, 2026, and that investigations into the process have been restarted. It was underlined that public health is always kept at the forefront.

Topçu stated that this incident, which occurred after the horse was rehomed, is a crime and that those responsible must be found.

WHAT HAPPENED?

A microchip found in the roasted meat distributed to citizens at the Mersin Metropolitan Municipality's soup kitchen led to the discovery of the incident. After a citizen noticed a foreign object in their meal, a complaint was filed with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

Teams from the General Directorate of Food and Control, affiliated with the Ministry, launched an investigation. In the initial assessment, it was determined that the piece found in the food was a tracking chip belonging to Smart Latch, a 4-year-old English racehorse that had raced at the Adana Yeşiloba Hippodrome. Following this, a sample was taken from the food and DNA analysis was performed.

As a result of the analysis, it was revealed that the roasted meat served at the soup kitchen contained equine meat. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry also announced to the public in the adulteration list published on March 12, 2026, that equine meat was found in the roasted meat cooked at the Mersin Metropolitan Municipality soup kitchen.

The investigations revealed that the meat in the dish belonged to the racehorse named Smart Latch, which had raced at the Adana Yeşiloba Hippodrome. The English racehorse, which had three first-place finishes, made its first start on April 21, 2024, at the Adana Hippodrome and finished the race in second place. The horse, which won the two races it participated in afterward, last took to the track on October 14, 2025, again at the Adana Hippodrome, and finished the race in seventh place.

It was learned that Smart Latch, which was not seen on the tracks again after the race, ended its racing career due to a small bone fracture in its leg. It was stated that the horse's owner, Suat Topçu, handed the animal over to be given to equestrian clubs free of charge after withdrawing it from racing.

However, it is alleged that the horse, which should have been given to an equestrian club, was later slaughtered illegally. It was determined that the slaughtered meat was put on the market as "beef" and that a portion of this meat was sold to the Mersin Metropolitan Municipality's soup kitchen.

According to information provided by Topçu, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry officials obtained information from him regarding the horse's fate following the incident. It was learned that there was an initial attempt to use Smart Latch for breeding, but it was stated that it could not be used for breeding due to a problem in its uterus found during a veterinary check. Upon this, it was stated that the horse was handed over to a former jockey to be given to an equestrian club free of charge.

However, with the developments that occurred after the horse was handed over, it is alleged that the animal was slaughtered illegally, its meat was put on the market, and a chain was formed that eventually led to the roasted meat served at the soup kitchen. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

News Source: 12punto