HBO ends 'Luck' following horse deaths

HBO has ended its horse racing drama Luck following the death of three horses during filming.

The US network issued a statement confirming the discontinuation of the show and lamenting the situation.

"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," said HBO. "Safety is always of paramount concern. 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."

HBO went on to say that it could not have guaranteed the prevention of future accidents if production on the series were to continue.

"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 firm added.

Luck began airing last year. A second season was scheduled to commence in 2013.