Law enforcement authorities in Lake County, Ind., are seeking whoever is responsible for the fatal shooting of a Standardbred mare one day before she was slated to take part in a race.

Lake County Sheriff’s Department Det. Michelle Weaver said that on May 29, the horse’s owner discovered the 8-year-old mare lying in a grazing pen located within an outdoor exercise ring. The animal had sustained a single fatal gunshot wound to the head between the eyes, Weaver said. The mare, named Lady May Z, was scheduled to race at Balmoral Park in Crete, Ill., on May 30, she said.

The horse’s remains were transported to Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind., for necropsy. Weaver declined further comment pending necropsy results. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, she said.

Anyone with information about the incident should call Weaver at 219/755-3346. Those wishing to remain anonymous should call the Lake County Indiana Sheriff’s Department Crime Hotline at 800/750-2746