Through a FOIA request to the Washington Racing Commission, I have confirmed the following kills at Emerald Downs last year. Sausage, Mar 14, Emerald T “There is extensive muscle tearing and hemorrhage surrounding the left humerus and a complete, comminuted fracture is present.” Also: “stomach ulcers.” Sausage was two years old and being prepped for…

When I posted the Wyoming report, I mentioned that I reached out to the Commission asking for training/stall deaths, as they were not included with the original response (my FOIAs are always the same, covering all three types of kills, so I should not have had to follow up). Much to my surprise, the Commission…

Last week, the following horses were injured so badly they required the “equine ambulance” to get off the track. While fates remain unknown at this time, we will eventually get death confirmations on many, if not most, through our FOIA reporting. (Note: “bled” indicates pulmonary hemorrhage.) Cr Hammer Down 440 at Louisiana Bali Amour at…

Lasix is clearly one of U.S. Racing’s more controversial subjects. Some in the industry see it as but a performance-enhancer: A diuretic, Lasix helps shed water weight prior to a race – lighter equals faster – and as a system flush, may also aid in concealing some of the more nefarious stuff. On the other…