The Daily Racing Form reports that 5-year-old Code of Conduct was killed after a breakdown in Santa Anita’s 7th race Friday. One note from the chart caught my attention: “The stewards conducted an inquiry into the incident before ruling Code of Conduct broke down on his own.” No, he didn’t.
Code of Conduct endured three different trainers – Chad Brown (3 starts), Wayne Catalano (12 starts), and Peter Miller (5 starts) – and was owned first by Gary/Mary West, and at the end by Gary/Cecil Barber. This is horseracing.
This is how it “works” in the shameful downward spiral of the claiming game. The botto m feeders finish them off and don’t give a backward glance. The poor horse doesn’t stand a chance. Even if they do survive the brutal abuse their future is not bright with very few exceptions.
This business has to be the most corrupt there is. But apart from the corruption, the shameful and inexcusable aspect is the abuse and cruelty the horse is forced to endure.
I’m tired of hearing the pro racing crowd defending the indefensible.
No, Code of Conduct did not breakdown on his own ! What rubbish !
Shame on everyone involved.
PS Although Code Of Conduct was not yet at the level of a low grade claimer he was headed in that direction had he survived.
Rose, you are so right! Also, pay close attention to the age of the horse. Only five, this horse was still just a “baby” yet racing killed him. I think any TB is lucky when they make it out of racing alive. Sad, but true…