“THUNDERING HOOVES UNDER THE LIGHTS!”
“Come experience the thrill of live thoroughbred racing – under the lights, all year long! Everything is better at night! As you pick your winners, enjoy fine and casual dining, special events and perks from our rewards club.”
So says the website for the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races in West Virginia. What follows is a smattering of that entertainment’s cost, all from last night’s festivities:
4-year-old Fair Fight (2nd race) “retreated around the far turn, bled and was vanned off”
3-year-old Saint On Wings (7th race) “faded abruptly approaching the final turn and came back bleeding from the nose”
5-year-old Big Dividend (8th race) “was up in the final strides and collapsed post-race”
This is horseracing.
Lies, lies, and more lies. There is nothing thrilling about horses bleeding and collapsing. Even under the lights.