Yesterday afternoon at Louisiana Downs, 3-year-old Aztec Secret was killed in the 3rd race. Complicit in his death: jockey Richard Eramia, trainer Jonas Gibson, owners George and Adam Ackel, and breeder I. Lee Lange. This was Aztec’s first race under Gibson, having run all seven previous starts for the equally complicit Corale Richards.
Later on Saturday, Gameboy Luke, another 3-year-old gelding, died at Santa Anita (race 4). The chart reads: “Gameboy Luke broke down on his own.” Imagine that. Complicit: jockey Rafael Bejarano; trainer Mark Glatt; owners Norman Stables, William Branch, Robert Gramer, David Pycz; and breeder Machmer Hall. This is horseracing.
They should just be starting their lives…
Thank you, Patrick, for tracking the reality of racing. And sharing the names of the humans. That is so important, as I know you well realize.