Through a call to the state vet, I was able to confirm that 5-year-old Our Deputy Express was euthanized after breaking down in Thursday’s 2nd race at Delaware Park. Prior to her fatal fall (“leaving the backstretch”), Our Deputy Express finished 5th of 6 on May 18th, 5th of 6 on May 3rd, last of 6 on March 10th, and last of 7 on March 2nd.
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We often hear that we should “listen to the horse”. It is obvious, at least to me, that no one listened to Our Deputy Express and that includes ALL those who were complicit in her death. This horse was DONE with racing months ago yet was raced until she died in the dirt at Delaware Park. Yes, racing kills horses and no one seems able to stop the killings. If anyone out there truly cares about these horses, then please stop betting on them.
I hate that another horse had to die for nothing. But, it’s not only about people not betting on these races, it’s goes much further than that. Those of us who comment about these poor innocent throughbreds dying for human entertainment should take a stand of our own. I’ve already written the NYRA about last weeks deaths at Belmont. Of course, I never heard back from them, but, it is my intention to continue writing every week. I also wrote to the Throughbred Rescue organization about the many unnecessary deaths at Belmont and other race tracks. I am slowly writing the other race horse tracks. I want them to know that people are watching and dismayed that they allow this to continue. Our comments is only allowing us to vent out our frustration about these weekly deaths, but, speaking out is a greater step we can take. Let’s vent our frustration directly to the organizations that are allowing this to continue. It may not help, or, it might. Strength in numbers rules. I am making sure my voice is read and so should you.
Thank you for speaking out on behalf of the voiceless.
I too wrote to the NYRA. My question concerned starting horses with as little as 3 days between races and whether there were any rules re. time between races. The answer I got was typical of what one would get from a politician ! They did not answer my question but talked all around it !
I feel, as you do, this business needs to know people are watching.
Diana, your suggestion is an excellent one. However, I have tried the calling, faxing, emailing, etc, to no avail. Currently, I am going up against the Ohio Racing Commission concerning a horse by the name of Marsella Delight. She was racing bone on bone and was euthanized last December at the age of six. A nearly four month investigation yielded a two sentence reply from Greg Veit who is with the ORC. However, Veit underestimated my tenacity and now I have gone over his head. The racing officials simply don’t care. I am not going to change anyone’s minds about the destruction of racing’s horses. I mean nothing to them because I don’t bet and I don’t have racehorses. Therefore, I don’t produce revenue and it really is all about the money. Heck, they don’t listen to the “hot shots” in racing so I believe it is naive to think they will listen to you or me. As a businesswoman, I personally feel you have to hurt them where it hurts the most – in their wallets.
Can i just say that here in Australia we have an organisation called the “Coalition For The Protection of Racehorses” based in Melbourne, Victoria. Can i suggest you check out their website – they’ve done some wonderful things e.g. protests outside race meetings, appearing on current affair programs on TV, getting the support of the RSPCA, and the footage they showed on national TV of the abhorrent slaughtering of racehorses made many Australians aware and dismayed and had the racing industry reeling. PETA has also done some great work on the suffering of racehorses in the USA. Also Animal Aid in the United Kingdom does some fantastic work especially in relation to the jumps racing (steeplechase and hurdle). We just have to keep on fighting and make the public aware. It is a public industry and the public sustains the horseracing industry and also the governments have both a moral and legal obligation to take action against animal cruelty – why should horseracing have dispensation of animal cruelty laws.
Carolyn, I am very familiar with the CPR and know that they have done some good things. But how can they not unequivocally stand against horseracing? Boggles the mind.
Thank you, Carolyn. I believe it is very important to raise public consciousness regarding the many sins of horse racing. I also believe any changes that protect the horse is a step in the right direction. Many bettors may think twice before placing money on a race if they are confronted by the atrocities committed against the horse.
Unfortunately, in this country, the industry is well able to hide the ugliness. There is no central governing body to hold accountable for the wrongs. The business likes the current fragmented setup because it makes it so difficult to hold anybody accountable and is paramount to not enforcing animal cruelty laws. Some states have very weak anticruelty laws and, ironically, Kentucky is one of them.
There is a very nasty and effective “code of silence” in place because the business is too autonomous by virtue of power and money. Even animal welfare groups, with the exception of PETA, shy away from taking on this industry.
All groups concerned about the plight of the racehorse need to band together in order to place a wedge in this sorry business. Placing a wedge will eventually crack it wide open.
Well said, Rose! Thank you for your common sense truths! I always appreciate AND learn from your comments.
It’s heartbreaking to read the charts, seeing the obvious – that Our Deputy Express should have been stopped on. But no, her connections continued to put her life in danger by forcing her to race. Then they killed her.
RIP, sweet mare. Your suffering is over.