The following horses were casualties on American tracks last week. This list, however, includes only raceday victims, for while I’d prefer to submit a more complete reckoning, the training carnage is almost entirely covered up.
Reported as died, euthanized, or “broke down” – racing-speak for dead:
Hecky Dorn, Mahoning
Zenaro, Oaklawn
Mm Paul Revere, Louisiana
Mr Weaver, Mountaineer
Texas Rapper, Sunland
Reported as “vanned off” – left via ambulance, a better-than-even chance of dead:
Columbia Crest, Hialeah
Take It Out Back, Louisiana
Heza Fast Lajolla, Louisiana
TI Doublegrrr, Sunland
Keep’em Flying, Delta
Lively Stone, Fair Grounds
Artistic Touch, Gulfstream
Senora Sola, Los Alamitos
Lantzman, Santa Anita
Effortless Eagle, Sunland
Black Betsy, Santa Anita
Happy Harvey, Gulfstream
Hay Runner, Sunland
Other:
Balotelli, Mahoning, “stumbled badly start,” DNF
Power of Gospel, Mahoning, “collided and fell over stricken horse,” DNF
Ncc Thunderandice, Mahoning, fell, DNF
Freud’s Vale, Mahoning, “stumbled badly,” DNF
Rick’s Pick, Mahoning, “returned bleeding from the nostrils”
Thelesusaythbetter, Sam Houston, “eased up…while bleeding from the nostrils”
Odd Man Out, Sam Houston, “stumbled badly,” DNF
Trippin On Jaxon, Sunland, fell, DNF
Minister Cyberset, Sunland, fell, DNF
Dear Patrick,
I am asking for help in how to follow up on a horse that was pulled up in his last race at Sunland Park. How does one attempt to follow-up on a horse that was pulled-up and not raced again? Is there a way I might be able to find something out before attempting to contact the trainer directly?
Thank you for any help/advice.
Sincerely,
Audrey
Unfortunately, Audrey, I think you must reach out to the most recent connections – trainer, owner. My experience says Sunland will be of no help; nor will the state (currently, I’m still waiting for a reply from the New Mexico Racing Commission regarding a FOIA request). That said, try to contact someone at the Commission first – see where that goes. The number: 505-222-0700.
Aiken, SC will have races this weekend so two year olds can experience crowds before they go off to tracks and run for their lives. I have two OTTB’s that were rescued and retired. If you can save one they can be great riding horses.