The California Horse Racing Board has disclosed the March 22nd death of a horse named Lendell at Golden Gate Fields: “Treated for respiratory infection, became blind in one eye, started having seizures, became blind in second eye.” And apparently, euthanized – or simply just died.
Whipped for four years and 39 races (27 of the last 28, claiming), the then 7-year-old Lendell was ostensibly “retired” in 2010. But there is no such thing as “retirement” for those still within Racing’s grasp. At the time of his death, Lendell was, as the CHRB so aptly and perfectly puts it, “being used as Pony.” Truth is, Lendell’s life was just one stage of exploitation after another. He was “used” and “used” and “used” and “used” some more. And then he died. His death – a lonely and likely painful one – came at an age that while considered old by Racing standards was barely a third into a natural lifespan. How profoundly sad, on so many levels. This is horseracing.
So sorry to hear about Lendall.
Another tragic loss.
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Another death that I just saw reported was the following:
Accident Claims Life Of Palos Verdes Winner Conquest Two Step
4/8/2015
Conquest Stables’ 4-year-old colt, Conquest Two Step, was euthanized April 6 after fracturing a hind leg during training.
Co-owner Ernie Semersky posted the following statement on Conquest Stables’ Facebook page:
Conquest Two Step, 3/5/11 – 4/6/15
With heartfelt sorrow, Dory and I numbly announce the loss of our treasured pal, Conquest Two Step. Everyone who met him was captivated by his beauty and charisma. More than his world-class athlete status, he was a playful, charming lad who loved to run.
In the summer of 2013, Two Step fractured his leg, and with surgery, best care and rest, he came back to race again. He achieved his highest honor just a few months ago by winning the Palos Verdes-G2 Stakes. Unfortunately he broke his hind leg while exercising last Saturday, and our vet had to make the difficult call to put him out of his pain last night.
We know that we join in with many others who won’t ever forget this magnificent colt.
In sorrow,
Ernie, Dory and Team Conquest
Conquest Two Step (Two Step Salsa x Homesteader, by Pioneering) had won three of 11 career starts and had earned $339,408.
Thank you, Kathleen.
Conquest Two Step was a “treasured pal”? Excuse me while I go throw up!
Exactly Mary! “Treasured” for one reason only, the money he earned for them. “Loved to run” what a load of crap.
Conquest Two Step should have been retired after fracturing his leg in 2013; if his racing family thought as much of him as they claim. Actions speak louder than words. Had they used some common sense and retired him after a serious injury, he would still be with us today. Rest in peace Conquest Two Step, your misery is behind you now. R.I.P. Lendell you too are finally free. Marlene Thornley
Marlene,
I agree that Conquest Two Step should have been retired after fracturing his leg. I wondered if he fractured the same leg in training that he had fractured the year before. The horses are so fragile at that age, it is heartbreaking they are forced to race.
He was only 4 when he died.
Kathleen, it would be very interesting to find out which leg was operated on and which hind leg (near or off side) he broke down in. Here is a link in case anyone is interested in relation to the damage racing
causes in the horses’ bones.
Up to 80% of Thoroughbred racehorses have clear evidence of fatigue injuries—small cracks and lesions in the bones due to overloading during training…. The rate of damage accumulation – which appears to be the case in intense Thoroughbred race training….
http://www.thehorse.com/articles/35578/researchers-review-subchondral-bone-remodeling-in-racehorses?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=health-news&utm_campaign=04-07-2015