WHAS (Louisville) reports that 3-year-old Mariano Intheninth “broke its leg and had to be euthanized” in the 6th yesterday at Churchill. WHAS, of course, was not really covering the death of a cheap (still a maiden claimer) horse; what makes this newsworthy is a dinged up jockey who took a precautionary trip to the hospital. By the way, Equibase had Mariano as but “pulled up, vanned off.” The dead horse’s people: Jesus Castanon, Brad Cox, Double Dip Stables, Extern Developments.
I happened to look at Mariano Intheninth’s first race on August 2, 2014 at Saratoga when he was owned/trained by the Ramsey’s/Pletcher…a race for two-year-olds. Two of the ten babies that raced that day are now confirmed dead. TWO of the ten, now DEAD. Now please tell me, WHO with even an ounce of intelligence and conscience can condone an industry such as this?
And Mariano Intheninth was not an “it”. That is so telling.
No more suffering, no more servitude, little colt. May you rest in peace.
And what about the suffering and servitude of horses for centuries? Ever see War Horse? That film was based in facts and history. Horses have long been beasts of burden. Horse racing is hardly the problem. At least horses on the track are well-cared for, fed, given veterinary attention when they need it, and sheltered. While the perils of the sport are sad and an inescapable reality, a horse breaking down on the track can hardly be considered cruelty within the scope of equine existence.
What about the “suffering and servitude of horses for centuries”, Mr. Quick? What about that? I guess I’m not as quick as you are because I don’t get your point. Just because horses have been beasts of burden for centuries doesn’t make the atrocities, that are committed in the racing industry, any less revolting. Perhaps humans are incredibly stupid and it just took us years to speak out against the animal exploitation, right? Oh, and just because priests abused little boys for centuries doesn’t mean that we should tolerate it now. Got it?
Just to bring you up to speed, many horses on the backside of low level tracks are NOT fed adequately and are NOT well cared for. Some are but many aren’t. Vet care? If you are talking about drugs, then these horses get vet care because they are certainly loaded with drugs, both legal and illegal. However, a pro-racing apologist once told me that she would guess that 80% of the horses that ran at Beulah Park were racing injured. Good vet care? Nope, don’t think so because good care would have required that the horse NOT race and be treated with appropriate medication.
Finally, you are correct about racehorses being sheltered. The horses are kept confined to stalls for 23 hours a day. Those who know anything about horses should realize that horses are herd animals. Yes, horses are sheltered at the track but that is an “unnatural” environment for them. Horseracing, Mr. Quick, is animal exploitation just like dog racing is animal exploitation. I really don’t give a damn what happened centuries ago. We are talking about the present. I sincerely hope that isn’t too difficult for you to grasp.
Brandon Quick – it seems to me you are either misinformed or ignorant of what goes on with racehorses. Have a look at Shedrow Secrets (you will find it under “Categories” here on Patrick’s site). People like Joy Aten and Jo Anne Normile speak of just some of their experiences with racehorses. And after reading Mary Johnson’s response to you, you are now informed with the truth of the miserable life of the racehorse. Ooops nearly forgot – underneath the heading of Shedrow Secrets is the heading SLAUGHTER which is also very much worth reading.
First off, I’ve been around horse racing for years, although I do not earn a living in the industry. Further, I’d be willing to assume that I understand the “ins and outs” better than anyone posting here. Mary completely misconstrued my point, but that isn’t surprising given the agenda and misplaced rage that goes on in this space.
Simply put, animal suffering is an unfortunate, but inherent aspect of human existence. My original point was simple: horse racing isn’t to blame for animal cruelty even though some does take place within the industry. As I’ve already said, that is unfortunate, and it should be addressed. HOWEVER, that does not mean that the sport is cruel, that it should be abolished, or that the majority of those working in the sport are corrupt. Extremists like yourselves never get anything accomplished even though I’m sure your intentions are good. The reason you get nothing accomplished is because you complain and overgeneralize, and paint everything with a broad brush. That, my friends, is why you are never taken seriously.
And by the way Mary, most of the individuals I’ve met in racing are passionate and truly care about the animal’s well-being. It’s very similar to people who own domestic pets like dogs or cats. Most truly love and care for their animals, but some are real assholes who don’t. The world is a cruel place. Grow up.
“Extremists like yourselves never get anything accomplished.” My response: http://inbehalf.blogspot.com/2015/07/animal-rights-extremism.html
Brandon, as I have stated before on other posts…. you are missing the point here. We know that not all owners and trainers are bad. I am sure there are trainers and owners out there who love and care about their horses. BUT, no amount of love and care will prevent the animals from getting hurt and potentially losing their lives on the track. I was there the day that Mariano (the horse mentioned in this post) broke down on the track. I witnessed it. It was terrible. And all for what? Money? Please. An innocent animal should not be sacrificed for the entertainment of humans. What other reason is there to race these horses other than money and entertainment? If these people truly wanted to show these animals love, they would not put them in these situations. I have a question for you. At what age does a horses bones stop growing? Because it sure as hell is not age 3. These horses are too young and their bones are too delicate. Furthermore, how do you feel about horse slaughter? You do know that many if not most of these horses end up in slaughter houses, do you not? How does that make you feel? Like I said, it’s great that “most” trainers and owners treat their horses well. Fantastic. But that does not change what happens ON the track or what happens once the horses are done racing. Extremist? No sir, I’m a REALIST.
These people will never get it, Meghan. However, we can and must speak up. Sure, there are owners/trainers who love their horses. Yet, why are they taking part in this industry and making a living at it? It’s a ‘business’ . . . a way to make money, earn a profit, make a living. My brother managed a string of horses at Charlestown. He worked hard. The horses had great care. However, it ‘is’ as you write . . . stuck in their stalls for hours on end, out a little to train, back in the stall to be fed, then to race, being drugged, getting hurt . . . on and on. Animals were put here on this earth as a blessing for us . . . for ‘us’ to take care of them . . . not to be exploited for ‘our’ gain, or ‘our’ amusement. …. I saw California Chrome before the Pegasus. He was nervous. He was lathered. He balked at getting in the starting gate. They made him go in. He lost the race. Then, it showed up he might have a knee problem. Then, a chiropractor worked on him. Then, they said he was ok. I have the utmost respect for Art Sherman and his team. I believe with all my heart they love that horse.
And, what about Sham? From all accounts, he was nervous that day before the Belmont race. He was sweating profusely, which he never did. He was made to race. He ran his heart out trying to keep up with Secretariat who was so far away he could never catch him. He was tired, and they made him race anyway. Where are the voices of these creatures?? As Penny Chenery stated, she was Secretariat’s voice, because he couldn’t speak for himself. Well, we are the voice for those who cannot speak for themselves.
Also Brandon, here is the link to the video of Mariano breaking his leg.
http://www.whas11.com/story/sports/horses/2015/06/12/horse-breaks-down-jockey-injured-at-churchill-downs-mariano-intheninth-jesus-castanon/71142130/
Thank you Meghan for putting this link up. Not pleasant to see the suffering of this noble horse but it is important that the public is informed as to the true meaning of what happens to a horse when he/she “breaks down”. Looked to me as though it was his off (right) fore leg and a very bad break because usually a horse cannot stop his momentum as quickly as he did and he would’ve been wanting to keep up with his mates/herd. Most of the time limb fractures result in the dangling of that limb which is sickening for the public to see. The racing industry cannot hide incidents such as MARIANO INTHENINTH, he was leading and close to the line and that’s when it gets uncomfortable for them, not good for the image of racing. However, when a breakdown does not occur in the final part of the race for all to see, they are very quick to get the horse vanned off. Yep, plenty of dangling legs have been put into a vehicle and “vanned off”. This racing industry policy is abhorrently cruel because the horses suffer excruciating pain with these injuries. We know why they do this, they want to hide from the public the sickening suffering of their “much loved” horses in lieu of euthanasing them on track relieving them of their agonizing pain.
AND TO THE BETTING PUBLIC – DO YOU REALIZE THAT YOU ARE BETTING ON THIS?
Brandon, the fact that you are expressing your thoughts on this blog is a good start towards you stopping to participate in this horrific industry.
First of all, many of us commenting here have direct experience with this business.
Secondly, for those supporters of HRW who don’t have direct experience they fully comprehend exactly what’s going on because you don’t have to participate in dog fighting to know that it’s wrong. By the way, dog fighting is the same as horse racing only the victim is a different animal.
Thirdly, I’ve directly witnessed countless owners and trainers start out with “good” intentions that, with time, metamorphosis into all the mandatory operating procedures inherent in this business such as training/running racehorses sore, countless doping including joint injections, intensely confined, their horses being repeatedly whipped/beaten when tired and/or sore, the widespread administration of Lasix or other dope that is not needed, widespread corruption that could possibly include killing for equine insurance, other corruption that directly translates into racehorses being exploited instead of rest, total irresponsible behavior when it comes to after that is completely unacceptable, and the DUMPING.
Racehorses are repeatedly DUMPED into neglectful and/or life threatening situations at a kill auction because that’s what this business requires, for the most part, when that racehorses is not financially viable.
We know, based on Jockey Club facts, that 90% of racehorses will not be financially viable which usually translates to the DUMPING factor, and what do you folks do?
Well, contributors to this blog such as Joy Aten, Mary Johnson, and their entire network of people step up to the plate with their OWN money to rescue your disposable trash.
This is just some of the horrendous acts that are carried out on a daily basis for this VILE business, and you can’t be “good” in order to rationalize such blatant animal cruelty.
You are all either abusers, enablers of the abuse or both.
So true, Gina.
I know this is true, Gina. I kept saying to my friends how I loved the horses, yet was not a fan of the racing part of it. I knew something was wrong with making these horses race when they did not want to enter the gate, among other things. That led me to do some research, and basically it all started with California Chrome, and his refusal at the Pegasus. Then, I watched the film, “Secretariat” again, and became curious about Sham. After more research, and reading comments about him, I realized in the Derby he hit his head and knocked out two teeth, was bleeding all through the race, and yet still managed to finish second in record time. What a horse! Afterward, it took forty-five minutes to stop the bleeding. Up to that point, Secretariat has been my favorite, yet what about Sham and the many, many, many horses since then? Does anyone know if he had a good life after retirement? I would love to know. Basically, he lived in obscurity. His accomplishments didn’t seem to be appreciated that much. Several accounts said he was a kind horse. The whole thing has opened my eyes to the harsh reality of the horseracing industry. As I wrote, I am heartsick, and I will never get over what happens to these dear creatures.
Hello Brandon,
Thank you for your reply. As I wrote before, my brother managed a string of horses at Charlestown Race Track. I saw all his hard work, and the vitamins, good feed, good treatment, etc. his horses received. I know they were treated well …. I believe Pancho Martin loved Sham. However, man’s ego gets in the way. By all accounts, he wanted his horse to be number one. Sham was hurt pretty bad in the gate in the Derby, and kept running. Then, fixed AFTER the race. He was bumped hard in the Preakness, and kept running. When it came time for the Belmont, he was very nervous, sweating profusely, and refusing to go in the gate. He was made to go in. His jockey L. Pincay kept him running fast to keep up with Secretariat, as he was instructed to do. Then, he went with the whip to make him run faster. Two jockeys on the backstretch saw Sham beginning to have real problems, and fortunately Pincay eased him up. They ran him hard. He ended up with canon bone problems, and was retired into obscurity, first at Spendthrift Farm, then on to Walmac Farm. By contrast, it has been written that Penny Chenery told Ronnie Turcotte to let Secretariat run, which is what he did. She stated many times in interviews that her horse ran his race. There was no whip from Ron. This is what the horse decided to do. By contrast again, after Sham began to tire, he was pushed to keep running faster and faster until he had nothing left. Articles reported he was broken that day. That hurts my heart to even write it. Sham did not get the credit he deserved. He was a good, kind, talented horse, and no horse could have caught Secretariat at the Belmont.
I also believe Pancho Martin was misrepresented in the film. I have read and read and read all I could find on this topic. Viola Sommer stated that Sham would eat, and then take a rest in the afternoon. However, he was eventually sold to another farm–Walmac. I just want to know if he had a good life all through his retirement years. That would give me some measure of comfort, because in his racing life he suffered what no horse should . . . to do all, and be the end all, to keep up with a powerhouse like Secretariat. The truth is, the horse suffered needlessly . . . and he is only one out of millions. He’s the one we know whose job it was to be better than Secretariat, and he had no voice to say . . . “I don’t want the job.” I want to run like the wind, and be regarded for who I am . . . not the horse who beat Secretariat.
You know what? It’s too bad Sham and Arrogate could not have had a conversation. IMHO Arrogate got tired of racing. He had some great moments, and then said, “I’m done.” Now he’s retired to stand at Juddemonte Farm [sp.]
p.s. I also had horses for years, and rescued a big Tennessee Walking Horse, named Prince. He was 17h., and nothing but skin and bones when we got him–no muscle. Was being starved, and had foundered. It took us a year to get him back to good health. He was our gentle giant, whom we loved.
Thank you for your thoughts, Wanda – the tenderness you felt for Sham brings tears to my eyes. Secretariat was the horse who drew me to racing and not knowing the realities, I believed the lies presented by the industry via the media. I, too, felt sorry for Sham and that was in my very ignorant state! Your research and findings – regarding Sham – makes me feel even sadder for him.
And THANK YOU for what you did for your gentle giant Prince! What a lucky fella, to know what being a cherished equine family member feels like!
Hi Joy,
I appreciate your thoughts very much. I think when I watched the film, “Secretariat,” again, and when a few comments came up as I researched, that was my defining moment regarding Sham. What also brought me to reality was when Sham hit his head while in the gate and broke two teeth, and that he had so much heart to run.
I also read that a woman wrote on a comment that she and her husband would visit Sham at Spendthrift Farm, and he was such a kind horse. I believe they took him treats, and as he would be relaxing on the ground, they would be leaning up against him. I hope he had many, many moments like that. I get the impression his life was good at Spendthrift. I just wish I could find someone who took care of him.
About my Tenn.Walker, Prince. One day I walked into the barn and said, “Prince, are you ready to go for a ride today?” To my surprise, he nodded his huge head up and down, like he was saying, “Yes!” After that, I always asked him, and he would always nod his head several times.