I have previously written on Shamrock Road twice (here, here). Well, Sunday he was raced – again. That’s 12 times in a little over 18 weeks. Edward Charles Sexton continues as primary exploiter. This is horseracing.
At Mahoning Valley on December 4, 2018 SR was scratched by a veterinarian who found that this horse was not suitable to race. Shamrock Road then raced on December 16, 2018 at Mountaineer.
On May 21, 2019 raced again at Mountaineer coming home 6th/7 by 13.5 lengths for the grand sum of $69 when he performed poorly. According to Equibase, the chart says he hopped at the start and was always outrun. It’s quite a mystery as to how this horse is being managed in recent years – he had only 7 starts in 2017 and and 7 starts in 2018 and once again is under yet another trainer. The sale price on his head has dropped from $5,000 to $4,000.
This now 7 year old gelding had 12 race starts in 18 weeks early in his career including 9 starts as a 2 year old. He had 24 starts in 11 months (1.16.15 to 12.18.15). SR has had 50 race starts to date for earnings of $38,688.
From his first race start to date, SHAMROCK ROAD has been owned by the following –
Edward Sexton
Richard Zielinski
Dream Ridge Racing (current owner)
And trained by the following –
Edward Sexton
Richard Zielinski
Richard Markham
Debbie Brooks
Donald L Radcliff, Jr
Terry Crago (current trainer)
Will his breeders Edward Charles Sexton and Mary Grace Mead and original owner, Edward Charles Sexton who was also his original trainer from January 16, 2015 to December 18, 2015 save him from the slaughter pipeline?
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Wish I knew a trainer who could claim and retire him. 😢
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I see that SHAMROCK ROAD was scratched by a veterinarian at Mahoning Valley on December 4, 2018.
Ever since he was raced into the ground as a baby, he’s been going downhill. This gelding has been racing for 4 years now, presented to race yesterday and scratched because a vet found him not suitable to race.
What next for SHAMROCK ROAD ?
Will his breeder and original owner, EDWARD CHARLES SEXTON save him from the slaughter pipeline ?
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HALOS AND ANGELS is entered to race on January 9 at Mahoning Valley. She has a sale price on her head at $7,500.
She was a vet scratch on December 19.
The ongoing abuse of this mare continues……
And where is SHAMROCK ROAD ?
And where is JILL’S REFLECTION ?
Both these racehorses seem to have disappeared after being raced into the ground for years with their connections showing no consideration for their welfare.
It is likely that these two racehorses, after years of serving the industry, ended up in a slaughterhouse – the ultimate betrayal.
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Apologies, meant to add that it was a veterinarian scratching. Fingers crossed that her connections will do the right thing and find a genuinely good home for her.
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HALOS AND ANGELS was scratched from racing at Mahoning Valley on December 19.
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Thank you, Billy Yiengst.
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But remember, SD, these freaks love their horses just like family. Anyone who believes that will also believe that the earth is flat.
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ALLOWANCE RACES
Allowance races are the next step up from claiming races. These horses are not for sale and the purses — the money available for horses and owners to win in each race — are greater.
The horses in these races must carry a certain amount of weight or be allowed to carry less weight due to certain factors, thus the name “allowance.” Typical conditions of these races are that only non-winners of a certain number other than maiden, claiming, or starter can run.
The allowance is usually five pounds off the assigned weight if the horse hasn’t won since a certain date, or if it hasn’t won a certain amount of money. Those five pounds can matter a lot. It’s generally accepted that a horse will run about a length slower for each additional pound he carries compared to his competitor, assuming they’re equally talented horses.
A special kind of allowance race is known as a “starter allowance,” or abbreviated to “starter.” These races are restricted to horses that have started for a maximum claiming price.
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As a 3yr. old she was started 6 times in barely 5 weeks at Belmont.
These people can abuse and overwork horses as they please. Racing does absolutely nothing to prevent horse abuse Society looks away while racing is not held to basic animal cruelty standards.
The HSUS, ASPCA and other organizations oppose horse slaughter but ignore the cruelty of racing and what miserable lives these horses are forced to endure. Cruelty for these animals starts in the racing business and progresses to the ultimate betrayal of the slaughter pipeline.
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Agree. She’ll be wanting to keep up with the field, feeling safer amongst the “herd”. And no doubt, her rider will be whipping her, pushing her through the pain barrier and pushing her beyond her limitations.
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Sadly, this poor horse has run horribly at the bottom level claimers. So in an allowance race- she will be very overclassed, and has almost no chance of doing any better than last, but for the most part, that’s where this poor girl usually ends up. One has to wonder what the hell the connections are thinking, and why they insist on breaking this poor horse’s heart and spirit. She will also have to try harder to keep up with an allowance field – so that will put her in more physical danger too.
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Thank you, SD.
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It’s ok Carolyn, the only ignorant one is the person who thinks poor halos has a chance in this. An allowance race is usually a “higher class” of horse than those who run in claimers, at least in Ohio.
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Pardon my ignorance, SD, but what is an “allowance race”. I understand the claiming races, is an allowance race similar?
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And they have her in a freaking allowance race. This poor little mare can’t race her way out of a brown paper bag and yet he has her in an allowance with zero chance of even hitting the board
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HALOS AND ANGELS is entered to race at Mahoning Valley on December 19, 2017. It will be her 42nd start since she first raced in January 2014.
This 6 year old mare last raced on August 28, 2017 at Mountaineer coming home 8th/8 last by 12+ lens.
According to the Equibase chart, she was “hustled up racing mid pack, was all done and gave way in upper stretch” … bet she loved that.
She appears to be resuming from a four months’ spell – reason for such a lengthy spell is not known but it’s usually indicative that the horse has/had a health issue. This mare has not won a race since April 2014 (being her only win) so why do the connections continue to race her and why do the racing authorities permit her to race when she’s proved time and again that she’s not suitable to racing and has been performing so poorly?
The sale price on her head when she last raced was $5,000.
Trainer – David St Clair
Owner – O Mason Racing Stable
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The ongoing abuse of Shamrock Road, Halos and Angels, and the vast majority of lower level claimers is primarily due to their main goal of increasing wagering profits by filling races.
These horses are being exploited by every single human that lays a hand on them from vets to farriers and all supporting personnel who make a living off of them.
The only entity not making any money, and subsequently dumped after generating profit/jobs are the racehorses themselves.
They are nothing more than profit slaves, dollar signs, and when that doesn’t work they become a liability that must be dumped.
Even when they make lots of money many are still dumped!
Exploiting, dumping, and dying – the dirty truth about horse racing.
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SHAMROCK ROAD raced again at Presque Isle Downs on July 27, 2017, again with a sale price on his head for $5,000. He was not claimed. Again he tired and came home 8th/8 last. He’d only had 7 days’ respite from his previous start – why would you race a horse again when he came home 9th/9 last by 15 lengths just one week prior?
Still slaving away and again earned the grand sum of $200 for his owner, Dream Ridge Racing.
It has been 18 months since Shamrock Road has won a race.
This now 5 year old gelding had 12 race starts in 18 weeks early in his career including 9 starts as a 2 year old. He had 24 starts in 11 months (1.16.15 to 12.18.15). No wonder this horse went downhill after being raced into the ground at a very young age. His poor body and mind, ruined.
I see that he’s had another workout today, August 16, 2017.
Why is this horse being permitted to race when he’s performing poorly, tiring and coming last?
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Carolyn I’m still appalled at poor Halos – I’m constantly wracking my brain as to what more I can possibly do to end that poor mare’s torment. And Jenni- yes, offer definitely stands! If you’re interested, you can reach me through Patrick!
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SHAMROCK ROAD came home LAST 9th/9 by almost 15 lengths.
Chart said that he leaned in and bumped with another horse at the start.
Chart said that he tired.
He was not claimed.
Still slaving away and earned the grand sum of $200 for his owner, Dream Ridge Racing.
This poor horse dropped right back and ran three to four horses wide, covering much more ground when he was fatigued and likely whipped to go faster.
Are the racing authorities going to permit this horse to continue on racing when he’s clearly not up to the task?
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We’re bigger than that, Jenni.
Thanks for caring so much for Shamrock Road.
There’s nothing like a horse fix, hope you can get to SD’s place and enjoy her horses!
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I hope they don’t do this to see people like us get upset over it. I swear, some of them do it just to get a thrill out of upsetting people.
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SHAMROCK ROAD is entered to race at Presque Isle Downs on July 19, 2017 with a sale price on his head for $5,000. This gelding is now up to trainer no. 4 (Debbie Brooks) and last raced on November 15, 2016. Wonder what was wrong with him causing him to have 8 months out…….
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HALOS AND ANGELS raced at Mountaineer on July 17, 2017 coming home 4th/6.
Chart says that she weakened. This 6 year old mare has now had 39 starts and last won a race on April 25, 2014 – the abuse of this mare continues with a sale price on her head at $5,000.
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Yes, Carolyn, it looks like Jill’s Reflection has quietly “disappeared” like so many others.
Somebody knows what happened to her. Perhaps her last owner, Mark Moshe or her trainer, Kelsey Cartagena know what they did with her !
She first came to my attention in July 2014 when I noticed she had started 52 times and she was a 3 yr.old at that time. I called a track official re the overworking and was told while 52 starts was a lot it was not unusual ! The young filly actually started 52 times in a space of 56 weeks and I was informed it was not unusual. She went on to rack up 26 starts for the year 2014 as a 3 yr. old.
She never had a break just relentless training, breezing, racing, whipping, drugging for her 42 month “career” and she probably got more than Lasix !
In her last race on 2 Nov. 2016 she came 3rd and earned her connections $1,150. She was tough but not tough enough for this brutal game.
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Hah, that would be so cool!! I definitely don’t mind the thought of spoiling them! 😁
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Thanks, Mary! My aunt raised Morgans back in the 90’s, and I took riding lessons earlier than that, though I had to stop just before learning to canter because money ran out. Thoroughbreds have always pulled at my heart over any other breed, even those flashy air-trotting Arabians! I definitely won’t give up!
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Jenni, I, too, care deeply about the claimers and the track warriors and that is why I walked the backside of a low level track for many years trying to help the horses that had nowhere to go. Your goal to buy land and a house where you can keep a horse is a noble one but, if you don’t have experience with horses, it probably isn’t the best idea. However, you could always “rescue” one and board the horse at a stable that has the availability of a competent trainer. Take lessons, attend clinics, and read lots of books on horse care plus surround yourself with experienced and knowledgeable people. Please don’t give up your dream. The horses need you!
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Jenni, thank you for your compassion…and don’t give up on that dream of yours – you’re not delusional…you just care. I hope that sometime in the future I read about the lucky horse(s) you gave a loving home to. And in the meantime, I’m grateful for your support.
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Jenni- I just want to say- thank you for your dream of rescuing/ rehoming these beautiful creatures. There can never be enough of us until this “sport” comes to an end. In the meantime – if you need some real horse time – you’re welcome to my place- I’m not far from you- and my kids would love all the attention and loving you could give them! And peppermints! Lol
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I hadn’t seen what you wrote until just now! Gina, what a terrible thing to say! I’m not in the horse racing business. Please, don’t make blind assumptions about people.
When I said “…the terrible thing is that either people don’t realize or don’t care that there are people that care deeply about these claimers and track warriors.” I meant that the horse’s owners, like Sexton, or others who over run these horses, either don’t know or don’t care that there are people who care about these overworked horses. People like us!
If there weren’t people like us who run sites like these, people who email oweners/trainers/commissions, people who post online on social media, people who pull thoroughbreds out of kill lots, or even buy them from trainers, or those who are able to claim them to retire them, there wouldn’t be thoroughbreds lucky enough to still be alive today.
The only business I’m in is trying to get a job where I can build up enough money to buy a home with enough land to save one or two thoroughbreds. Though, to be honest, that’ll probably never happen because I’ve never been around a real horse before. So that dream is probably the only thing that I’m delusional about. Again, I’m not in the horse racing business. I’m kind of sad that you would be so rude like that. :(
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Halos is an early scratch out of the race. A little reprieve again. Have yet to figure out what Norma Mason, the owner, is doing. She seems to be bouncing from trainer to trainer and track to track with this one poor little horse
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HALOS AND ANGELS
This long suffering mare is once again entered to race at Mountaineer Casino Racetrack and Resort on July 11.
She last raced on February 6, 2017 at Mahoning Valley, and came home 22+ lengths stone motherless last and the chart reported that she was ‘outrun’. She sure was outrun – there were 8 horses in the race and there was a gap of 11 lengths between herself and the 7th/second last placegetter. On June 7, she was vet scratched. She was later entered to run again at Mountaineer on June 26 but did not race. Her connections appear to be attempting to continue to race her into the ground whilst racing officials, the relevant racing commission and the so-called vets conveniently ignore the blatant animal abuse that she is suffering. Halos and Angels is high risk as it has been 5 months since she last raced (see reference to the vet scientists below).
SHAMROCK ROAD had a workout at Presque Isle Downs on July 8, 2017.
Previously he has had 3 recent workouts: one in May and two in June 2017.
He has not raced since November 15, 2016 and I haven’t seen him entered to race – why the hesitation to race him? If and when he does race he will be high risk as the vet scientists have revealed in their research on bone fatigue (e.g. Dr Christopher Riggs – Hong Kong and Dr Chris Whitton – Australia).
This now 5 year old gelding had 12 race starts in 18 weeks early in his career including 9 starts as a 2 year old. He had 24 starts in 11 months (1.16.15 to 12.18.15). No wonder, this horse went downhill.
Owner: Dream Ridge Racing
Trainer: Richard Markham
Breeder: Edward Charles Sexton and Mary Grace Mead
Sexton was his original trainer/owner from January to December 18, 2015. SR has changed hands a few times having had 3 different owners and trainers since his first start on January 16, 2015.
SR is just one example only of what goes on with far too many racehorses, especially geldings.
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SHAMROCK ROAD has not raced since November 15, 2016.
He’s had 3 recent workouts: one in May and two in June 2017.
Yet to see him race again.
This now 5 year old gelding had 12 race starts in 18 weeks early in his career.
He had 9 starts as a 2 year old.
No wonder, this horse went downhill.
Owner: Dream Ridge Racing
Trainer: Richard Markham
Breeder: Edward Charles Sexton and Mary Grace Mead
Sexton was his original trainer/owner.
SHAMROCK ROAD has changed hands a few times having had 3 different owners and trainers since his first start on January 16, 2015.
SR is just one example only of what goes on with far too many racehorses, especially geldings.
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HALOS AND ANGELS a 6 year old mare has been entered to race at Mountaineer Casino Racetrack and Resort on June 26, 2017. A racetrack amongst a resort and a casino? Comes across as being somewhat sinister.
O Mason Racing continues to race this mare when her history proves that she’s not coping with racing and is uncompetitive. On June 7 at Mountaineer, she was scratched by the vet. We don’t know why but i’d imagine it must’ve been very obvious. She last raced at Mahoning on 6 February 2017 and it seems has never raced at Mountaineer before. Ever since her very first start on January 30, 2014, all of her 38 race starts have been in claiming races over a period of 3 years and 4 months, earning a total of $32,275 – this just doesn’t seem viable. Tax benefits claiming a loss?
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To Jenni, “people that care deeply about these claimers and track warriors.”
Yet another delusional comment.
If you “cared deeply” about these racehorses then you wouldn’t be in this business – period.
Go peddle your manure elsewhere.
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And the terrible thing is that either people don’t realize or don’t care that there are people that care deeply about these claimers and track warriors. I’ll never forget a thoroughbred named Road to War and I have always hoped that he didn’t end up killed on the track or in a slaughterhouse.
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Yes, Billy – a shocker that Aurora’s Secret was claimed. It does look like the partnership of Middleton and Pinnell is new, but I see in the Equibase Owner Profile an Archie and Donna Pinnell Living Trust – 41 starts from 2000 to present…just a few to several starts a year. I remember some of Mike Maker’s father’s (George Maker) horses at Great Lakes Downs…at least one very tragic story there – Shamanuu ran until the age of 11, broke down in his last race and was euthanized (Read the Shedrow Secrets: Brash Tony story…Shamanuu won the 2001 Claimer of the Year at GLD which was voted and decided on AFTER Shamanuu was already dead). Anyway, maybe AS was claimed in order to retire him? – guess we’ll see.
I believe you’re correct, Billy, about Transparent – I’m sure his wealthy former owners never give him a thought. They buy and sell and race so many horses. The over-used claim “the horses are our family members” makes fools out of every single individual who uses it.
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Jill has been in my mind since I asked her former trainer if she was ok after stopping abruptly in her last race at park, and was met with a quick yes she’s fine and she walked away. Jill raced one time since then finishing 3rd at charlestown and who knows since, like rose said and we all know the countless others some that I keep an eye on are auroras secret just turned 13 yr old ran in his 151st start today, won and was claimed by people that have 2 starts as owners this horse has been with his connections his entire career which is very rare for a claimer just a bad deal for the horse yet again. And then we have transparent a 725,000 dollar yearling bought by goldolphin racing you know the guy that owns dubai millions upon millions of dollars well transparent just ran for 5k at parx for Scott lake off of a voided claim in ny this is the story of alot of horses that don’t make the derby and it would be nothing to get this horse and take care of him for the shiek and goldolphin but I’m sure he’s just been lost in the shuffle of the hundreds of horses they’ve bought and raced
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I wonder too, Joy, if Jill’s Reflecton is in need of help or is she beyond help just like the countless others that waited for help that rarely came.
And as we know, there is no way of finding out in this abusive game of NO ACCOUNTABILITY. It is so very sickening.
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Yes, TY Carolyn. Jill’s Reflection – her 70th start while she was yet a 5-year-old. Oh I wonder where she is and if she needs help.
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Many thanks, Rose. In my experience, there has to be a very good reason for a track vet to scratch a horse.
I’ve just come across a horse here that was presented to race at a remote country meeting (track as hard as a rock) with both his front legs lame, he was sore. Trainer didn’t notice this? Vet noticed and horse scratched. Interestingly, this particular trainer has had at least a couple of horses break down and die in a race on the gruelling country circuit (not unlike your claiming races except there’s no claiming).
Yes, it looks as though JILL’S REFLECTION has gone – i think it’s been about seven (7) months since she’s raced when i last looked at her. I remember you raising JR a long time ago and her story was appalling even then but they kept on racing her. No rules in place to protect these innocent horses.
Hate to think about where she ended up……..
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Race scratches are noted on the Eauibase race result page. Also, it will say vet. trainer or steward in parenthesis after the horse’s name. A vet. scratch means the track vet.
Carolyn, thank you for keeping up with Halos and Angles, Shamrock Road and Jill’s Reflection. These horses represent what so many of their kind endure in this corrupt gambling business. Looks like Jill’s Reflection, like countless others, has just “disappeared”. So sad.
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Thank you, Billy. I don’t know how to navigate equibase when it comes to finding out why a horse has been scratched. I’m guessing it was the vet on duty at Mountaineer racetrack who found her not fit to start?
Or, was it her trainer’s vet who made the call the previous evening or early the next morning (which sometimes happens here in Australia)?
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Vet scratch(equibase)
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HALOS AND ANGELS was scratched from the race at Mountaineer on June 7. Don’t know the reason.
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Yes saw that Halos and Angels had a work at Thistledown last week. This was after being assured she was being retired to be a ” barrel horse” for trainer’s gf’s daughter. Clearly not. Poor girl.
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The abuse of HALOS AND ANGELS continues – entered to race at Mountaineer on Wednesday, June 7.
Bet she can hardly wait!
Also SHAMROCK ROAD has had a couple of recent workouts – yet to see if he races again.
Not sure what’s happening with JILL’S REFLECTION.
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I was so hoping that he had a new owner. I worry for horses like him. I’ll never forget a horse I saw in Chicago named Road to War. I wish I could have snatched him right off the track!
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Jenni, like you, my thoughts were that he was sold on so i checked Equibase and he has the same owner and same trainer. My guess is that he had a health issue because that’s a long time off for a racehorse – no appearance money or prizemoney.
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I wonder if something happened, like a slight injury, and he got some rest. Or maybe he finally has a decent owner who gave him some well deserved down time. Prayers for this warrior. Presque Isle is north of me. Too bad I live in a city neighborhood. I don’t think they’d let me keep a horse in my backyard!
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I see that SHAMROCK ROAD recently had a workout at Presque Isle Downs.
It has been 6 months since he has raced.
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SHAMROCK ROAD once again came home last in a race – Mountaineer on November 1, 2016.
This poor horse who was raced 12 times in 18 weeks early in his career which began Jan 16, 2015 is still being raced, for what? He earned his connections $159 in this last start.
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Wonderful to hear from you April. Wishing you the very best with your horsemanship training and the special relationship with your rescued horse, lucky horse. Stay in touch.
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Thank you for this update. After much involvement lately with my own horsemanship training along with rescuing my first horse, I have not been as active on this site as I have been in the past. Rest assured, Mr. Sexton and many many many others will be exposed as I steamroll ahead with my plans to launch a different initiative to educate, expose, and lobby for real change in this world of animal cruelty. Thanks again for the update and all that you do, HORSERACINGWRONGS.COM!
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The abuse of Shamrock Road continues. As a 2 year old this gelding had 12 starts in 18 weeks under trainer/owner Edward Charles Sexton. On October 6, 2016, SR came home 22 LENGTHS last 10th/10. According to equibase.com, the current owner is Dream Ridge Racing and trainer is Richard Markham. Yet another worrying performance but his connections continue to run him in claiming hell.
This IS horseracing.
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Thank you for bringing this to our attention, Carolyn.
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I don’t know what to say, Carolyn, other than that I share your heartbreak and concern over these three horses – Shamrock Road, Halos and Angels, and Jill’s Reflection. No one in the industry cares. Those who still might have even an ounce of compassion look away because they don’t want to “interfere” – it could come back to affect their own pocketbooks. The horses cannot cry for assistance, scream for help…they suffer in silence as this industry just runs them into their graves.
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JILL’s REFLECTION is to race at Charles Town on May 27. This mare has just turned 5 yrs of age from foaling date and already she’s had 61 starts! She was 1 yr and 10 months old when she had her very first start in Feb 2013! No doubt into training several months prior – not even 2 years of age! Just a baby!
The abuse of this horse continues unabated. Connections, vets, stewards, et al continue to permit and witness this inexcusable aggravated cruelty upon an animal.
This is horseracing.
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SHAMROCK ROAD is racing at Presque Isle Downs on Wednesday, May 25. It has been three months since he last raced. I haven’t seen any workouts on equibase for him.
HALOS AND ANGELS raced recently and came home 8th /8 last by 38 LENGTHS!!!
The abuse of this mare is outrageous. She’s uncompetitive and being forced to endure this brutal mistreatment.
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I think I get what you mean, Carolyn. I hope there wasn’t a fixed situation where SR is still with his old owners.
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Jenn, thank you for your concern for Shamrock Road.
It is possible that he’s having a lay-off.
My query is why his new trainer and owner, with such transaction taking place on Feb 22, 2016,
are not listed by Equibase but I hasten to add that there might’ve been a hiccup with the claiming purchase of SR.
I just hope he’s safe, that’s all.
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I don’t know. :( I wish I could buy him! He’d be retired right away.
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SHAMROCK ROAD last raced and won on Feb 22 with new owner/trainer no. 2 being Richard Zielinski.
SR was claimed for $5,000 on Feb 22 with new owner being Timothy B Troup and new trainer being Richard L Markham.
It appears that Richard Zielinski’s name still appears as owner/trainer on the Equibase record.
Oh, this poor horse after being raced into the ground having 24 starts from January to Dec in 2015 and now he’s where? like what’s his status?
Does anybody out there know?
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Exactly. That’s why I strongly support DECOUPLING (both for casinos and lotteries), Cancellation of the Interstate Horse Wagering Act, and investigation by the FBI into offshore horse racing bets that make millions and pay no taxes.
These 3 things can end horse racing. It will take time, but I think that a major reduction of racetracks in the USA is forthcoming. The less racetracks, the less racehorses bred, the less suffering.
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Racing is on welfare, essentially. It can’t survive without “outside” money. If these “funds” dry up then the demise of the racing game will be at hand.
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I hate to say, but I believe this will go on for as long as people are greedy and only care about themselves and their money. It’s going to take a very High Power, or some sort of force or event, in order to get people to change and see the light. Until then, we can only do what we can to try to save as many racehorses as possible.
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Politicians are bought and sold every day as you know. The horse racing industry has lobbyists everywhere because they have the money to make financial contributions.
The industry has been financially supported by either taxpayers or casinos for the past 15 years because wagering is so down it’s not sufficient to financially support this rich mans hobby.
These people go to Keeneland and pay $100,000 or more on 1 racehorse. They own multimillion dollar horse farms, pay $50,000 stud fees, buy broodmares for 6 figures, but they want everybody else to pay for it.
Essentially, we are paying for this rich mans hobby and it must end. The financial support must end because when it does the business of exploiting racehorses for profit will end. When these rich people have to financially support their own business then they will think twice about it. It’s easy to carry on a business that everybody else pays for.
Not only do the racehorses pay the price, but the Mexican labour does to. They are just as exploited as the racehorses although they have a voice, and more of a choice.
Both the financial and moral cost of this business is outrageous and the time to end it is now.
The industry uses the ‘job” card time and time again claiming they support American jobs
There are millions of businesses in America that collectively provide more jobs than horse racing ever will, and they are not financially supported by either taxpayers or casinos, and now lotteries. Nor do they exploit animals or people. They actually pay a decent wage with benefits unlike stable help on racetracks.
How much longer is the people and the government going to allow this to go on?
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Stronach can afford this easily, and probably use it in a tax write off. What are they pulling this money from and who will be adversely affected? There are far better ways to use this money with longer reaching affects than one day of racing. Bridge repair, education, funding the poor. Yet this is going to a horse race? I’d get the media involved as well. Unlike the welfare of horses, people don’t like seeing their hard earned tax dollars wasted on a rich man’s sport. Tweet, share on facebook, etc. Once the public knows, they’ll be in an uproar, and maybe it can be stopped. At the very least, it’ll be bad press for the politicians and maybe even the track. I’m not sure but isn’t it coming up for election times? Could be a double whammy.
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Agree Jenn. Maryland residents should mobilize, and tell their politicians to stop the transfer of these funds by stopping House Bill 965.
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Taxpayers of Maryland need to contact their representatives and voice their concerns. Flood their phone lines and email like crazy.
I don’t know how to do it, but maybe someone could put a petition up on a site like Force Change dedicated to getting Shamrock Road off the track and into a safe retirement.
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Thank you Carolyn. Shamrock Road is another profit slave for this despicable industry. Speaking of taxpayers money it’s with absolute disgust that I read this:
“House Bill 965 would move $1.1 million of state lottery funds to the horse racing industry, $500,000 of which would be earmarked for the new “Maryland International,” to be run on turf at Laurel Park. The race would be scheduled five to six weeks in advance of the Breeders’ Cup, in the hopes that contenders would use it as their final prep race.”
Why should 1.1 million dollars go to horse racing??? WHY??? There are so many other social areas that this money could be applied to. The owner Frank Stronach owns multimillion dollar farms, breeds about 200+ horses every year, is a multibillionaire and he wants STATE FUNDS to pay for ONE RACE! Are you f**king kidding me?
How can our politicians allow this waste of money to keep being thrown into a money pit called horse racing? Should we throw all the broken bones and dead racehorses into the money pit as well?
These people make me sick.
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Sold privately? Fake sold? Maybe the new owner is a friend. Still wish I knew a trainer that could claim him to retire him.
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SHAMROCK ROAD is entered to race at Mahoning Valley on Monday Feb 22.
He is up for claiming for $5,000.
His new owner/trainer is Richard Zielinski.
He last raced Dec 18, 2015 under his trainer from day one, Edward Sexton, owner The IRA, when he came home 10th/10 last by 20+ lengths.
He was up for claiming for $15,000 but I couldn’t see any horses claimed in that race.
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TY, Carolyn, for the links.
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To: The Chairman, Robert M. Beck, Jr.
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission Marc.Guilfoil@ky.gov
It will be his 24th start since Jan 16, 2015 when he had his first race start.
From foaling date, for his first ten (10) starts he was only 2 years old.
SR raced on Sept 4 and had 6 starts from that date in a period of 6 weeks.
Earlier in his career he had 12 starts in 18 weeks.
SR has not had a proper lay-off.
In my opinion, this horse is being raced into the ground.
This 3 year old gelding has come home distanced in his last 3 starts – 24 LENS, 26 LENS and 26 LENS.
SHAMROCK ROAD raced at Turfway Park, Florence, Kentucky on Sunday, Dec 6 and earned $118 for trailing home 26 LENS for his trainer owner Edward Charles SEXTON (the IRA). Chart said he had brief speed and then stopped.
He went hard at the start travelling in 2nd place and then suddenly he dropped right back – yes he sure did STOP because he’s so exhausted from this arduous racing program. It was a pitiful sight to see this horse struggling to keep up with the field (his herd – safety) whilst being beaten with a whip and wearing blinkers which restricts the horse’s vision causing further stress. It is not uncommon for racehorses to go hard at the start when wearing blinkers and sometimes jockeys have difficulty in holding them back to try and stop them from using up too much energy at the beginning of the race. Whether this was the case here, I do not know.
It was this horse’s 23rd start since Jan 16, 2015 when he had his first race start.
From foaling date, for his first ten (10) starts he was only 2 years old.
SR raced on Sept 4 and had 6 starts from that date in a period of 6 weeks.
Earlier in his career he had 12 starts in 18 weeks.
SR has not had a proper lay-off.
In my opinion, this horse is being raced into the ground.
This 3 year old gelding has come home distanced in his last 3 starts e.g. 24 lens, 26 lens and 26 lens.
Earnings for his 23 starts to date = $22,782 and averaging $991 per start.
THE OVERRACING, OVERUSING AND OVERWORKING OF SHAMROCK ROAD CONTINUES……. in the meantime, those that have the power to intervene appear, for whatever reason, to be reluctant to do so.
The racing industry is sustained by the public, the horses are put on public display and therefore their well-being is open to public scrutiny.
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Thank you, Carolyn!
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To: The Chairman, Robert M. Beck, Jr.
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission Marc.Guilfoil@ky.gov
The relevant racing commission is the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission.
The Turfway Park Racetrack appears to be a racino.
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Shamrock Road is entered to run on December 6, 2015, at TURFWAY PARK.
Sigh.
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Thanks, Rose.
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All 3 scratches in race 12 were by Trainer.
I’ve heard that does not mean much as the trainer is sometimes given the “option” to scratch rather than have the horse listed s a vet. scratch. The real “reason” for the scratch is rarely, if ever disclosed, except, of course, when a race is taken “off turf”.
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No worries! It is a bit confusing on first looking at it. :)
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Thanks Jenn, i misread it.
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This link was updated maybe. It now says:
#2 Shamrock Road Scratched – Reason Unavailable 11:25 AM ET Scratch Reason – Reason Unavailable changed to Trainer 12:02 PM ET
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Jenn, if you come across who scratched Shamrock, could you please put the link up, thanks.
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Reason for scratching SHAMROCK ROAD is “unavailable” according to the link below.
The Charts only went up to Race 9 (Shamrock Road was in Race 12). Perhaps 3 races were
cancelled.
Rose, how can i find out who scratched Shamrock?
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It would be interesting to read if it was vet or track scratch. I doubt it was an owner scratch!
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Shamrock Road is scratched ! Of course, it does not say why on the entries. However, it will say whether it was by a vet. a steward or the owner/trainer when the race results are posted on the Equibase site. Check the “full charts” results It can take about 30 mins following the race for the “full chart” to be posted.
Maybe Churchill took the hint from the emails concerning the abuse ??
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I prayed for this in a good way – that he be able to rest. Going at this pace, this poor sweetheart is facing the inevitable demise of break down but just prolonged until he’s out of racing for good. I hope he’s ok but he also may be hurt.
Thank everyone from the time Shamrock Road’s story has been told on this site until now for the outpouring of care and concern for him, and the EXPOSURE of this self-centered and cruel animal abuser, Sexton. Pathetic individual. This barbaric sport of horse racing will eventually die and the money will burn.
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Breaking news:
Shamrock Road was scratched from race 12 on November 29, 2015, at CHURCHILL DOWNS.
I hope he’s okay!!!!!!! This was in my email this morning.
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I voted as well. I wish you could see how many horses were written in, and how many votes each got. Is anyone posting this on their facebook/twitter/instagram/etc pages? I’m hoping social media can work for Shamrock Road! I’d love to see Penny Chenery’s face when she sees Shamrock Road written in a good number of times! I wonder if she’d be like, “And who is this?” And if his name is released as a write in, I wonder what his dirtbag owner will think.
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Thank you, Karen.
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To: The Chairman, Robert M. Beck, Jr.
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission Marc.Guilfoil@ky.gov
To: The Officiating Stewards – Churchill Downs
c/- Churchill Downs Racetrack
E-mail: customerservice@kyderby.com
To: The Officiating Stewards – Churchill Downs
c/- Churchill Downs Communications
E-mail: darren.rogers@kyderby.com
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Just voted for Shamrock Road.
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Just got a notification that SHAMROCK ROAD is racing again at Churchill Downs on Sunday 29 November – this will be his 23rd start since January 2015 WITHOUT A LAY-OFF!
This 3 year old gelding came home 26 LENS 2ND LAST in his last start at Churchill Downs on 21 November and at his previous start at Thistledown he came home LAST BY 24 LENGTHS.
The overracing, overusing and overworking of this racehorse continues……
He has my vote. Results will be announced on Dec. 8th. !
I think this is a great idea. My thanks to Jenn, Maureen and Joy.
P.S. Jenn, I remember the debacle with the mare, Life at Ten, at the 2010 Breeder’s Cup. The trainer was Todd Pletcher or Teflon Todd, if you like. The trainer has the ultimate responsibility for the horses in his barn but a steward lost his job and Todd Pletcher was hardly mentioned !
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Argh! He’s entered again at Churchill. November 29th at 6:03.
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I’m glad to help!! If anyone is on facebook, Twitter, etc., maybe they can post this link as well.
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Absolutely, Carolyn…it’s such a great idea thanks to Jenn!
Please everyone, vote for Shamrock Road!
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Many thanks Joy for the link and the instructions – DONE!
Then you’ll see (in blue text) “2015 Secretariat Vox Populi Award Nominees Set, Voting Now Open…Let Your Voice Be Heard”…click on that and it should be there. SUPER SIMPLE AND QUICK!
All you have to do is just type in SHAMROCK ROAD
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Great imagination Jenn! Exactly……. WHO is Shamrock Road? He is a HERO!
And we will make sure that he becomes well known – he represents the hundreds and hundreds
of horses being overraced, overused and overworked in the racing industry without any regard for their safety, health and welfare.
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Jenn!! That is a fantastic idea to vote for Shamrock Road for the Vox Populi Award!…in fact, I’ve already done it!
FOLKS WHO CARE ABOUT SHAMROCK ROAD…please go to the site (see below) and there is a box where you can vote for one of the three horses listed OR you can write in the horse of your choice – Shamrock Road! It was the simplest thing…just type in his name and accept! DONE!
Then you’ll see (in blue text) “2015 Secretariat Vox Populi Award Nominees Set, Voting Now Open…Let Your Voice Be Heard”…click on that and it should be there. SUPER SIMPLE AND QUICK!
THANKS JENN!
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I scan sites like Bloodhorse (and really, what kind of a name is that supposed to be?!) daily. The current thing is the award for people’s choice, created by the owner of Secretariat, Penny Chenery. The following selections were copied from the BH website:
“…nominees were selected by the Vox Populi committee, and voters again have the option to write in a racehorse of their choice.”
So why not write in Shamrock Road’s name? I can’t think of a better, and very visible way, to put light on this poor horse than writing in his name.
There are only three prenominated horses picked. American Pharoah, Beholder, and Rachel’s Valentina (daughter of Rachel Alexandra).
“The winner will be selected on the equally weighted basis of the public online poll as well as input from Mrs. Chenery and the Vox Populi committee, a group of several distinguished personalities from within and outside the racing industry who all share a keen interest and affection for the sport. Voting in the online poll, which can be found at Secretariat.com, ends Dec. 6, with the public presentation to the 2015 winner scheduled for Jan. 9, at Santa Anita Park.”
Let’s put Shamrock Road’s name there for all to see! Imagine if we could get “big” racing names saying “Who is Shamrock Road?” Would they review his race record and see how over raced he is? Google his name and see blogs like this crying out to get him retired? Shine light on his shady owner? Maybe this could be big for him. Hopefully in a good way.
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Interesting Mary, thank you.
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Jill’s Reflection was scratched from race 8 on November 22, 2015, at GULFSTREAM PARK WEST.
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Thanks for the link, Mary.
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April, I couldn’t agree with you more. Sexton is a predator. Keep every email and voicemail that he sends to you. If you have trouble with him moving forward, let me know and I will put you in touch with two other individuals who will corroborate what you are saying. They, too, have been threatened by him. He is bad, bad news.
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Sexton is a predator. He admits it on a vm to me personally. Mr. Sexton will soon have lots social media attention and it’s not going to be good. Sexton, if you’re reading this, I told you people are watching you. You will be held accountable. That’s a bet you can count on!!!
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Carolyn, Sexton, the abuser, has stated that, if he chooses to run his horses “eight days a week”, it is none of our business. That quote comes from one of my contacts that I completely trust. I have also been told, by another contact connected to Midwest TB’s, that Sexton beat a guy up in Florida and threatened to do more damage to him if he went to the authorities. Sounds to me as if Sexton thinks he is above the law and is just a low life “thug”. Also, it is important to keep in mind that Sexton is involved with Mary Mead, the girl who sent some of the Midwest TB’s to slaughter. Both are bad news, in my opinion.
I personally don’t think that Sexton comes to this blog and reads the posts about him, but I’m sure there are pro-racing trolls that funnel some of the comments in his direction. Therefore, let me be clear. If Sexton wants to come after me, please let him know that I am ready…and waiting…for him. I refuse to be intimidated by him or any other human “monster”.
We will continue to follow Shamrock Road much to the chagrin of the thug…Sexton. Those who support horseracing must be mighty proud to have such a vile human being in their industry.
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I remember her well, Jenn…what was done to her was blatant abuse. Legal, blatant abuse. I think LAT was Pletcher’s racemare so that is a partial explanation for lack of concern for her.
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You’re welcome. I think that seeing his progress, from saddling area to the gate, can tell a lot about how the horse is doing. One of the saddest races I saw ended up with the horse not being injured at all, but the mare did not want to race. The mare’s name is Life At Ten and it was in the 2010 Breeders Cup race. I was into horse racing back then and I watched the post parade. The jockey said she didn’t seem herself but the track vet cleared her to run. She pretty much shouldn’t have been raced and, I think, she proved to me that day that she was right and the humans were wrong. Except maybe her jockey who didn’t want her to run either.
Anyway, I’m glad that Shamrock Road finished safely, but I really wish that, if he had to be raced at all, that he wasn’t with that guy.
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Thank you, Jenn…firstly, for being so brave to watch – for the sake of Shamrock Road. And then to honestly report back to all of us who have such concern for his welfare.
Sexton is an abuser and a coward. Men like him feel big in exploiting animals such as horses because they themselves are so small and weak and nothing.
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I had almost forgotten about his race and turned to the right channel just in time to see the post parade. I was so worried for him that I paused the tv (I’m so glad for DVR!) until I thought the race would be over. On hitting “live” I managed to catch the race just as the horses finished the race. Not for the last time will I say that I wished I had the money, ability, and know how to claim him!
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Mr Sexton
It is not in your best interests to threaten me…….. The emails you have sent to me have been handed over to a lawyer.
You stated in your first email that you have “a large pile of harassing emails to numerous tracks”. You also stated that I was trying to get in the way of you making money???
The racing industry is a public industry sustained by the public and the horses are put on public display and therefore their welfare is open to public scrutiny. As I have previously commented on this site, I (and some other fellow commenters) have concerns about the arduous racing program for Shamrock Road who has been racing since Jan 16, 2015 without a lay-off. Emails sent by me (and some other fellow commenters have also sent emails as well) to the relevant racing authorities/tracks, are always polite. I state the facts and refer to equibase.com and I also make reference to the industry’s own veterinarian scientific researchers’ findings, recommendations and advice, to substantiate my concerns.
No, Mr Sexton, I don’t send “harassing” emails.
Interestingly, I’ve received some replies assuring me that my correspondence would be forwarded on to the appropriate officials for their attention.
It appears to me that the “large pile of harassing emails” that you talk about are in your possession because they’ve been sent to you by the racing authorities and I would imagine that they’re following protocol and informing you that some members of the public have genuine concerns about the welfare of Shamrock Road.
Perhaps I should remind you that the Horseracing Wrongs site is about the welfare of the racehorse, it is a public forum, freedom of speech and everyone has the right to voice their own opinion.
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Jenn, thank you for following Shamrock Road, watching his race and informing the public (tv) comments that were made about him – yes some honesty. “This horse has no place being here”.
According to equibase.com, he came home (8th/9) 2nd last by 26 AND ¾ LENS. and for this he earned $777 for his owner/trainer, (the IRA)/ Edward Sexton.
Chart stated he “FOLDED UP” well….. we know why, given this horse’s history. No, he definitely had no place being in that race because his place should’ve been in a paddock having a desperately needed lay-off.
I just saw Shamrock Road’s race on TV. He finished either last or second last. But he finished. The TV guys were not kind to him during the post parade, but I guess it was frank honesty. “Your final horse of the race at 45 to 1 and worth every bit of that price” aka “This horse has no place being here.” I feel so bad for him. :( He has such a terrible owner.
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Thank you Mary and Joy, for your posts.
Anyone with an ounce of sense knows the business is obscenely corrupt, not to mention the animal cruelty involved.
The situation with Parx and the issue with being able to “legally” start a horse in AZ that was declared unfit to race by the vet. in CA is outrageous. It clearly shows, among other things, why nobody in the business wants a national racing commission or any “outside” interference.
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Mary, thank you for providing the link to the Paulick Report article about the four-year-old gelding Time for a J. I read disturbing pieces about racehorses daily, but this one was especially horrific. I would encourage readers to click on the link Mary provided – see what a racing insider had to say about what was done to Time for a J AND read the remarks from the gelding’s racing owner/trainer. That being said, the article is long and I’m afraid many will pass on reading it…so I want to highlight a several things;
– in May of 2014, Time for a J (then 3-years-old) raced at Santa Anita in a 20K claiming race
– in his very next race (June), he was DROPPED into a $3500 claiming race at Los Alamitos and was claimed by O/T Robert Lucas
– Lucas ran him four more times
– then on October 4, 2014, Time for a J was SCRATCHED from a race on a California track by the vet (meaning the horse was not sound/fit to race). California rules prohibit horses on the vet’s list from running at any track in the state (until they are deemed sound and removed from the list)
– so Lucas took the gelding out of state – to Arizona – where he ran him once in November and twice in December
– on December 29, trainer Kanya Kemper claimed Time for a J for $3500
– Kemper raced him on January 14 and January 27…on the 27th, he broke his left front leg only a couple of furlongs into the race and was euthanized
– Quotes from Robert Lucas who took the vet-listed youngster out of state to race him…”I WAS SURPRISED HE GOT CLAIMED [on December 29] BECAUSE HE HAD SUCH BAD LEGS” and “IF YOU LOOKED FROM HIS KNEES DOWN, IT WAS JUST DREADFUL”
– (Time for a J – now remember, just four years old with such DREADFUL, BAD LEGS – had already suffered a bowed tendon in one front and a ligament injury in the other front)
– and a quote from Kemper who claimed Time for a J on December 29…”I STARTED HEARING BAD THINGS ABOUT HIM [about Time for a J, after claiming him]
– and lastly, according to the article, Lucas had a nice retirement “gig” lined up for Time for a J if he hadn’t died from racing with such dreadful legs – considering what he did to him while the gelding was alive, I can only imagine the “gig” was the slaughterhouse…
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Carolyn, yes the abuse of Jill’s Reflection and Shamrock Road continues….unabated….and nothing will be done to stop it unless we, as compassionate human beings, encourage family and friends to stop betting on the horses. The racing industry is a “rogue” industry where money is king and each state plays by its own rules. Today I read an article in the Paulick Report about another exploited and abused horse, Time for a J, who was raced in Arizona when he was on the vet’s list in California. He died in the dirt when he fractured both sesamoids in his left front leg. I wonder if the scene was “sanitized” by the lovely blue screen so that the betting public wouldn’t have to witness the unpleasantness of a horse euthanized on the track. Oh, and Time for a J was only four…you know, just a baby….but who cares when there is freaking money to be made. I sometimes think that I can’t hate racing anymore than I already do, but each day brings a new level of utter disgust and contempt.
This 4 year old mare is entered to race again at Gulfstream on November 22 (it will be her 56th start) – just eight (8) days after her last start when she came home 10th/13 at Gulfstream on Nov 14. Chart stated “began to weaken three furlongs out”. And this was in a 6 furlong race, therefore, this poor thing is stuffed half way through the race! I call it aggravated cruelty.
The abuse of JILL’S REFLECTION continues…….. with no intervention by the so called “veterinarians”, racing authorities or Stewards who have the power, responsibility, obligation and duty of care to ensure the welfare of the horse. UTTERLY SHAMEFUL.
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Agreed Jenn – a dignified peaceful protest would be one sure way of raising awareness. Shamrock Road is just one solitary example of racing a horse into the ground.
Rose raised Jill’s Reflection a while back (a 4 year old mare). JR continues to be raced into the ground – since May 2013 she’s been raced about twice each month with no lay-off, of any significance, that I could see. To date, she’s had 55 starts 49 of which have been at Gulfstream. She has failed to finish twice and in her last race came home 10th/13 at Gulfstream on Nov 14. Chart stated “began to weaken three furlongs out”. And this was in a 6 furlong race, therefore, this poor thing is stuffed half way through the race! I call it aggravated cruelty.
Like SR, her bones and body are not being given the opportunity of a proper recovery, resting and mending period e.g. 3 months. Veterinary research scientists such as Dr Chris Riggs BVSc, PhD, DEO, Dipl. ECVS, MRCVS, head of Veterinary Clinical Services at the Hong Kong Jockey Club, have proved that bone fatigue is the most common reason for breakdown fractures.
Also, Sue Stover, veterinarian and researcher at the University of California-Davis stated “We know that well over 85% of horses that die from a bone fracture die because the bone has a weakness”. “These are repetitive overuse injuries” Stover says. “This particular lesion is one of the main reasons that bone scanning was installed at Santa Anita. We know that well over 85% of horses that die from a bone fracture, die because the bone has a weakness. The next step is how do we detect the pre-existing injury?” Stover runs a finger over the bone. “This horse, if it was allowed to heal, would have had normal performance afterwards”.
What more evidence does the racing industry require before it heeds the scientific research, recommendations and advice from its own experts?
Have sent emails.
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He’s been entered in a stakes race. I wonder if anyone close enough to Churchill could bring a sign and protest. Imagine if it got on TV!
Shamrock Road is entered to run on November 21, 2015, at CHURCHILL DOWNS.
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I feel so bad for him. I have him in a virtual stable, which notifies me of workouts, and race entries and finishes. He was alone in this latest workout. Oh, if I had the money and ability to do so, he’d be one of many I’d claim in order to retire!!
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Update on SHAMROCK ROAD (a 3 year old gelding)
From his foaling date, for his first ten (10) starts he was only TWO (2) years old.
After his last start when he came home 24 lens last for $192 at Thistledown in Ohio on October 16, he has had two (2) workouts at Churchill Downs, Kentucky. Just a 3 weeks’ break and then his first workout on November 9 and again yesterday on Nov 17.
A 3 weeks’ break in lieu of a 3 months’ lay-off – Oh you sure are true to form EDWARD SEXTON!
In comparison, 3 year old Houston Fire who began his career on the same day as Shamrock Road (Jan 16, 2015) has had SIX (6) starts to date, this colt was given a 4 months’ lay-off and has had a couple of recent workouts.
Shamrock Road – number of starts to date TWENTY-ONE (21) with no lay-off.
THE OVERRACING, OVERUSING AND OVERWORKING OF SHAMROCK ROAD CONTINUES
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Shamrock Road’s outrageous abuse continues because of racing’s deliberate lack of any rules to protect the horse. The vets and the stewards all look the other way simply because, even if they gave a damn about the abuse, they are “scared” for their jobs. If any one of them had a spark of decency they would speak out on behalf of this voiceless animal.
To work in this business one has to put aside one’s conscience, integrity, as well as decency provided, of course, that any existed in the first place.
The situation says it all in terms of what a dirty business this is. It is without any redeeming social value whatsoever.
God help Shamrock because racing will not.
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Agreed. I tend to think that any horse that refuses to get into the gate, or acts up in it, is either hurt, sick, or flat out doesn’t want to go. Can’t really blame them, especially one as over raced as Shamrock Road.
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Thanks Jenn. We call that reared in the gates here. He would not have been keen to be loaded!
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I’ve seen hopped. It’s when the horse rears up a bit as they leave the gate. The horse also may or may not have been difficult to load into the gate. I wish I could claim him and save him from this abuser.
SR raced at Thistledown on Friday Oct 16 and earned $192 for trailing home 24 lens last for his trainer owner Edward Charles SEXTON (the IRA).
It was this horse’s 21st start since Jan 16, 2015 when he had his first race start.
From foaling date for his first ten (10) starts he was only 2 years old.
SR raced on Sept 4 and has had 6 starts since that date in a period of 6 weeks!
Earlier in his career he had 12 starts in 18 weeks!
SR has not had even one proper lay-off.
According to equibase.com, the Chart stated SR “hopped at the start then trailed”.
There were 9 starters in this race and Como Se Llama (owned by Maggi Moss) came 8th, 14 lengths 2nd last, so SR’s trailing the field would’ve been very obvious indeed with a gap of TEN (10) lens between them. Oh Shamrock Road must’ve been laboring – glad I cannot look at it. “Hopped” at the start, I’m guessing that this happened when he jumped out of the gates or very soon thereafter. Stumbled, bucked but I’ve never come across “hopped” before, anyway something was going on with SR and it is highly likely because he’s so exhausted from this arduous racing without respite, he had difficulty in starting and obviously didn’t have the strength to keep up there with the field and just trailed behind, I hope he didn’t sustain an injury. This race was five and one-half furlongs so it wasn’t his usual one mile distance and he should’ve been able to handle a shorter distance, he trailed for the whole of the race!
AND ONCE AGAIN the Stewards and the so called Vets turn a blind eye.
AND ONCE AGAIN racing officials at the Ohio State Racing Commission were notified of the concerns for the welfare of this racehorse and this was the third occasion of such a notification
and they once again took no action – these horses are in the stewardship of these Stewards!
And you SEXTON are racing Shamrock Road into the ground and you’ve done it from the very beginning of his career. You know it is unlikely that he’ll be a significant money earner for you and being a gelding the only way you can get money out of him is to race him relentlessly.
I’d like to know what you thought of this recent race at Thistledown – did it prick your conscience?
SR must’ve looked a sorry sight in that race – don’t you think?
It appears to me SEXTON that you are slowly but surely destroying this young horse. You have been taking risks with him and that tells me that you just don’t give a damn and I suspect you’ll just race him till he drops, you will squeeze the last drop of blood out of him, you will squeeze the last ounce of energy out of him and that nearly happened at Thistledown. And while you’re keeping yourself busy with all this what is SHAMROCK ROAD doing?
I’ll tell you what he’s doing – he is fighting for his life, he is trying to preserve himself AGAINST ALL THE ODDS thanks to you, you cur…..!
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SHAMROCK ROAD is racing again this Friday 16 Oct at Thistledown.
Anyone who wishes to speak up for this voiceless racehorse – relevant details below
Despite the fact that there are no Rules in place (that I’m aware of) as to the number of starts over a certain period of time that a horse can have, I believe that the authorities do have the power to scratch this horse. An on duty racetrack vet, employed to vet the horses and find them fit to race, only has to look at SR’s arduous racing program to see that he has had no lay-off since Jan 16 2015 (9 months of racing which included 12 starts in 18 weeks). From foaling date for his first ten (10) starts he was 2 years old. It is my belief that SR’s history and the unabated racing of him, are grounds for a duty of care for the welfare of the horse to come into play, any ethical vet would know this. The Stewards can then heed the advice of the vet and scratch the horse. The following is part of the Veterinarians’ sworn oath –
“Being admitted to the profession of veterinary medicine, I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health and welfare, the prevention and relief of animal suffering, the conservation of animal resources, the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge”.
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Thanks Rose – emails have been sent to the various Racing Commissions e.g. Kentucky, Ohio,
Pennsylvania (no email address but sent to Presque Isle Downs) West Virginia and now Ohio again as well as the various Racetrack Clubs for good measure. Agree with you – seems it’s somewhat convenient that there’s no national body having jurisdiction over all the State Racing Commissions. If they genuinely cared for these horses, at the very least, they would have just ONE SET OF RULES AND REGULATIONS for each and every racehorse no matter what State they were in.
Shamrock Road is racing again on Friday 16 Oct at Thistledown – I’ll put up another comment with the details.
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Carolyn, thank you for keeping up with Shamrock Road. The horse started 4 times in September and again 11 days later on the 10th of October. How this blatant abuse is “legal” in this business speaks volumes concerning how it’s athletes are “valued”.
The horse crosses state lines to compete and, since there is no national commission for racing, it means a complaint would have to be made to each track in each state, all with different rules. However, I don’t believe there are rules concerning frequent starts in any racing jurisdiction. The standard answer seems to be “it is up to the trainer”.
It would be easier to file a complaint with a national governing body.
I believe the fact that there is no national commission is by design because it facilitates the lack of accountability and the lack of uniform rules. Trying to hold anybody accountable in this business just about impossible. No animal rights group is willing to challenge the horse abuse. The only case I know of was when the ASPCA brought charges of cruelty against trainer David Jacobson for severe neglect of a horse called Huggable Tom back in the 80’s. The same trainer is now getting awards for the most wins in NY. He plays the “claiming game” a lot and is known to start horses with just 3 days between races.
Shamrock Road is now at a $7,500 claim down from $50,000 in February of this year. It seems to me the only way to stop this horse from being run to death is for someone to pay the claim money. Money always takes precedence over the horse. This is the mentality of those in the game.
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Thank you CArolyn for following this story. i will continue to record the race whenever he races . i do hope they will retire him.
i agree with you that
THE OVERRACING, OVERUSING AND OVERWORKING OF SHAMROCK ROAD CONTINUES
along with thousands upon thousands of other over worked and abused horses.
it is a shameful industry that should be shut down forever.
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UPDATE ON SHAMROCK ROAD – Another mile on the dirt in these INSIDIOUS claiming races
Representations were made to Bill Crawford, Executive Director and Ms Barbara Roth, Licensing of the Ohio State Racing Commission prior to SHAMROCK ROAD’s recent start at Belterra Park on Oct 10 to have this 3 year old gelding scratched and an embargo placed on him to have a 3 months’ layoff on the grounds that this horse’s welfare is being disregarded by his trainer/owner, the relevant racing commissions, the relevant racetracks, stewards and the so called vets. The deliberate continuation of his arduous racing program without respite is unacceptable. Shamrock Road was permitted to start and a lay-off he was once again denied.
According to equibase.com connections as of last start were –
Jockey: Erin M Walker
Trainer: Edward C Sexton
Owner: The IRA
Breeder: Edward Charles Sexton & Mary Grace Mead
He came home 2nd for $1,140 (3rd place was $570). He was up for claiming ($7,500).
According to the Chart
Shamrock Road “set suicidal fractions”
Shamrock Road “set the ultra fast pace while five and six wide, was used up in the stretch and began to fade”
I’m glad I cannot look at this race. Set suicidal fractions means that this horse was FORCED to gallop at such an extreme speed that it was suicidal – YES potentially life threatening for him.
He could’ve suffered an acute cardio respiratory failure and severe pulmonary haemorrhage, as a result of exercise induced cardiovascular failure.
Another concern is that he set this ultra fast pace when he was 5 and 6 horses WIDE (having to cover more ground than the other horses) which leaves me speechless.
If you are reading this SEXTON (the IRA) I can imagine what your instructions were to the hoop and I think it’s safe to say here that they would’ve been along the lines – be aggressive at the start, set a very fast pace and hit the lead no matter the circumstances (he was 5 and 6 horses wide which evidences these instructions). And highly likely there was a sling on offer for the jockey.
The purse for this race was only $5,700 with 8 horses in the race. This sick strategy for SR to set an outrageously fast pace was in the hope that many of the others would tire giving him a good chance of winning. SR was I think the youngest and also carried the lightest weight but he still tired and we know why. I hate to think how he pulled up after this gutbuster and I wouldn’t be surprised if he lost weight and goes off his food. SR will be sour.
3 year old Houston Fire began his career on the same day as Shamrock Road (Jan 16, 2015).
Houston Fire – number of starts Six (6) this colt was given a 4 months’ lay-off
Shamrock Road – number of starts TWENTY (20)
(I had previously inadvertently stated that HF had had 7 starts).
THE OVERRACING, OVERUSING AND OVERWORKING OF SHAMROCK ROAD CONTINUES
RE: SHAMROCK ROAD – RACE 3– BELTERRA PARK – OCT 10, 2015
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JILL’S REFLECTION came home 2nd last for $160 at Gulfstream on Oct 1 by 18 lengths and according to the chart she “could not sustain bid” and “had no response in the lane”. Well, doesn’t sound as though she’s coping at all and given her arduous racing program/history, that is no surprise. Her claiming price was $6,250. It appears that she’s been up for claiming since Sept 2013. To date she has earned $76,480.
According to equibase.com connections as of her last start were –
Jockey: Winston R Kay
Trainer: David Rakoff
Owner: Breakin Wind Farm
Breeder: Rose Family Stable Ltd
This 4 year old filly began racing on May 2, 2013 as a 2 year old. Her breeder, Rose Family Stable was her owner and Barry Rose her trainer up until June 11, 2015 when she was claimed for $10,000 (her initial claim price was $50,000) new trainer is Dario Vega and owner is World Wide Promotion Enterprises. On Sept 4, new trainer is Sergio Vega. On Sept 20 she was claimed for $6,250.
New trainer is David Rakoff and new owner is Breakin Wind Farm.
According to equibase.com, on Oct 12, 2013 Jill’s Reflection lost her rider and DNF. BE EXTRAORDINARY (also a 2 year old filly) was raced up close, clipped heels, fell and was vanned off. Chart says JR “bumped hard” with the fallen horse and lost her jockey. I think “collided heavily” with the fallen horse would’ve been the correct description as to what happened here – when a horse is down on the ground, it is a collision. Apparently there was a Stewards’ inquiry but no action was taken. Did BE ask to be raced up so close to another horse, resulting in her being so squeezed for room, that she clipped heels? No, the equine never places itself in such a dangerous potentially lethal situation. BE who was having her very first race start has not reappeared and seems to have disappeared……I think one can safely assume that she’s DEAD.
JILL’S REFLECTION is only 4 years of age, has not had a decent break (with the exception of a 2 months’ break early in her career) and has had FIFTY-FOUR (54) starts to date. These so called “vets” and others in the racing commissions have a duty of care to immediately place an embargo on her for a lay-off for at least 3 months.
Just to clarify that Houston Fire began his racing career on Jan 16, 2015.
Total career starts to date = seven (7)
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Despite further representations being made to the West Virginia Racing Commission and the Humane Society, SHAMROCK ROAD was passed fit to race on Sept 29 at Mountaineer. He came home 4th/6 (2 others scratched by the Stewards) by 11 lens and he was “spent” and worn out in the upper stretch according to the chart …..mmm… WONDER WHY? So as we can see here the Stewards had the power to scratch 2 others but the reasons are likely to have been in accordance with the Rules and we are not privy as to the reasons/Rules. On the other hand, there are no Rules in place to protect the horse as to the number of starts over a certain period of time, however, the Vet on duty (if consulted by the Stewards) appears to have been of the view that SR could race, at the same time conveniently ignoring his arduous racing program/history, as well as concerns by members of the public who provided factual evidence to justify their concerns.
According to equibase.com, and if I’ve read it correctly, SR did not carry the original 119 allocated? but carried 122 which would have made it harder for him and this race ended up on the dirt track, an unkind surface. He was in fact a 2 year old (foaling date May 25, 2012) when he had his first TEN (10) starts. He had twelve (12) starts in 18 weeks (Feb. 12 to June 21). In my experience, I’m seeing all the signs that this horse is barely coping and remains at high risk. Total earnings to date $20,555 ($1,082 per start). SR is earning his keep but the profit margin for the IRA is nothing to write home about. $920 for 4th/6 this last start.
The only other 3 year old in the race, Houston Fire, won but it was his 7th start since Jan 16, 2015
(this colt had a 4 months’ lay-off during the year)
WHEREAS Shamrock Road has now had 19 starts since Jan 16, 2015 with no proper lay-off.
What was it April that Sexton said to you – something along the lines that he wasn’t racing SR any harder than the others???
THE CONCERNS FOR THIS 3 YEAR OLD GELDING CONTINUES….
And in the same race, according to equibase.com
Cap Trick who came home 2nd last by 18 lens “wilted abruptly”
and
Ocean City who came home last by 21 lens “folded up after a half mile” (and this was a one mile and 70 yards race). How can anyone argue that this horse was fit for the purpose?
Her first start as a TWO YEAR OLD was on May 2, 2013 and she had 47 starts in just 2 years and it will be FIFTY-FOUR (54) starts next race. She had a couple of months off earlier in her career after her 4th race start but since then she’s had no lay-off at all.
They make the ridiculous claim that they love their horses but don’t give a damn about their welfare…. says it all!
Needless to say JILL’S REFLECTION is just one example of the overracing, overusing and overworking of racehorses.
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SHAMROCK ROAD – have sent my emails and hope some other advocates have done likewise….
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Thank you Carolyn.
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Just turned on my computer and when i saw an email from Virtual Stable i thought it would be about one of the other horses i have.
THE OVERRACING, OVERUSING AND OVERWORKING OF THIS YOUNG GELDING CONTINUES
It is a plus that it’s Mountaineer again – the racing officials at WVRC have been informed by members of the public of their concerns for the welfare of SHAMROCK ROAD who last raced on Sept 19 at Mountaineer and on that occasion I received a response from Bill Phillips, one of the Commissioners at West Virginia Racing Commission and he stated that he would provide a copy of my email to Chairman Jack Rossi and Commissioner Gregory McDermott. He added that he would also provide a copy of my email to Joe Moore, Acting Executive Director asking him to look into this matter.
Here are the relevant links again for the sending of emails/phone calls
RE: SHAMROCK ROAD – RACE 2– MOUNTAINEER RACETRACK – TUESDAY SEPT 29, 2015
West Virginia Racing Commission
900 Pennsylvania Avenue Suite 533
Charleston WV 25302
Phone 304.558-2150
Fax: 304 558-6319
Perhaps a request to Ms Pringle that she provide a copy of your email to Wayne Pacelle for his attention, given his belief that horseracing can be conducted humanely!
The Humane Society USA
Ms Valerie Pringle
Equine Protection Specialist, Equine Protection vpringle@humanesociety.org
telephone 301-258-1408
The Humane Society of the United States
2100 L Street NW Washington, DC 20037
humanesociety.org
We know that SHAMROCK ROAD is just an example of many others, one of which is JILL’S REFLECTION who is another racehorse being raced into the ground over a long period of time without respite.
And SEXTON if you are reading this, you know what you’re doing to this young horse, you are continuing to race this horse into the ground without respite when he’s desperate for at least a 3 months’ lay-off. You also know that you are playing Russian roulette with him because he is high risk. Yes, I’d imagine you’d keep your fingers and toes crossed when he races hoping that he doesn’t break down…. no explanation needed
Jenn, he’s not up for claiming because it is an Allowance race. I suspect that the reason he’s not in a claiming race and has been entered for this Allowance race is because it is the only one mile race for the meet (that I could see) which seems to be SR’s distance, he may not have much competition and he is one of only 2 horses (3 year olds) out of the 8 in the race carrying a lighter weight of 119 which is to his advantage and the turf will be a kinder surface as long as it doesn’t have any holes in it, being Race 2 the surface won’t be cut up much.
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Sorry to say this, but he’s entered again. This time on the turf. For the first time, that I’ve noticed, this isn’t a claiming race. This poor kid needs a break.
Shamrock Road is entered to run on September 29, 2015, at MOUNTAINEER CASINO RACETRACK & RESORT. Race: 2 – 7:22PM
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The title of this blog is Horseracing Wrongs. Whether the message is here or on the other social media networks, it clearly states the same criteria and result, the end of horse racing, period. No negotiations, no compromise, nothing. That’s it. Easy to comprehend, easy to understand. But it seems that the complication comes when the simplicity is challenged. It is what it is. I understand what you are saying, but you are stating it on the wrong forum. Insulting the home of persons who are avid and productive contributors, is not a wise move.
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Ms. Tierney, good bye AND good luck!
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Thank you, Mary!
Yes, Maureen, we are fanatically passionate for ending horse racing. Repeat. We are fanatically passionate about ending horse racing! All of it!!
Quit trolling and please leave.
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Those of you who post on the forum are foolish. Because someone doesn’t believe everything you believe, you consider them enemies. To accomplish great things it takes cooperation. Good luck.
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People on this list have specifically said they are not interested in changing racing. I am not talking about rescuing individual horses – which I have done also. I mean ALL racehorses. I have said you could support the anti-drug legislation, which would help ALL racehorses. But I was told you (collectively) had no desire to change racing – you want it to stop. Fine – but why the resistance to changing racing in the meantime – to help those horses trapped in it. Without drugs there would be far fewer breakdowns. Even if you saved 100 horses or a 1,000 horses. That is a far cry from the many thousands that don’t get saved.
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Ms. Tierney, yes, animals have been abused since the beginning of time, including horses. Does that make it right? If you saw a dog being beaten, would you not speak up or would you just babble…”Oh, I need more facts”? Of course not. Patrick posts FACTS…FACTS on breakdowns and deaths at tracks across the country. How do you know that our letters and faxes are thrown in the trash? You have no freaking idea but you want to label us “fanatics”. We are educating the public but you seem to think we are “fanatics” by doing so. You, Ms. Tierney, talk out of both sides of your mouth. Hopefully, Patrick will ban you….another “crazy baby”.
Oh, and one more outrageous comment from you is that you aren’t defending racing as it is today. Really? What are you defending? Racing as it was 20, 30, or 40 years ago? Move on, kiddo, move on! You then babble that you are against the drugs. Once again, really? 99% of the horses race with drugs, and, yes, Lasix and bute are drugs although some of the dumb asses in racing have trouble with that concept. There is nothing in racing that benefits the horse….nothing. Got it?
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People have always raced. Racing doesn’t mean gambling. As I said, it should be a sport, not for large amounts of money, or for gamblers. Racing is one person feeling their horse is the best, and running against another person who feels their horse is the best. It has been done since the second horse was ridden. You are talking TODAY – yes, the racing industry is sickening, I agree. But three young girls racing their ponies is NOT.
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Yes. But you have to think when stating your position, even with facts. Due to action movies, horror movies, video games, etc., people no longer really understand violence or death. To say 150 horses die, yes, they think it’s bad, but it doesn’t touch people’s emotions – their empathy. To say the details is what reaches people. “The horses are kept in boxes which are no more than cages. The are drugged so they cannot feel their pain, and pushed until their tendons rip and their bones break. They are whipped mercilessly” etc. etc. Just saying abuse means little to a nation where millions of dogs are cast aside and killed every year.
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Ms. Tierney, I was hoping that another “crazy baby” wouldn’t rear its ugly head but that is exactly what has happened here. You are either incredibly slow or just out of touch with reality. This blog is meant to shine a light on racing’s dirty secrets and, as we all should know by now, there are many dirty secrets. By exposing those dirty secrets, we are turning people away from racing with the intent purpose of helping the horses that we love so much. Yes, we do want racing to end, but, in the meantime, we must do everything in our power to speak for the horses. If you consider that foolish, then take your comments elsewhere. There are many pro-racing blogs where you could enjoy calling me, and others, “fanatics”. What you think of me is totally irrelevant. I speak for the horses…not for those who exploit them.
I find your comment above to be truly revolting. I have helped many, many horses over the years and NOT once have I said “I can’t help you because I want racing to end”….not once, Ms. Tierney, not once. I have kissed plenty of asses in order to get a horse to safety. In fact, there were times that I felt I needed more Chapstick since I had done so much “ass kissing”.
We are obviously at cross purposes. Therefore, it is time for you, another “crazy baby” to be put to bed.
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I don’t have to imagine it, Maureen…”Please help us!”…that is exactly what the racehorses of our nation are BEGGING! That part you have correct. But then I must correct one important misunderstanding of yours about us…we don’t respond back – and never have – with “we can’t help you because we want racing to end”. You have no idea what my close acquaintances and I do…every single day. We don’t list it here for you or the HRW readers. We don’t “report back” with what horse(s) we’re working diligently to help. We also don’t feel the need to put our “to do list” for ALL of the tortured animals in our sick society with our check marks indicating “DONE” on this blog. Why would we do that? So really Maureen, you have no idea what we do while we advocate for the demise of this killing industry called horse racing.
Lastly, I’m not easily offended – but I do take offense to you claiming my fellow advocates believe they are heroes. There’s nothing heroic about being a compassionate human being doing the right thing for defenseless, voiceless creatures that share this earth with us…every one of us knows that. You’ve challenged us to not be fanatical and that, I would assume, includes refraining from assigning inflammatory terms or names to those we don’t agree with. I would then expect you to do the same.
I am not defending racing as it is today. I am against gambling on racing. I am against drugs. I am against horses spending months on end in stalls. What have I said that in any way defends racing?
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Imagine if all the racehorses in the United States were looking at you and saying, “Please help us.” And your response is “we can’t help you because we want racing to end.” How foolish is that?
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Let me add that history is against you. We have abused horses since the beginning of time. they served in the military since before the wheel was invented. They died in World War I. Eight million of them. The average person sees them living the good life on TV at Derby time and knows nothing of what goes on. Unless you educate the public with FACTS, not just protestation of abuse – how will you change anything. Yes, some of you write letters – and those are tossed in the trash as being from people who are fanatics. So all or nothing is a poor stance and note helping horses.
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What you are defending is a sordid gambling business, nothing more, nothing less. And one horse dying for that – a lousy $2 bet – is one too many. And you are absolutely wrong on us and our movement – Racing will go; it’s but a matter of time.
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I have said why I am here. I am against racing as it is today. I am here to get the facts on how many horses actually die. I am not trying to convince any of you that racing is good. I AM for change in racing, because I do not believe it is inherently wrong. It is wrong as an industry. But there doesn’t have to be abuse or cruelty. There is nothing wrong with it as an amateur sport. It will never become one, because it really is all about money. My horses were happy and not abused. They did not live their lives at the track. But just because I am against something doesn’t mean I will deny facts. And I do think you could help a lot of horses if you and your friends would support the bill for government oversight. Your stance is all or nothing. So you allow all the horses now in racing, and those who will enter it every year until racing dies – if it does – to suffer, because you don’t want to help prevent abuse. Instead you prefer to tilt at windmills. if it were children being kept in cages and forced to work, would you be the same. Would you help the children get out of the cages, even if it didn’t stop them from having to work? Would you not help them get food even if they still had to work? You claim to hate abuse, yet you do nothing to prevent abuse – unless you can get your way. You are heroes in your own minds – but you have done nothing to actually help ALL the racehorses who so desperately need it.
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Amen Patrick and Joy!! I cannot understand what Maureen is trying to accomplish on this site. One day she is for racing, and the next day she is against it. Her position fluctuates from day to day.
Maureen, you say “we sound like fanatics and people don’t listen to fanatics”, well what then are you doing on this site, if you could care less about what we have to say. The one who is wasting their time is you.
There are many open pro-racing forums who, I am sure would love to hear what you have to say. Just think you could all sit around and boast about all the TB’s that suffered and died for someone’s entertainment that day. All of you do have one thing in common, you are all morally bankrupt.
Marlene Thornley
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Perhaps, Maureen, this forum is not for you. Horseracing Wrongs holds that racing is inherently wrong; the conversation begins and ends with exploitation. You can’t fix wicked.
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You will not influence those making a lot of money in racing. So you should not waste your time. You CAN influence the public, but not by sounding like fanatics. Be calm and rational like Mr. Hancock, but state the FACTS, not just “racing is evil”. People respond well to facts. There are good people who would like to be in racing, but do not want to compete with crooks, the ignorant, the cruel, and the cheats.
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And I stand by it. Work strengthens bone. Work strengthens tendons and lungs. Work builds fitness. If he had raced more often instead of galloping a mile a day – which is nothing to a horse – he would have built some fitness and if he survived the first few races, he would have grown stronger and been safer. The sad fact is that he was never fit enough to race on drugs. That is the problem. But truly it is better to race more often and have some true fitness, than to race once a month or every 5-6 weeks. Who among you thinks you can do something once every 6 weeks and NOT be injured.?
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The racing industry listens to no one….Arthur Hancock was pretty damn “calm and rational” at the Congressional hearings and has been for years. This industry does as it pleases with its goal to make money hand over fist at the expense of the horses’ welfare…all the while trying to appear as if it matters to them.
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Wait a minute Maureen…you just said “Racing a horse every week is better than racing it every 4 weeks or more”…and since we’re talking about the racing schedule of SR, I can only assume you’re telling us that what is being done to SR is “better than racing [him] every 4 weeks or more”. Yet your response to my comment is “racehorses do not get enough exercise to be fit”…and again, we will apply that to SR. So what is it? Too much? Too little? Just right?
I’ll check back later. Need to go offline for the remainder of the day.
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You sound like fanatics. And people do not listen to fanatics. Calm and rational is much more impressive and makes people more likely to really listen to what you are saying.
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You are right that racehorses do not get enough exercise to be fit. Racing is much harder. In 1976 I bought a horse for $300 who had small osselets, ringbone on one pastern, and had a suspensory injury that allowed m to buy him cheaply right after he broke down. He recovered so well that I raced him. Between Aug 18 and Sep 10 he raced 5 times. in order, he finished 4th, 3rd, 3rd, 2nd, and first. He got better because he was getting more fit. He was completely sound. He took the winter and spring off, living on a farm, with turnout, and being ridden on the trails. The following year he raced the same span of time and finished 3rd, 1st, 1st, and 1st. One of those races was a mile and a half. He was still sound. The problem with racing is that there are very few people who truly understand horses, or how to achieve fitness. Standing in a stall 23 hours a day and being filled with drugs that demineralize bone is NOT the way to train horses. People are ignorant and greedy. Racing should go back to being a sport – no gambling, no $100 a day training fees. In fact, I would like it if amateur riders could ride their own horses.
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And we’re “crazed”? Unreal.
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You cannot begin to compare a training schedule of a human runner with a racehorse’s, Maureen. Humans don’t take their morning run for 15-20 minutes then stand in a 8×8 room the rest of the day. Humans don’t dehydrate themselves before a race. Humans don’t train for and run races at the age of 6, 7, 8, etc. As a runner, I don’t “bute” myself before a race. And I don’t have to combat the effects of Lasix for up to several days after I run a race…nor do I go “off my feed” and need to do nothing but “rest” for sometimes DAYS after…in fact, it is the exact opposite. Do horses need to be fit? – to be raced or for that matter, be made to compete in any equine discipline? – well of course! But the life of a racehorse stabled at the track does not set them up for optimum well-being and overall fitness.
The “wear and tear” of racing…osteoarthritis at the age of three…THAT is what these horses made to run like SR endure. And much more.
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If you do it rationally and not in the crazed, condemning way you talk here. Think of the people who DID create great change. None were like you guys. Martin Luther King, Ghandi, Nelson Mandela.
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Racing a horse every week is better than racing it every 4 weeks or more. Human athletes race multiple times in a day. Horses are MORE fit if they race, than if they just gallop, as long as they are getting good care. Horses need exercise to be fit in order to avoid fatigue. Just like you. If you only work out once a month at the gym, you will not be fit. If you go to the gym and work hard 4 times a week, your body will thrive.
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There are racing groups on facebook. Maybe we can spread the word there?
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Yes Jenn and we will continue to inform the public about the plight of SHAMROCK ROAD!
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Great and wonderful, Mary!
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I’m sure we’ll find out his next race within two weeks. People complain about the short times between triple crown races. Those people should be aware of Shamrock Road’s situation.
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SHAMROCK ROAD – MOUNTAINEER WV – SEPTEMBER 19
Despite representations being made for this horse to be scratched and have an embargo placed on him, he was permitted to race and came home 3rd and “weakened”. Sole owner and trainer Edward Sexton (the IRA) received $1,040 for Shamrock Road’s labor on Saturday.
The overracing, overworking and overusing of this young horse continues………
He’s raced in Florida, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia – done a bit of travelling.
Wonder where and when his next start will be?
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April,
I agree with Mary, that the way to have racing collapse is to stop the betting. No other avenue will be as successful, or as swift, as cutting off the betting to take them down.
I have written countless letters to Governors, State legislators, Racing Commissions, Animal Welfare Groups, etc. in hopes of them sponsoring legislation, which will help the plight of the TB, and this is all well and good, however, even if legislation is enacted, these will still be small measures of change, and therefore, will not accomplish the goal of shutting down the industry; but stopping betting will.
Both Mary and Joy have been fighting for the TB’s for many years. I believe they are the most experienced people on this site with knowledge of this disgusting industry, they know it inside and out. They also have vast experience with TB’s for most of their lives. They have rescued TB’s, dealt with the owners and trainers, seen the atrocities, and have communicated their outrage and concerns with racing industry officials, and many others involved in this business. Their knowledge and experience is invaluable.
April, change is good, however, we want the industry to cease to exist in the most expedient manner, and stopping the betting will accomplish that the fastest.
Marlene Thornley
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April, I never said that animal exploitation in ANY industry was right and I have worked to expose the atrocities for many years. I am a firm believer in resistance and I show my own personal resistance by boycotting the racetrack, Sea World, Petland, and on and on and on. How do I show my resistance? Through my wallet because, in my opinion, that is the most effective way to do so. Again, this isn’t my first time up to home plate. I have posted on this blog many times to STOP THE BETTING. If betting ceases, then racing goes away. It has always seemed quite simple to me perhaps because I am a businesswoman and I do understand basic business concepts.
You seem to forget that I have been involved with racehorses since the 1960’s and I got my first OTTB in 1963. I galloped horses at a lay up farm before I could even drive. Also, I guess I’m a little offended by you asking me why we fight so hard. If anyone knows why we fight so hard, it would be me. I walked the backside of a low level track (and we all should know that most are low level) for many years picking up the discarded horses tossed into the trash by their owners and trainers. I currently own two that were inside Richelieu, minutes away from hanging by a meat hook as they bled out. My question to you is why haven’t you fought harder or why haven’t you fought as hard as I have? One month ago, I was contacted by a racing official who said a horse, based at Belterra, desperately needed a place to go. His name is Speak The Word and I am the person who found him a safe place to land. I also contributed $265 to pay for his shipping from the track to the rescue. Therefore, please know that I “fight” everyday to help the horses exploited by the scum in racing.
A couple of weeks ago, I met a racing official for lunch in Cincinnati. As soon as I sat down, he told me about three trainers….yes, THREE trainers….who had horses with a kill buyer in Oklahoma. He asked me what the punishment should be and I told him, as did a friend of mine, that all three needed to be permanently banned from the track and that is exactly what happened. Certainly that was a small victory but a victory, nonetheless.
Yes, April, I know about resistance and fighting against the exploitation of the racehorse because I have been doing it for years. The easiest way to get this horrific industry to go away is to stop the bets because it really is all about the money.
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Everything you said is true but you forgot one thing. Resistance. The status quo never changes without it. SR’s trainer called me and his bold and crass statements about the biz and SR validate your statements of truth but you know what? It doesn’t make it right and it doesn’t stop me from exposure. You know another thing?
Do you know why we have to fight so hard now? Because this giant is so big economically because people either didn’t know the truth or they were afraid to stand up for it.
Ladies, please continue to fight on paper, emails, protests, calls, and more importantly writing your Congressmen to cosponsor the Udall Pitts bills. NOT the Tonko/Barr bills. People who resisted got legislation on the table. That came from people who never give up!!! Resistance to tyrants is obedience to God and I’d rather be on God’s side any day.
Let’s keep fighting!!!
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I, too, have been following Shamrock Road and it breaks my heart that he is being run into the ground. However, nothing being done here is illegal. The racing industry is impenetrable. It is a “rogue” industry where doing the right thing is elusive. I have seen a couple of posts where it was suggested that the Ohio Racing Commission be contacted or, more specifically, Bill Crawford, the Director. I have spoken to Crawford several times on the phone and he was quite dismissive when it came to my concerns about an industry that pays his salary. I have also heard that he is pro-slaughter but I don’t know that for sure. It is time to take off the rose colored glasses. The vast majority of those in racing don’t give a damn about the horses and I have witnessed that over and over and over throughout the years. Keep the pressure on to do the right thing for SR but don’t be surprised, or dismayed, when nothing is done to alleviate the situation.
I wish that SR was an aberration but he isn’t. This same scenario plays out on a daily basis throughout the country. An example is Pass Me A Drink. She raced here in Ohio on a Friday and the following Monday night she raced again. I believe it was at Turfway in northern Kentucky. Two races in three days. I have followed her for a long time and tried to acquire her for $500 working through a racing official, but I was unsuccessful. I have become so discouraged due to the lack of concern about these wonderful horses who are really nothing more than machines in the eyes of those who own and race them.
Anyone, with minimal intelligence, knows that racing can’t be “cleaned up”. It must go away. The gaming companies that own many of the tracks don’t want horseracing because it isn’t as profitable as the slots. Therefore, continue to encourage people not to bet on the horses. Without the bets, racing would die in the dirt and that is exactly where it should die…in the dirt.
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Merci beaucoup, April!
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Thank you all for your efforts. I will contact you all offline about another way to approach Shamrock Road’s welfare. PETA does it all the time and so can we.
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I’ve done more research and at the time of writing there are 30 States conducting horseracing with a total of 78 racetracks.
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SHAMROCK ROAD
at Mountaineer in West Virginia – Race 2 at 7.22pm – Saturday Sept. 19
He’s the baby in the race but carrying a heavier weight than last start when he “faltered and faded” coming home 3rd in a 5 horse race on Sept 13 which means SR has only had five days’ respite. Being the 2nd favourite he’s carrying the same weight (122) as his two main rivals in the race.
Ah yes, he’s up for grabs again but this time for $15,000 – his previous claim was $30,000. Disclosed under owner’s details IRA (Edward C Sexton). Sole owner and trainer – what chance does the horse have!
I’ve sent my emails
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SHAMROCK ROAD – September 19 at Mountaineer Racetrack – the deliberate overracing, overworking, overusing of this young horse CONTINUES UNASHAMEDLY!!!
Bill Phillips is one of the three Commissioners whose email address is listed. I do not have a fax machine nor can I phone from here. I intend to send an email to the West Virginia Racing Commission. The other two Commissioners are –
As Gina previously pointed out, it is only the relevant Racing Commission that has the power to scratch/take action on the horse but it is also a good idea to email/phone the relevant racetrack as well.
After all, this public blatant animal abuse of SR is taking place on their premises.
PS problems with my emails, receiving them but cannot reply or compose – hopefully this will soon be rectified.
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Representations were made to Bill Crawford, Executive Director and Ms Barbara Roth, Licensing of the Ohio State Racing Commission prior to SHAMROCK ROAD’s recent start at Belterra Park on Sept. 13 to have this horse scratched and an embargo placed on him to have a 3 months’ layoff on the grounds that this horse’s welfare is being disregarded by his trainer, owners, the relevant racing commissions, the relevant racetracks, stewards and the so called vets.
The deliberate continuation of his arduous racing program without respite is unacceptable.
(He had 12 starts in 18 weeks -12 Feb to 21 June)
SR came home 3rd ($720) at Belterra Park on 9/13/15 in a 6 horse race but competed with only 4 because Wheaton’s Express, a 10 yr old gelding having his 76th start, was pulled up after the gates opened and was walked off…..? No disclosure as to why this horse had to be pulled up and unable to take part – highly likely he suffered an injury. http://www.equibase.com/premium/chartEmb.cfm?track=BTP&raceDate=09/13/2015&cy=USA&rn=1
SHAMROCK ROAD is entered to race again on September 19 at Mountaineer Casino Racetrack and Resort which means he will have only 5 days’ respite since his last start.
West Virginia Racing Commission
900 Pennsylvania Avenue Suite 533
Charleston WV 25302
Phone 304.558-2150
Fax: 304 558-6319
Maybe someone could phone and get the name of the appropriate person and his/her email address and put it up so we can email directly re our complaint about SHAMROCK ROAD.
Couldn’t find anything on horseracing………
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Pacelle also supports the weakest bill introduced in Congress ( Tonko/ Barr vs. Udall / Pitts ) and is silent on the Udall / Pitts dereg bills that must be supported.
Rose, write him and ask him! Don’t wait for someone else. Your points are valid and well taken. He is supposed to advocate against all animal cruelty not what is politically correct. Start the campaign by writing his office. Make him answer these questions and hold him account. If not now, when? United!
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I agree Rose. Remember, Mr. Pacelle believes horse racing can be safe and humane according to a recent public statement. Thus, he has sold out because it’s big business and he won’t stand up when it counts! He is two faced as far as I am concerned.
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This is nothing short outrageous .
It exposes exactly what these people are about, total explotation of the horse to the point of breaking them down..
And where are the “good people” in racing we hear about ? Some how ,some way,these racing commissions need to be held responsible for their utter negligence in terms of rules to prevent this “in your face” abuse. I’m afraid the only way to get their attention is to hurt them financially.
But now that Mr. Pacelle of the HSUS is working with this horse exploring business to improve conditions flor the horse this might be a good place to start !! In fact, I ,think emails to the equine rep. at the HSUS re what is happening to Shamrock Road are in order !
Let’s see some action from the HSUS.
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Thanks Jenn – i just got a notice (previously i hadn’t ticked the Entries box so that was my problem).
It is TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE what Sexton and the IRA are doing to him with the racing commissions, racetracks, stewards and vets all nodding approval…… and that speaks for itself!
We’ve got a battle on our hands here with the death of a jumps horse and i’ve been tied up in that but
i’m going to get back to SHAMROCK ROAD as soon as i can.
He’s been entered again!!! What the heck?! Are they doing this because we’re so outraged about it? I’ve never heard of a horse being raced so much. Yes, he did finish third in his last two races, and I think won the race prior to those two, but why is there so small of a gap between his races?
Shamrock Road is entered to run on September 19, 2015, at MOUNTAINEER CASINO RACETRACK & RESORT.
Race: 2 – 7:22 PM
CLAIMING $15,000 – $14,000
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The track where Shamrock Road is racing is as bad as his unscrupulous owner(s). Shame on Sexton and that Mead woman.
Sexton makes me ashamed of my heritage. And maybe he knows that in ancient Celtic tradition the horse was so revered that mistreatment and slaughter were severely punished. But I doubt he knows much about such things !
He represents his country poorly and naming his stable IRA says plenty.
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That makes me a little more relieved. I’m terrible at math :) I just wish I had the money, facilities, and ability to rescue him!! I use the Equibase virtual stable to keep an eye on these horses. I saw Road to War in person when I visited Arlington one year when I was visiting my sister in Chicago. I know it will sound weird, but I think the horse spoke to me. I’d been taking pictures of the horses, because I will never outgrow that horse phase! And also I’m city bound and rarely get to see a living horse. At any rate, we locked eyes. As I looked Road to War in the eye as he walked by me on the way to the track, I swear I heard a male voice (the horse is make) in my head saying, “I’m gonna win this thing.” He was a longshot and he won.
I’d gone to Arlington before I found this site, because I love horses. As I said, I’m terrible at math, and betting seems to involve that. This site has really owned my eyes to tragedies in racing. It’s really disgraceful that the bigger racing sites never mention how many deaths occur. A few will pop up, but I’ve noticed they’re bigger named horses. A shame that the others are unmentioned. So all of us need to keep up the good work of bringing this to light.
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Correction – when i said all 38 of them above, i meant all 38 States that conduct horseracing. I do not know the exact number of racetracks for each State.
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Ah yes, i see that one MARY GRACE MEAD is one of the breeders along with EDWARD CHARLES SEXTON (the trainer). One can only guess at who is behind the IRA ownership. Fancy using the IRA name as an owner – speaks for itself. A dear friend of mine and her husband had to flee Northern Ireland in fear of the IRA and found refuge in Australia. Oh, so she dabbles in sending horses to slaughter?
The racing industry declares publicly that it is anti-slaughter but bizarrely it turns a blind eye to the racehorses that are put on trucks at its racetracks (all 38 of them if my research is correct) for a horrific journey to Canada or Mexico to suffer the unspeakable process of being SLAUGHTERED! And of course some “anti slaughter racetracks” will expose a trainer every so often to be seen to be doing the right thing – oh how stupid do they think the public are! So Mary Grace Mead might possibly be “Fred” (Triple T Stables) the very recent incoming owner of SR for only a few starts……? All the energy they put into fake profiles? How pathetic!
Perfect Couple…. yes it takes one to know one, as the saying goes.
Poor SHAMROCK ROAD sired by the well known stallion Bellamy Road but what does that do for him to keep him safe – ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. Oh it’s such a joke! The victim is this magnificent young 3 year old being unashamedly raced into the ground with no consideration for his welfare – I’m ashamed to be a human being. I look at my Aussie kelpie dog sleeping at my feet and wish I was one of her species – no kidding.
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Carolyn, I think Fred the Fraud might actually be Mary Mead who sent Midwest TB’s to slaughter. Oh, and Mead is Sexton’s “gal pal”. I think they make a perfect couple!
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Ah yes Mary, interesting isn’t it? Mmm Fred the Fraud, aptly said. Remember he was going back to Ireland and he’s a supporter of jumps racing – says it all! Hey Fred, if you happen to be reading this, just to let you know that my great -great- great Irish grandmother brought her magnificent Irish thoroughbreds out to Australia in the early 1800s and raced them on a track at Parramatta near Sydney that was similar to Newmarket in England (an undulating straight track no turns no bends) her horses lived on her property and lived as an equine should. As racing advanced some lunatic thought they should race around in a circle which is disastrous for the horse and the rest is history, the model of horseracing today….. pfff! It is SICK!
Hey Mary, do you think “Fred” might’ve got sweaty hands? Oh i think so!
I nearly accepted a job with Coolmore (Ireland) some years ago, thank God i didn’t accept.
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Carolyn, I remember good ole Fred, or, as I call him, Fred the Fraud!
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Jenn, the law of averages tells me that he’ll probably be okay, carrying a lighter weight than the other 5 in the race is a help to him but as we know he is at high risk given his arduous racing program (12 starts in 18 weeks). The day will come when he just might break down and will we be surprised? NO!
Thank you Jenn for your caring and monitoring SHAMROCK ROAD.
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April,
Thank you. I was away on a project. I will email you now.
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Interesting that TRIPLE T STABLES has pulled out of ownership. If my memory serves me right it was a recent incoming part owner “Fred”.
It appears that the IRA is now the sole owner of SHAMROCK ROAD.
Shamrock Road is entered on September 13, 2015 at BELTERRA PARK.
Race: 1 – 1:45 PM
STARTER ALLOWANCE $5,000
Purse: $ 7,200. (Plus $1,000 – OTF – Ohio Thoroughbred Fund)For Three Year Olds And Upward Which Have Started For A Claiming Price Of $5,000 Or Less In 2014 – 2015. Three Year Olds, 120 Lbs.; Older, 124 Lbs. Non-winners Of A Race Since August 13 Allowed 2 Lbs. (races Where Entered For $4,000 Or Less Not ConsideredIn Allowances) (Winners For A Claiming Price Of $5,000 Or More In 2014 – 2015 Preferred). One Mile.
PP Horse A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer 2 Shamrock Road 3/G Perry Wayne Ouzts 120 Edward C. Sexton
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I got as far as this for the Belterra Park Racetrack, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Address: 6301 Kellogg Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45230, United States
Phone:+1 513-232-8000
Ohio State Racing Commission
77 South High St.
18th Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215-6108
Phone: (614) 466-2757
Fax: (614) 466-1900
Link below gives the email addresses for the Ohio State Racing Commission
SHAMROCK ROAD at Belterra Park on 13 Sept. is in Race 1 at 1.45 pm, he’s the baby in this 6 horse claiming race with the oldest being a 10 yr old gelding, Purse $7,200 and it’s a one mile, he’s carrying a lighter weight than the others. The 10 yr old Wheaton’s Express will be having his 76th start and this horse has been racing for over seven (7) years.
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Fantastic work April – as always!!!
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I read all of your posts April without fail. We need to simplify and decide which thread we are going to post on in the future, either “the abuse of a 3 year old horse named shamrock road” or “Shamrock Road at 12 races”?
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Thanks Jenn for your monitoring. As I’ve suggested before if someone can watch his races live (I cannot do it from here) and film it because when a horse goes amiss they often cut it out. If at least a few of us are monitoring him then we shouldn’t have any problems with this case study.
And if “Fred”, Sexton, Ellis Park officials, vets, Stewards, the relevant racing commission and any other racing authority are reading this, then I am glad. We are scrutinizing what’s going on with this racehorse.
It came over the news this morning that the IRA (the Irish Republican Army) has been continuing with its operations, silently. Well, the IRA in Shamrock Road’s life is right on track, slowly and silently destroying this horse.
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Carolyn, please read ALL my posts for advocacy updates on Shamrock Road and then keep us posted from your end!
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Just to say that i posted about Shamrock Road before his last start (Sept 4) on the original thread for him “Abuse of a 3 year old” where Patrick originally raised this baby’s plight and where there is a lot of history on him. I then posted on the result of that race.
And when there was no response i thought everyone is so busy with other stuff. Interestingly, virtual stable has not notified me of his next start and I’ve been relying on that to monitor him.
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SHAMROCK ROAD: Back in August, Shamrock’s trainer (Sexton) called me personally after I complained to the Commission and Ellis Park that SEXTON was overworking Shamrock Road without a proper layoff. Remember, this industry is lawless!
I wrote a damning but professional letter/email to 11 officials and utilized the hotline. I couldn’t find Sexton’s information but calling him is a waste of time. What’s he going to say? You’re right, ma’am. I think Shamrock Road needs to rest. You complain and protest to the Commissions, Race Tracks, and Boards that WE are WATCHING THEM. Trust me, there are some other people watching him. That’s all I can say right now. Sexton will get the message and he did! Everyone who is anti-racing knows the industry is self-policed which is why it’s going to take an act of Congress to reform it so much that the industry dies! I hope it’s in my lifetime.
This man (like the Maurina1951’s of the world) in his voicemail to me was arrogant, and blatantly said he will continue to run Shamrock Road as this is “normal” in the industry. He felt justified because he has 47 years of experience doing it, that I [me] am just a lawyer and don’t know anything (always their narrative–we anti-racing folk don’t know anything), and that some trainers run their horses even harder than he does.
Mr. Sexton is a purebred ignoramous! I’m originally from Texas and people like Mr. Sexton are identified as “hard core white trash red necks.” This isn’t name calling. It’s just the truth. Mr. Sexton is Irish but wears this phrase well and he probably would admit it. He knows we are watching him but he is going to get his money! Money! Money! Money!
Unfortunately Shamrock Road will be another racehorse statistic even if he survives in spite of it all. Survive yet tattered and torn? Simply pathetic.
Jenn, please keep us posted on Shamrock Road and thanks for sharing! NOTE: I have all the information you need to write your own emails, calls, etc. to the Commission in this blog chain (see above). State facts and statistics. Voice your protest, activism, and concern. Sexton won’t stop racing and we won’t stop advocating!!!
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Thank you April. I’m busy sending emails. Someone needs to pay attention…
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Shamrock Road last raced on 9/4. He’s entered to race on 9/13. This is so unfair to him! He needs to be claimed by someone who will retire him.
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You are absolutely spot on April. Just to add, they hand out trainers’ licences to any tom, dick or harry that makes application. The criteria to qualify…… pfff….. so long as you provide documentary evidence that you have X amount of $$$ in your bank a/c to set up training ($30,000 the last time I heard) and a couple of references from trainers, you are accepted. You also do a test answering questions about racing, horses, etc. and if you don’t know the answers you just get on the phone and ask someone in the know. The industry needs trainers and owners coming in on a regular basis to keep it going, virtually anyone can become a trainer, which of course is disastrous for the horses.
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SCRATCH Shamrock Road for his SAFETY – Ellis Park – Henderson, KY on August 22, 2015
You can email me at voicesforhorses@gmail.com and use my exact letter if you want.
Please at least email and voice your concern and protest against racing Shamrock Road this Saturday:
KENTUCKY HORSE RACING COMMISSION (KHRC) – My recommended individuals to contact:
Marc.Guilfoil, John T. Ward, Lindsey Flora, Dr. William Farmer, Barbara Borden, Dr. Mary Scollay, Chris Clark
*All their email addresses are their first name separated by a dot then their last name @ky.gov EXCEPT John T. Ward is johntward@ky.gov
The KHRC’s Integrity Hotline email address is: KHRC.Hotline@ky.gov and their # is 859-246-2848. This # encourages the public to call if you are aware of any improper activity or improper practice. Whether it’s there just to pacify us I don’t know…but it’s on their website.
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I know Carolyn, it’s heartbreaking. I go through periods of pure sadness and then I get extremely angry! Like I said, I really can’t believe this animal cruelty is allowed and praised as some legitimate, artful sport. To be honest with you, and I really don’t care if I offend anyone, there is no real skill, art, or talent to training a race horse. The horse runs its heart out and is pumped up with drugs! It’s whipped!! It’s fight or flight!!! We’ve all seen the terror in their eyes and when these horses throw their jockeys off I have no sympathy for the jockey and I welcome the instincts of these horses to fight back — but that’s when they are abused even more!
Training is talent on behalf of the Bafferts, Pletchers, and ASSmussens of this world??? Give me a freakin’ break! When I saw Baffert up close with AP recently that horse looked completely lost and AP wanted to get the hell outta there. Baffert always walks ahead of AP like he’s [Baffert] some God. Baffert is a just a man with lots of money acquired from exploiting animals. You don’t need any education, sophistication, or character to do that!
Thanks for the reply and the fight!
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I’m totally with you April and am very grateful for all your hard work for the horses. I know it’s not where we stop – i’ve been doing it for many years where i am. I recently attended a race meeting near where i live, witnessed horses being whipped when out of contention, absolutely nothing in the post race reports, wrote to the relevant racing authority, got an unsatisfactory reply and wrote back. These horses were being flogged when they didn’t have a chance in hell of placing and they came home last! Pursuant to my official complaint in a later report it was disclosed that the jockeys were “spoken to” but no fine or a suspension, yet they’re fully aware of the whip rules – says it all doesn’t it! Whipping racehorses is obscene enough but whipping them when they’re going as fast as they can, are seriously fatigued and are coming last absolutely enrages me.
I’m time poor with my research into the welfare of the racehorse and can only attend a meeting every now and then and what bothers me is that I know a lot is going on but cannot report on it unless I’m physically there to witness it. The only satisfaction I got with this recent episode was that they confirmed that the horses were definitely out of contention.
Yes April, we will all keep on screaming about it, THAT IS FOR SURE!
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We will keep screaming, April. All of us. On many forums. We are and we WILL. Thank you!
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TY April…your advocacy and hard work for the horses’ welfare is greatly appreciated. It does not go unnoticed.
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Carolyn, you are absolutely right about the past, present, and likely future of Shamrock Road, but with all due respect, and I sincerely mean that stating, “this is horseracing” is not where we stop. Against all odds, we keep raising our voices and shouting by acting: protests, letters, emails, calls, investigations, and whatever keeps us on their back. I’m 2 months at this and I’ve spent countless hours of research, calls, and networking. Peta has already contacted me because I have screamed. Everyone keep screaming! This is life and death!
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Jenn, this horse is young, he only turned 3 years of age (from foaling date) a few months ago. His owners
THE IRA and TRIPLE T STABLES have invested in him and they will continue to race this horse until he is no longer a commercially viable commodity or someone claims him. He is not a good money earner for them to date and nearly all of his race starts have been in claiming races. It appears that after his first start he did not come up to their expectations and he was placed in a claiming race in his 2nd start. He is a gelding, no money in the breeding barn and therefore his future is not bright in that he will be raced and raced and raced. Other trainers are not an option because they’re all painted with the same brush. Rehab places are not an option for SHAMROCK ROAD at this point in time. There are no Rules in place to protect the racehorse in relation to the number and frequency of starts over a certain period of time or for mandatory spelling/lay-offs. For far too many years I’ve seen racing authorities doing absolutely nothing to intervene and I believe that they prefer to go along with trainers and owners to keep them happy, to keep racing going and to hell with the sufferings of these horses.
And the trainer EDWARD C SEXTON (and the owners) should be brought to account for overracing this horse and for not giving it the appropriate respite essential for its welfare – I call it aggravated cruelty.
This is horseracing.
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We are running out of time so I started from the top down. I’ll leave the Ellis crowd up to you all and post an update later.
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I am pleading with everyone to at least email (I’m also calling) until your fingers bleed on this.
As you all know, Shamrock Road will be racing as a 3 y.o. gelding on Saturday, August 22, 2015 at Ellis Park in Henderson, KY – Race No. 7 wearing No. 9. 12 races in less than 6 mos. 14 starts in 7 mos. Last race: July 15, 2015 — just 5 weeks 2 days to rest. We all know this is animal slavery for sale.
Please go to http://khrc.ky.gov/Pages/staff.aspx. Copy this link exactly like I have it. It is Kentucky Horse Racing Commission’s Public Protection Cabinet. What a joke but that’s what it is. Sidebar: Every day I am engulfed in this I just can’t believe we are begging for action on what should be criminal activity punished by fine and jail/imprisonment. I’m so sick of this legalized animal slavery!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If I was caught whipping my dog with a stick on the sidewalk someone would call the police. I guarantee it!!!
I am emailing everyone that has an email address because they ALL play a part. I don’t care but they all aid and abet. If you can only email a few people, I would recommend the Executive Director, Director of Racing, Medical Director, Chief State Vet, and the Director of Licensing and Enforcement.
If for some reason (because it happened to me), the link doesn’t take you directly to their email addresses, it is simply their first name separated by a period @ ky.gov. For example, Marc Guilfoil, Director of Racing
859-246-2040 would be marc.guilfoil@ky.gov. John T. Ward, Jr., Executive Director
859-246-2040 would be johnt.ward@ky.gov.
You can email me offline at voicesforhorses@gmail.com at any time. Also, if anyone knows of any rescues that can take Shamrock Road reach out to them. The calls and emails create buzz and things can happen.
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Rose, that is absolutely terrible about Jill’s Reflection. Two years of racing twice each month, she’s only 4 years of age, has not had a break and has had FIFTY-ONE (51) starts already??? These so called “vets” and others in the racing commissions have a duty of care to immediately place an embargo on her to be spelled. I have had a few successes where I am with the racing authorities and one mare, not unlike Jill, had a connection to one of the officials but that didn’t daunt me and they eventually did the right thing by her.
Oh yes Rose, it is so very SICK.
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Nope…no surprise here, Rose. They always pass the buck. They can always “blame” someone else. It is never their responsibility. And be certain to read about the hypocrisy of an Arkansas Racing Commission member who is also the ARCI chairman…from the Paulick Report:
“Mark Lamberth, a member of the Arkansas Racing Commission and chairman of the Association of Racing Commissioners International, turned the dial on the BS Meter all the way up on Tuesday in a press release on RCI letterhead stating: ‘Entire Arkansas Horse Racing Industry Opposes Federal Bills.'”
Read it all here…of COURSE they don’t want an independent, national overseeing entity! Then they wouldn’t be able to do whatever the hell they want!
To answer your question, how about protesting for starters.
My association with the evils of this industry only started 2 months ago when I witnessed a fatal break down at Santa Anita Park on June 13, 2015 claiming a beautiful 4 y.o. chestnut filly named “Hugh Knew.” I was new to horseracing and very naive to its darkness. Now, I’m waging war on horseracing in the memory of “Hugh Knew” who changed my life forever!
PROTEST Horseracing – Outreach @ Del Mar in San Diego: SATURDAY, 9/5/2015
Note: This is NOT a Peta-sponsored event. Ellen Ericksen and Toni Falcone are HOSTING. I’m participating and rallying.
SPREAD THE WORD!!!!!!!!!!!! https://www.facebook.com/events/513541292137652/
Saturday, September 5, 2015
11:00 a – 2:00 p
Del Mar Thoroughbred Club
2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar, California 92014 (near San Diego, CA)
We will meet inside the parking lot at the entrance to the Thoroughbred Club.
Then, I will be working with PETA to develop a presence for protest at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, CA (Los Angeles) close to where I reside. There is never any real media coverage reported on all the Santa Anita break downs (deaths), injuries, whipping violations, drug violations, and get this, jockey violations for showing up drunk before they report. Taken from its Annual Report, the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) reported 52 horse fatalities from July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014. That’s what is in this report but I believe there are more. To Santa Anita Park and home to infamous trainer, Bob Baffert, I hope you are watching us because we will be watching YOU!
Kathleen, I hope this answers your question. I would love for you to be a part of changing the status quo — even from afar. Please feel free to reach out to me.
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These people are unscrupulous. I contacted Steven Kogan in Tallahassee about a filly, Jill’s Reflection racing at Gulfstream. She is 4 yrs. old and had her first start in May 2013. In July 2015 she started for the 51st time. She has had two starts each month for two years without a break. Of course she was given IV Lasix each time.
Also, I contacted NYRA regarding trainer Jacobson starting horses with as little as 3 days between races. The answer was ” we leave those decisions up to the trainer”. The classic “pass the buck” response.
There is no national racing commission that one can go to. Each state has their own “rules” or lack thereof when it comes to the horse. Horses cross state lines all the time to compete and, yet, there is no uniformity of rules. It is truly AMAZING what this corrupt gambling industry gets away with. Politicians and others must be bought and paid for.
Somehow these people need to be held accountable. I’m sick of it and I’m not alone.
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Disgusting….so sick of racing industry
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He’s been entered to run in race 7 at Ellis Park on August 22, $5,000 claiming. Can’t someone get in touch with various local trainers to see if they’d claim him in your behalf to retire him? Have you gotten in touch with retired thoroughbred rehab places like CANTER to see if they can help you? Just tossing out ideas. Not sure if they’d help or not. I’m hoping this poor kid has a happy ending!
Shamrock Road has been accepted to race on 22 August at Ellis Park in a Claiming Race. Appears same connections. This 3 yr old gelding last raced on 15 July so he’s had only just over 5 weeks break since that date. Despite representations being made to the relevant racing authorities, a proper lay-off of 3 months he was denied!
According to equibase.com, this 3 year old gelding had 13 starts in 5 months. During this prep he had 12 starts in 18 weeks which is totally unacceptable in my opinion.
Shamrock Road may well come home either winning, placing, midfield or tailing at the end.
Wherever this baby comes home is neither here nor there. In my opinion, this horse is being managed with disregard for its welfare based on equine scientists’ research and studies. Short preps e.g. 5-6 starts then at least a 3 months’ lay-off to recover, rest and mend his very immature bones and young body. Another young racehorse being ruined.
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I have sent an email to Presque Isle Downs requesting that Shamrock Road be scratched and an embargo placed on him.
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If they pass him fit to race it would be good if someone could watch the race live in case he goes amiss. Given complaints were made to the racing authorities previously and they know we are monitoring him then, in my view, we should not rely on the calling of the race and the footage.
13 starts in 5 months is unacceptable
14 starts in 6 months will also be unacceptable
To think that there are no Rules in place to protect this young horse from being overraced.
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So they have no excuse.
Saw that She Sings Aling was euthanized when she broke down in the fifth race at Santa Anita yesterday. She was two. The title of the article was regarding how her jockey was released from the hospital.
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Jenn, Sexton and his “gal pal”, Mary Mead, are also breeders.
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Carolyn, here is the number for Debbie Howells, Racing Director at Presque isle. It is 814-860-8950. You will need to leave a message but Debbie has always returned my calls within a reasonable length of time. I also have her cell # but I don’t want to post it here for everyone to see.
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Right, Carolyn…I could not find an email address, either. Here’s the phone number again for the PA horse racing commission: 717-787-1942.
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I had a thorough look at the Pennsylvania Racing Commission’s website and could not find an email address.
Heaps of phone numbers for this and that.
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Exactly Rose. You all need to know that I’ve seen racing commissions throw the book at Trainers they don’t like;find any rule to apply to them. It’s usually the honest Trainers with no medication violations like myself. The rules apply to some while others get away with everything – that’s why their top Trainers. Any other Trainer would be suspended if they had rap sheets like Asmussen, Lukas, Amos, Pletcher. Bottom line? The racehorse bears the brunt of inconsistent Rules & Regulations, multiple drug-violating Trainers which sometimes results in breakdowns and deaths because the horse’s pain is masked. Then the whipping into the ground. Horrific, but this is horse racing.
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This guy races Shamrock Road as if he’s the only horse in the barn. Pathetic.
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Called and left a message for the racing commission.
These people need to know people are watching and are aware just how complicit the commission and tracks are in this abuse. The deliberate omission of any rules to protect the horse speaks volumes about this gambling business. “We leave it up to the trainer” is a very tiresome excuse. Just keep them running and the revenue flowing. Let the unscrupulous trainers do what they want so “we” can fill race cards and stay in “business”
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Thanks for the clarification Joy. I thought Preque Isle was in Ohio. Sorry folks. I thought SR was in Ohio, but it does t hurt even if you sent a letter. I’m sure it will be forwarded to PA or in the least raised some eyebrows.
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Carolyn, Shamrock Road isn’t racing in Ohio so I’m not sure why it has been suggested to call the ORC. Bill Crawford does head up the ORC and I have spoken to him on the phone multiple times about other situations in racing. I have been told that he is pro-slaughter so I’m sure he is in it for the horses. LOL!
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I quickly looked up SR’s PP…for calls to the PA horse racing commission; his last FIVE races were at Presque Isle, 5-18, 5-26, 6-1, 6-9, and 6-21.
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All…Shamrock Road last ran at Presque Ilse which is in Pennsylvania, not Ohio.
The PA horse racing commission phone number is 717-787-1942.
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Thanks Gina, your information, knowledge and advice is invaluable!!!
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Linda, see Gina’s comment – excellent information advice.
Cannot see a problem with the first port of call being the Executive Director of the Ohio State Racing Commission.
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I just sent an email to Presque Downs. I pray someone will step up and help this poor gelding before it is too late.
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I have already spoken to Ms. Debbie Howells, Racing Director at PID, about this horse. I informed her that Mr. Sexton’s “gal pal”, Mary Mead, was involved in sending a couple of Midwest’s horses to slaughter. She listened and did nothing. Surprise, surprise….
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Thank you! I’ll do the same!
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I just sent an email to Presque Downs at: pidracing@pidowns.com. I hope others will too.
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Hi everybody, We ALL need to call out the Ohio Racing Commission on this one since they are the only ones that can deny entry to Shamrock Road. Obviously, the Owner is running it until SR breakdowns or dies so the only way to prevent this is to express our outrage, and concern. The racetrack has little say in the matter. They just want to fill races anyways. The public has every right to call, write, fax the Ohio Racing Commission and express our outrage at this. This is blatant animal cruelty. This horse doesn’t want to race for whatever reason (probably sore). This is unacceptable and falls under a No Competition Clause in the rule of racing. Please call the ORC now.
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Carolyn how can we all help? I have shared on facebook and twitter. This is heartbreaking!
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What they are doing to this horse is despicable. I just cannot believe that the relevant racing commissions (and their so called “vets?”) have permitted this horse to start 12 times in 18 weeks! Are they trying to kill Shamrock Road? Where’s the duty of care, especially when they claim to “love” their horses…….. what a joke.
He has ONLY JUST turned 3 YEARS OF AGE and he’s had thirteen (13) starts already.
PRESQUE ISLE DOWNS are you going to do something about this? or are you going to allow this abuse to continue?
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April,
Please share with us what you doing to move forward the banning of horse racing in California.
BULL FIGHTING IS EVIL.
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The last 5 starts have been at Presque Isle Downs. The horse is racing every week and just turned 3 in May. This is in your face abuse. Presque Downs is complicit in this outrage. These tracks have no safeguards to protect the horse. The rules in racing are all to do with money and nothing is done to protect the horse.
Shame on Sexton, the owner and the track.
Presque Downs needs to hear people are watching this outrageous conduct.
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Yes!!!
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Patrick,
I can’t stand it! This is pure evil!! My heart aches because these beautiful creatures have no voice except those of us who speak up and take a stand. The public needs to know! Petitions for legislative bans and utilizing our criminal justice system to charge, convict, and punish these sorry human beings.
Who in the heck do these people think they are?
Very sad but I am moving forward with my fight to ban horse racing altogether (one step at a time) here in California. Parts of Spain have already banned bullfighting. We can do this!!!!!!!
The harsh reality is these horses are running out of time while the humans cash in. God bless these sweet creatures!
April C. Montgomery
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Pray that someone thinks to rescue him…not many people thinking about the horses welfare these days..scum
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This is crazy. Prayers that Shamrock Road stays sound until he can be rescued.
UPDATE ON SHAMROCK ROAD – May 2019
At Mahoning Valley on December 4, 2018 SR was scratched by a veterinarian who found that this horse was not suitable to race. Shamrock Road then raced on December 16, 2018 at Mountaineer.
On May 21, 2019 raced again at Mountaineer coming home 6th/7 by 13.5 lengths for the grand sum of $69 when he performed poorly. According to Equibase, the chart says he hopped at the start and was always outrun. It’s quite a mystery as to how this horse is being managed in recent years – he had only 7 starts in 2017 and and 7 starts in 2018 and once again is under yet another trainer. The sale price on his head has dropped from $5,000 to $4,000.
This now 7 year old gelding had 12 race starts in 18 weeks early in his career including 9 starts as a 2 year old. He had 24 starts in 11 months (1.16.15 to 12.18.15). SR has had 50 race starts to date for earnings of $38,688.
From his first race start to date, SHAMROCK ROAD has been owned by the following –
Edward Sexton
Richard Zielinski
Dream Ridge Racing (current owner)
And trained by the following –
Edward Sexton
Richard Zielinski
Richard Markham
Debbie Brooks
Donald L Radcliff, Jr
Terry Crago (current trainer)
Will his breeders Edward Charles Sexton and Mary Grace Mead and original owner, Edward Charles Sexton who was also his original trainer from January 16, 2015 to December 18, 2015 save him from the slaughter pipeline?
Wish I knew a trainer who could claim and retire him. 😢
I see that SHAMROCK ROAD was scratched by a veterinarian at Mahoning Valley on December 4, 2018.
Ever since he was raced into the ground as a baby, he’s been going downhill. This gelding has been racing for 4 years now, presented to race yesterday and scratched because a vet found him not suitable to race.
What next for SHAMROCK ROAD ?
Will his breeder and original owner, EDWARD CHARLES SEXTON save him from the slaughter pipeline ?
HALOS AND ANGELS is entered to race on January 9 at Mahoning Valley. She has a sale price on her head at $7,500.
She was a vet scratch on December 19.
The ongoing abuse of this mare continues……
And where is SHAMROCK ROAD ?
And where is JILL’S REFLECTION ?
Both these racehorses seem to have disappeared after being raced into the ground for years with their connections showing no consideration for their welfare.
It is likely that these two racehorses, after years of serving the industry, ended up in a slaughterhouse – the ultimate betrayal.
Apologies, meant to add that it was a veterinarian scratching. Fingers crossed that her connections will do the right thing and find a genuinely good home for her.
HALOS AND ANGELS was scratched from racing at Mahoning Valley on December 19.
Thank you, Billy Yiengst.
But remember, SD, these freaks love their horses just like family. Anyone who believes that will also believe that the earth is flat.
ALLOWANCE RACES
Allowance races are the next step up from claiming races. These horses are not for sale and the purses — the money available for horses and owners to win in each race — are greater.
The horses in these races must carry a certain amount of weight or be allowed to carry less weight due to certain factors, thus the name “allowance.” Typical conditions of these races are that only non-winners of a certain number other than maiden, claiming, or starter can run.
The allowance is usually five pounds off the assigned weight if the horse hasn’t won since a certain date, or if it hasn’t won a certain amount of money. Those five pounds can matter a lot. It’s generally accepted that a horse will run about a length slower for each additional pound he carries compared to his competitor, assuming they’re equally talented horses.
A special kind of allowance race is known as a “starter allowance,” or abbreviated to “starter.” These races are restricted to horses that have started for a maximum claiming price.
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As a 3yr. old she was started 6 times in barely 5 weeks at Belmont.
These people can abuse and overwork horses as they please. Racing does absolutely nothing to prevent horse abuse Society looks away while racing is not held to basic animal cruelty standards.
The HSUS, ASPCA and other organizations oppose horse slaughter but ignore the cruelty of racing and what miserable lives these horses are forced to endure. Cruelty for these animals starts in the racing business and progresses to the ultimate betrayal of the slaughter pipeline.
Agree. She’ll be wanting to keep up with the field, feeling safer amongst the “herd”. And no doubt, her rider will be whipping her, pushing her through the pain barrier and pushing her beyond her limitations.
Sadly, this poor horse has run horribly at the bottom level claimers. So in an allowance race- she will be very overclassed, and has almost no chance of doing any better than last, but for the most part, that’s where this poor girl usually ends up. One has to wonder what the hell the connections are thinking, and why they insist on breaking this poor horse’s heart and spirit. She will also have to try harder to keep up with an allowance field – so that will put her in more physical danger too.
Thank you, SD.
It’s ok Carolyn, the only ignorant one is the person who thinks poor halos has a chance in this. An allowance race is usually a “higher class” of horse than those who run in claimers, at least in Ohio.
Pardon my ignorance, SD, but what is an “allowance race”. I understand the claiming races, is an allowance race similar?
And they have her in a freaking allowance race. This poor little mare can’t race her way out of a brown paper bag and yet he has her in an allowance with zero chance of even hitting the board
HALOS AND ANGELS is entered to race at Mahoning Valley on December 19, 2017. It will be her 42nd start since she first raced in January 2014.
This 6 year old mare last raced on August 28, 2017 at Mountaineer coming home 8th/8 last by 12+ lens.
According to the Equibase chart, she was “hustled up racing mid pack, was all done and gave way in upper stretch” … bet she loved that.
She appears to be resuming from a four months’ spell – reason for such a lengthy spell is not known but it’s usually indicative that the horse has/had a health issue. This mare has not won a race since April 2014 (being her only win) so why do the connections continue to race her and why do the racing authorities permit her to race when she’s proved time and again that she’s not suitable to racing and has been performing so poorly?
The sale price on her head when she last raced was $5,000.
Trainer – David St Clair
Owner – O Mason Racing Stable
The ongoing abuse of Shamrock Road, Halos and Angels, and the vast majority of lower level claimers is primarily due to their main goal of increasing wagering profits by filling races.
These horses are being exploited by every single human that lays a hand on them from vets to farriers and all supporting personnel who make a living off of them.
The only entity not making any money, and subsequently dumped after generating profit/jobs are the racehorses themselves.
They are nothing more than profit slaves, dollar signs, and when that doesn’t work they become a liability that must be dumped.
Even when they make lots of money many are still dumped!
Exploiting, dumping, and dying – the dirty truth about horse racing.
SHAMROCK ROAD raced again at Presque Isle Downs on July 27, 2017, again with a sale price on his head for $5,000. He was not claimed. Again he tired and came home 8th/8 last. He’d only had 7 days’ respite from his previous start – why would you race a horse again when he came home 9th/9 last by 15 lengths just one week prior?
Still slaving away and again earned the grand sum of $200 for his owner, Dream Ridge Racing.
It has been 18 months since Shamrock Road has won a race.
This now 5 year old gelding had 12 race starts in 18 weeks early in his career including 9 starts as a 2 year old. He had 24 starts in 11 months (1.16.15 to 12.18.15). No wonder this horse went downhill after being raced into the ground at a very young age. His poor body and mind, ruined.
I see that he’s had another workout today, August 16, 2017.
Why is this horse being permitted to race when he’s performing poorly, tiring and coming last?
Carolyn I’m still appalled at poor Halos – I’m constantly wracking my brain as to what more I can possibly do to end that poor mare’s torment. And Jenni- yes, offer definitely stands! If you’re interested, you can reach me through Patrick!
SHAMROCK ROAD came home LAST 9th/9 by almost 15 lengths.
Chart said that he leaned in and bumped with another horse at the start.
Chart said that he tired.
He was not claimed.
Still slaving away and earned the grand sum of $200 for his owner, Dream Ridge Racing.
This poor horse dropped right back and ran three to four horses wide, covering much more ground when he was fatigued and likely whipped to go faster.
Are the racing authorities going to permit this horse to continue on racing when he’s clearly not up to the task?
We’re bigger than that, Jenni.
Thanks for caring so much for Shamrock Road.
There’s nothing like a horse fix, hope you can get to SD’s place and enjoy her horses!
I hope they don’t do this to see people like us get upset over it. I swear, some of them do it just to get a thrill out of upsetting people.
SHAMROCK ROAD is entered to race at Presque Isle Downs on July 19, 2017 with a sale price on his head for $5,000. This gelding is now up to trainer no. 4 (Debbie Brooks) and last raced on November 15, 2016. Wonder what was wrong with him causing him to have 8 months out…….
HALOS AND ANGELS raced at Mountaineer on July 17, 2017 coming home 4th/6.
Chart says that she weakened. This 6 year old mare has now had 39 starts and last won a race on April 25, 2014 – the abuse of this mare continues with a sale price on her head at $5,000.
Yes, Carolyn, it looks like Jill’s Reflection has quietly “disappeared” like so many others.
Somebody knows what happened to her. Perhaps her last owner, Mark Moshe or her trainer, Kelsey Cartagena know what they did with her !
She first came to my attention in July 2014 when I noticed she had started 52 times and she was a 3 yr.old at that time. I called a track official re the overworking and was told while 52 starts was a lot it was not unusual ! The young filly actually started 52 times in a space of 56 weeks and I was informed it was not unusual. She went on to rack up 26 starts for the year 2014 as a 3 yr. old.
She never had a break just relentless training, breezing, racing, whipping, drugging for her 42 month “career” and she probably got more than Lasix !
In her last race on 2 Nov. 2016 she came 3rd and earned her connections $1,150. She was tough but not tough enough for this brutal game.
Hah, that would be so cool!! I definitely don’t mind the thought of spoiling them! 😁
Thanks, Mary! My aunt raised Morgans back in the 90’s, and I took riding lessons earlier than that, though I had to stop just before learning to canter because money ran out. Thoroughbreds have always pulled at my heart over any other breed, even those flashy air-trotting Arabians! I definitely won’t give up!
Jenni, I, too, care deeply about the claimers and the track warriors and that is why I walked the backside of a low level track for many years trying to help the horses that had nowhere to go. Your goal to buy land and a house where you can keep a horse is a noble one but, if you don’t have experience with horses, it probably isn’t the best idea. However, you could always “rescue” one and board the horse at a stable that has the availability of a competent trainer. Take lessons, attend clinics, and read lots of books on horse care plus surround yourself with experienced and knowledgeable people. Please don’t give up your dream. The horses need you!
Jenni, thank you for your compassion…and don’t give up on that dream of yours – you’re not delusional…you just care. I hope that sometime in the future I read about the lucky horse(s) you gave a loving home to. And in the meantime, I’m grateful for your support.
Jenni- I just want to say- thank you for your dream of rescuing/ rehoming these beautiful creatures. There can never be enough of us until this “sport” comes to an end. In the meantime – if you need some real horse time – you’re welcome to my place- I’m not far from you- and my kids would love all the attention and loving you could give them! And peppermints! Lol
I hadn’t seen what you wrote until just now! Gina, what a terrible thing to say! I’m not in the horse racing business. Please, don’t make blind assumptions about people.
When I said “…the terrible thing is that either people don’t realize or don’t care that there are people that care deeply about these claimers and track warriors.” I meant that the horse’s owners, like Sexton, or others who over run these horses, either don’t know or don’t care that there are people who care about these overworked horses. People like us!
If there weren’t people like us who run sites like these, people who email oweners/trainers/commissions, people who post online on social media, people who pull thoroughbreds out of kill lots, or even buy them from trainers, or those who are able to claim them to retire them, there wouldn’t be thoroughbreds lucky enough to still be alive today.
The only business I’m in is trying to get a job where I can build up enough money to buy a home with enough land to save one or two thoroughbreds. Though, to be honest, that’ll probably never happen because I’ve never been around a real horse before. So that dream is probably the only thing that I’m delusional about. Again, I’m not in the horse racing business. I’m kind of sad that you would be so rude like that. :(
Halos is an early scratch out of the race. A little reprieve again. Have yet to figure out what Norma Mason, the owner, is doing. She seems to be bouncing from trainer to trainer and track to track with this one poor little horse
HALOS AND ANGELS
This long suffering mare is once again entered to race at Mountaineer Casino Racetrack and Resort on July 11.
She last raced on February 6, 2017 at Mahoning Valley, and came home 22+ lengths stone motherless last and the chart reported that she was ‘outrun’. She sure was outrun – there were 8 horses in the race and there was a gap of 11 lengths between herself and the 7th/second last placegetter. On June 7, she was vet scratched. She was later entered to run again at Mountaineer on June 26 but did not race. Her connections appear to be attempting to continue to race her into the ground whilst racing officials, the relevant racing commission and the so-called vets conveniently ignore the blatant animal abuse that she is suffering. Halos and Angels is high risk as it has been 5 months since she last raced (see reference to the vet scientists below).
SHAMROCK ROAD had a workout at Presque Isle Downs on July 8, 2017.
Previously he has had 3 recent workouts: one in May and two in June 2017.
He has not raced since November 15, 2016 and I haven’t seen him entered to race – why the hesitation to race him? If and when he does race he will be high risk as the vet scientists have revealed in their research on bone fatigue (e.g. Dr Christopher Riggs – Hong Kong and Dr Chris Whitton – Australia).
This now 5 year old gelding had 12 race starts in 18 weeks early in his career including 9 starts as a 2 year old. He had 24 starts in 11 months (1.16.15 to 12.18.15). No wonder, this horse went downhill.
Owner: Dream Ridge Racing
Trainer: Richard Markham
Breeder: Edward Charles Sexton and Mary Grace Mead
Sexton was his original trainer/owner from January to December 18, 2015. SR has changed hands a few times having had 3 different owners and trainers since his first start on January 16, 2015.
SR is just one example only of what goes on with far too many racehorses, especially geldings.
SHAMROCK ROAD has not raced since November 15, 2016.
He’s had 3 recent workouts: one in May and two in June 2017.
Yet to see him race again.
This now 5 year old gelding had 12 race starts in 18 weeks early in his career.
He had 9 starts as a 2 year old.
No wonder, this horse went downhill.
Owner: Dream Ridge Racing
Trainer: Richard Markham
Breeder: Edward Charles Sexton and Mary Grace Mead
Sexton was his original trainer/owner.
SHAMROCK ROAD has changed hands a few times having had 3 different owners and trainers since his first start on January 16, 2015.
SR is just one example only of what goes on with far too many racehorses, especially geldings.
HALOS AND ANGELS a 6 year old mare has been entered to race at Mountaineer Casino Racetrack and Resort on June 26, 2017. A racetrack amongst a resort and a casino? Comes across as being somewhat sinister.
O Mason Racing continues to race this mare when her history proves that she’s not coping with racing and is uncompetitive. On June 7 at Mountaineer, she was scratched by the vet. We don’t know why but i’d imagine it must’ve been very obvious. She last raced at Mahoning on 6 February 2017 and it seems has never raced at Mountaineer before. Ever since her very first start on January 30, 2014, all of her 38 race starts have been in claiming races over a period of 3 years and 4 months, earning a total of $32,275 – this just doesn’t seem viable. Tax benefits claiming a loss?
To Jenni, “people that care deeply about these claimers and track warriors.”
Yet another delusional comment.
If you “cared deeply” about these racehorses then you wouldn’t be in this business – period.
Go peddle your manure elsewhere.
And the terrible thing is that either people don’t realize or don’t care that there are people that care deeply about these claimers and track warriors. I’ll never forget a thoroughbred named Road to War and I have always hoped that he didn’t end up killed on the track or in a slaughterhouse.
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Yes, Billy – a shocker that Aurora’s Secret was claimed. It does look like the partnership of Middleton and Pinnell is new, but I see in the Equibase Owner Profile an Archie and Donna Pinnell Living Trust – 41 starts from 2000 to present…just a few to several starts a year. I remember some of Mike Maker’s father’s (George Maker) horses at Great Lakes Downs…at least one very tragic story there – Shamanuu ran until the age of 11, broke down in his last race and was euthanized (Read the Shedrow Secrets: Brash Tony story…Shamanuu won the 2001 Claimer of the Year at GLD which was voted and decided on AFTER Shamanuu was already dead). Anyway, maybe AS was claimed in order to retire him? – guess we’ll see.
I believe you’re correct, Billy, about Transparent – I’m sure his wealthy former owners never give him a thought. They buy and sell and race so many horses. The over-used claim “the horses are our family members” makes fools out of every single individual who uses it.
Jill has been in my mind since I asked her former trainer if she was ok after stopping abruptly in her last race at park, and was met with a quick yes she’s fine and she walked away. Jill raced one time since then finishing 3rd at charlestown and who knows since, like rose said and we all know the countless others some that I keep an eye on are auroras secret just turned 13 yr old ran in his 151st start today, won and was claimed by people that have 2 starts as owners this horse has been with his connections his entire career which is very rare for a claimer just a bad deal for the horse yet again. And then we have transparent a 725,000 dollar yearling bought by goldolphin racing you know the guy that owns dubai millions upon millions of dollars well transparent just ran for 5k at parx for Scott lake off of a voided claim in ny this is the story of alot of horses that don’t make the derby and it would be nothing to get this horse and take care of him for the shiek and goldolphin but I’m sure he’s just been lost in the shuffle of the hundreds of horses they’ve bought and raced
I wonder too, Joy, if Jill’s Reflecton is in need of help or is she beyond help just like the countless others that waited for help that rarely came.
And as we know, there is no way of finding out in this abusive game of NO ACCOUNTABILITY. It is so very sickening.
Yes, TY Carolyn. Jill’s Reflection – her 70th start while she was yet a 5-year-old. Oh I wonder where she is and if she needs help.
Many thanks, Rose. In my experience, there has to be a very good reason for a track vet to scratch a horse.
I’ve just come across a horse here that was presented to race at a remote country meeting (track as hard as a rock) with both his front legs lame, he was sore. Trainer didn’t notice this? Vet noticed and horse scratched. Interestingly, this particular trainer has had at least a couple of horses break down and die in a race on the gruelling country circuit (not unlike your claiming races except there’s no claiming).
Yes, it looks as though JILL’S REFLECTION has gone – i think it’s been about seven (7) months since she’s raced when i last looked at her. I remember you raising JR a long time ago and her story was appalling even then but they kept on racing her. No rules in place to protect these innocent horses.
Hate to think about where she ended up……..
Race scratches are noted on the Eauibase race result page. Also, it will say vet. trainer or steward in parenthesis after the horse’s name. A vet. scratch means the track vet.
Carolyn, thank you for keeping up with Halos and Angles, Shamrock Road and Jill’s Reflection. These horses represent what so many of their kind endure in this corrupt gambling business. Looks like Jill’s Reflection, like countless others, has just “disappeared”. So sad.
Thank you, Billy. I don’t know how to navigate equibase when it comes to finding out why a horse has been scratched. I’m guessing it was the vet on duty at Mountaineer racetrack who found her not fit to start?
Or, was it her trainer’s vet who made the call the previous evening or early the next morning (which sometimes happens here in Australia)?
Vet scratch(equibase)
HALOS AND ANGELS was scratched from the race at Mountaineer on June 7. Don’t know the reason.
Yes saw that Halos and Angels had a work at Thistledown last week. This was after being assured she was being retired to be a ” barrel horse” for trainer’s gf’s daughter. Clearly not. Poor girl.
The abuse of HALOS AND ANGELS continues – entered to race at Mountaineer on Wednesday, June 7.
Bet she can hardly wait!
Also SHAMROCK ROAD has had a couple of recent workouts – yet to see if he races again.
Not sure what’s happening with JILL’S REFLECTION.
I was so hoping that he had a new owner. I worry for horses like him. I’ll never forget a horse I saw in Chicago named Road to War. I wish I could have snatched him right off the track!
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Jenni, like you, my thoughts were that he was sold on so i checked Equibase and he has the same owner and same trainer. My guess is that he had a health issue because that’s a long time off for a racehorse – no appearance money or prizemoney.
I wonder if something happened, like a slight injury, and he got some rest. Or maybe he finally has a decent owner who gave him some well deserved down time. Prayers for this warrior. Presque Isle is north of me. Too bad I live in a city neighborhood. I don’t think they’d let me keep a horse in my backyard!
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I see that SHAMROCK ROAD recently had a workout at Presque Isle Downs.
It has been 6 months since he has raced.
SHAMROCK ROAD once again came home last in a race – Mountaineer on November 1, 2016.
Chart said “always outrun”
http://www.equibase.com/premium/chartEmb.cfm?track=MNR&raceDate=11/01/2016&cy=USA&rn=8
This poor horse who was raced 12 times in 18 weeks early in his career which began Jan 16, 2015 is still being raced, for what? He earned his connections $159 in this last start.
Wonderful to hear from you April. Wishing you the very best with your horsemanship training and the special relationship with your rescued horse, lucky horse. Stay in touch.
Thank you for this update. After much involvement lately with my own horsemanship training along with rescuing my first horse, I have not been as active on this site as I have been in the past. Rest assured, Mr. Sexton and many many many others will be exposed as I steamroll ahead with my plans to launch a different initiative to educate, expose, and lobby for real change in this world of animal cruelty. Thanks again for the update and all that you do, HORSERACINGWRONGS.COM!
The abuse of Shamrock Road continues. As a 2 year old this gelding had 12 starts in 18 weeks under trainer/owner Edward Charles Sexton. On October 6, 2016, SR came home 22 LENGTHS last 10th/10. According to equibase.com, the current owner is Dream Ridge Racing and trainer is Richard Markham. Yet another worrying performance but his connections continue to run him in claiming hell.
This IS horseracing.
Thank you for bringing this to our attention, Carolyn.
I don’t know what to say, Carolyn, other than that I share your heartbreak and concern over these three horses – Shamrock Road, Halos and Angels, and Jill’s Reflection. No one in the industry cares. Those who still might have even an ounce of compassion look away because they don’t want to “interfere” – it could come back to affect their own pocketbooks. The horses cannot cry for assistance, scream for help…they suffer in silence as this industry just runs them into their graves.
JILL’s REFLECTION is to race at Charles Town on May 27. This mare has just turned 5 yrs of age from foaling date and already she’s had 61 starts! She was 1 yr and 10 months old when she had her very first start in Feb 2013! No doubt into training several months prior – not even 2 years of age! Just a baby!
The abuse of this horse continues unabated. Connections, vets, stewards, et al continue to permit and witness this inexcusable aggravated cruelty upon an animal.
This is horseracing.
SHAMROCK ROAD is racing at Presque Isle Downs on Wednesday, May 25. It has been three months since he last raced. I haven’t seen any workouts on equibase for him.
HALOS AND ANGELS raced recently and came home 8th /8 last by 38 LENGTHS!!!
The abuse of this mare is outrageous. She’s uncompetitive and being forced to endure this brutal mistreatment.
I think I get what you mean, Carolyn. I hope there wasn’t a fixed situation where SR is still with his old owners.
Jenn, thank you for your concern for Shamrock Road.
It is possible that he’s having a lay-off.
My query is why his new trainer and owner, with such transaction taking place on Feb 22, 2016,
are not listed by Equibase but I hasten to add that there might’ve been a hiccup with the claiming purchase of SR.
I just hope he’s safe, that’s all.
I don’t know. :( I wish I could buy him! He’d be retired right away.
SHAMROCK ROAD last raced and won on Feb 22 with new owner/trainer no. 2 being Richard Zielinski.
SR was claimed for $5,000 on Feb 22 with new owner being Timothy B Troup and new trainer being Richard L Markham.
It appears that Richard Zielinski’s name still appears as owner/trainer on the Equibase record.
Oh, this poor horse after being raced into the ground having 24 starts from January to Dec in 2015 and now he’s where? like what’s his status?
Does anybody out there know?
Exactly. That’s why I strongly support DECOUPLING (both for casinos and lotteries), Cancellation of the Interstate Horse Wagering Act, and investigation by the FBI into offshore horse racing bets that make millions and pay no taxes.
These 3 things can end horse racing. It will take time, but I think that a major reduction of racetracks in the USA is forthcoming. The less racetracks, the less racehorses bred, the less suffering.
Racing is on welfare, essentially. It can’t survive without “outside” money. If these “funds” dry up then the demise of the racing game will be at hand.
I hate to say, but I believe this will go on for as long as people are greedy and only care about themselves and their money. It’s going to take a very High Power, or some sort of force or event, in order to get people to change and see the light. Until then, we can only do what we can to try to save as many racehorses as possible.
Politicians are bought and sold every day as you know. The horse racing industry has lobbyists everywhere because they have the money to make financial contributions.
The industry has been financially supported by either taxpayers or casinos for the past 15 years because wagering is so down it’s not sufficient to financially support this rich mans hobby.
These people go to Keeneland and pay $100,000 or more on 1 racehorse. They own multimillion dollar horse farms, pay $50,000 stud fees, buy broodmares for 6 figures, but they want everybody else to pay for it.
Essentially, we are paying for this rich mans hobby and it must end. The financial support must end because when it does the business of exploiting racehorses for profit will end. When these rich people have to financially support their own business then they will think twice about it. It’s easy to carry on a business that everybody else pays for.
Not only do the racehorses pay the price, but the Mexican labour does to. They are just as exploited as the racehorses although they have a voice, and more of a choice.
Both the financial and moral cost of this business is outrageous and the time to end it is now.
The industry uses the ‘job” card time and time again claiming they support American jobs
There are millions of businesses in America that collectively provide more jobs than horse racing ever will, and they are not financially supported by either taxpayers or casinos, and now lotteries. Nor do they exploit animals or people. They actually pay a decent wage with benefits unlike stable help on racetracks.
How much longer is the people and the government going to allow this to go on?
Stronach can afford this easily, and probably use it in a tax write off. What are they pulling this money from and who will be adversely affected? There are far better ways to use this money with longer reaching affects than one day of racing. Bridge repair, education, funding the poor. Yet this is going to a horse race? I’d get the media involved as well. Unlike the welfare of horses, people don’t like seeing their hard earned tax dollars wasted on a rich man’s sport. Tweet, share on facebook, etc. Once the public knows, they’ll be in an uproar, and maybe it can be stopped. At the very least, it’ll be bad press for the politicians and maybe even the track. I’m not sure but isn’t it coming up for election times? Could be a double whammy.
Agree Jenn. Maryland residents should mobilize, and tell their politicians to stop the transfer of these funds by stopping House Bill 965.
Taxpayers of Maryland need to contact their representatives and voice their concerns. Flood their phone lines and email like crazy.
I don’t know how to do it, but maybe someone could put a petition up on a site like Force Change dedicated to getting Shamrock Road off the track and into a safe retirement.
Thank you Carolyn. Shamrock Road is another profit slave for this despicable industry. Speaking of taxpayers money it’s with absolute disgust that I read this:
“House Bill 965 would move $1.1 million of state lottery funds to the horse racing industry, $500,000 of which would be earmarked for the new “Maryland International,” to be run on turf at Laurel Park. The race would be scheduled five to six weeks in advance of the Breeders’ Cup, in the hopes that contenders would use it as their final prep race.”
Why should 1.1 million dollars go to horse racing??? WHY??? There are so many other social areas that this money could be applied to. The owner Frank Stronach owns multimillion dollar farms, breeds about 200+ horses every year, is a multibillionaire and he wants STATE FUNDS to pay for ONE RACE! Are you f**king kidding me?
How can our politicians allow this waste of money to keep being thrown into a money pit called horse racing? Should we throw all the broken bones and dead racehorses into the money pit as well?
These people make me sick.
Sold privately? Fake sold? Maybe the new owner is a friend. Still wish I knew a trainer that could claim him to retire him.
SHAMROCK ROAD is entered to race at Mahoning Valley on Monday Feb 22.
He is up for claiming for $5,000.
His new owner/trainer is Richard Zielinski.
He last raced Dec 18, 2015 under his trainer from day one, Edward Sexton, owner The IRA, when he came home 10th/10 last by 20+ lengths.
He was up for claiming for $15,000 but I couldn’t see any horses claimed in that race.
TY, Carolyn, for the links.
To: The Chairman, Robert M. Beck, Jr.
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission
Marc.Guilfoil@ky.gov
To: Barbara Borden
Kentucky Horse Racing Commission
barbara.borden@ky.gov
To: Dr Mary Scollay
Veterinarian – Kentucky Horse Racing Commission
mary.scollay@ky.gov
Turfway Racetrack
Racing Office
Phone: (800) 815-2806 or (859) 647-4705
Fax: (859) 647-4739
http://www.turfway.com/contactus
SHAMROCK ROAD is racing again at Turfway Park on Friday 18 December at 9.38pm Race 8.
He is up for claiming – this time for $15,000.
http://www.equibase.com/static/entry/TP121815USA-EQB.html#RACE8
It will be his 24th start since Jan 16, 2015 when he had his first race start.
From foaling date, for his first ten (10) starts he was only 2 years old.
SR raced on Sept 4 and had 6 starts from that date in a period of 6 weeks.
Earlier in his career he had 12 starts in 18 weeks.
SR has not had a proper lay-off.
In my opinion, this horse is being raced into the ground.
This 3 year old gelding has come home distanced in his last 3 starts – 24 LENS, 26 LENS and 26 LENS.
http://www.equibase.com/profiles/Results.cfm?type=Horse&refno=9409893®istry=T
SHAMROCK ROAD raced at Turfway Park, Florence, Kentucky on Sunday, Dec 6 and earned $118 for trailing home 26 LENS for his trainer owner Edward Charles SEXTON (the IRA). Chart said he had brief speed and then stopped.
He went hard at the start travelling in 2nd place and then suddenly he dropped right back – yes he sure did STOP because he’s so exhausted from this arduous racing program. It was a pitiful sight to see this horse struggling to keep up with the field (his herd – safety) whilst being beaten with a whip and wearing blinkers which restricts the horse’s vision causing further stress. It is not uncommon for racehorses to go hard at the start when wearing blinkers and sometimes jockeys have difficulty in holding them back to try and stop them from using up too much energy at the beginning of the race. Whether this was the case here, I do not know.
It was this horse’s 23rd start since Jan 16, 2015 when he had his first race start.
From foaling date, for his first ten (10) starts he was only 2 years old.
SR raced on Sept 4 and had 6 starts from that date in a period of 6 weeks.
Earlier in his career he had 12 starts in 18 weeks.
SR has not had a proper lay-off.
In my opinion, this horse is being raced into the ground.
This 3 year old gelding has come home distanced in his last 3 starts e.g. 24 lens, 26 lens and 26 lens.
Earnings for his 23 starts to date = $22,782 and averaging $991 per start.
http://www.equibase.com/profiles/Results.cfm?type=Horse&refno=9409893®istry=T
THE OVERRACING, OVERUSING AND OVERWORKING OF SHAMROCK ROAD CONTINUES……. in the meantime, those that have the power to intervene appear, for whatever reason, to be reluctant to do so.
The racing industry is sustained by the public, the horses are put on public display and therefore their well-being is open to public scrutiny.
Thank you, Carolyn!
To: The Chairman, Robert M. Beck, Jr.
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission
Marc.Guilfoil@ky.gov
To: Barbara Borden
Kentucky Horse Racing Commission
barbara.borden@ky.gov
To: Dr Mary Scollay
Veterinarian – Kentucky Horse Racing Commission
mary.scollay@ky.gov
Turfway Racetrack
Racing Office
Phone: (800) 815-2806 or (859) 647-4705
Fax: (859) 647-4739
http://www.turfway.com/contactus
Not in the least bit surprised – SHAMROCK ROAD is entered to race on Sunday, 6 December in race 8 at 5.53pm at Turfway Park, Florence, Kentucky.
http://www.equibase.com/static/entry/TP120615USA-EQB.html#RACE8
The relevant racing commission is the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission.
The Turfway Park Racetrack appears to be a racino.
Shamrock Road is entered to run on December 6, 2015, at TURFWAY PARK.
Sigh.
Thanks, Rose.
All 3 scratches in race 12 were by Trainer.
I’ve heard that does not mean much as the trainer is sometimes given the “option” to scratch rather than have the horse listed s a vet. scratch. The real “reason” for the scratch is rarely, if ever disclosed, except, of course, when a race is taken “off turf”.
No worries! It is a bit confusing on first looking at it. :)
Thanks Jenn, i misread it.
This link was updated maybe. It now says:
#2 Shamrock Road Scratched – Reason Unavailable 11:25 AM ET Scratch Reason – Reason Unavailable changed to Trainer 12:02 PM ET
Jenn, if you come across who scratched Shamrock, could you please put the link up, thanks.
Reason for scratching SHAMROCK ROAD is “unavailable” according to the link below.
http://www.equibase.com/static/latechanges/html/latechangesCD-USA.html
The Charts only went up to Race 9 (Shamrock Road was in Race 12). Perhaps 3 races were
cancelled.
Rose, how can i find out who scratched Shamrock?
It would be interesting to read if it was vet or track scratch. I doubt it was an owner scratch!
Shamrock Road is scratched ! Of course, it does not say why on the entries. However, it will say whether it was by a vet. a steward or the owner/trainer when the race results are posted on the Equibase site. Check the “full charts” results It can take about 30 mins following the race for the “full chart” to be posted.
Maybe Churchill took the hint from the emails concerning the abuse ??
I prayed for this in a good way – that he be able to rest. Going at this pace, this poor sweetheart is facing the inevitable demise of break down but just prolonged until he’s out of racing for good. I hope he’s ok but he also may be hurt.
Thank everyone from the time Shamrock Road’s story has been told on this site until now for the outpouring of care and concern for him, and the EXPOSURE of this self-centered and cruel animal abuser, Sexton. Pathetic individual. This barbaric sport of horse racing will eventually die and the money will burn.
Breaking news:
Shamrock Road was scratched from race 12 on November 29, 2015, at CHURCHILL DOWNS.
I hope he’s okay!!!!!!! This was in my email this morning.
I voted as well. I wish you could see how many horses were written in, and how many votes each got. Is anyone posting this on their facebook/twitter/instagram/etc pages? I’m hoping social media can work for Shamrock Road! I’d love to see Penny Chenery’s face when she sees Shamrock Road written in a good number of times! I wonder if she’d be like, “And who is this?” And if his name is released as a write in, I wonder what his dirtbag owner will think.
Thank you, Karen.
To: The Chairman, Robert M. Beck, Jr.
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission
Marc.Guilfoil@ky.gov
To: The Officiating Stewards – Churchill Downs
c/- Churchill Downs Racetrack
E-mail: customerservice@kyderby.com
To: The Officiating Stewards – Churchill Downs
c/- Churchill Downs Communications
E-mail: darren.rogers@kyderby.com
Just voted for Shamrock Road.
Just got a notification that SHAMROCK ROAD is racing again at Churchill Downs on Sunday 29 November – this will be his 23rd start since January 2015 WITHOUT A LAY-OFF!
Race 12 at 6.03pm.
http://www.equibase.com/static/entry/CD112915USA-EQB.html#RACE12
This 3 year old gelding came home 26 LENS 2ND LAST in his last start at Churchill Downs on 21 November and at his previous start at Thistledown he came home LAST BY 24 LENGTHS.
The overracing, overusing and overworking of this racehorse continues……
http://www.equibase.com/profiles/Results.cfm?type=Horse&refno=9409893®istry=T
He has my vote. Results will be announced on Dec. 8th. !
I think this is a great idea. My thanks to Jenn, Maureen and Joy.
P.S. Jenn, I remember the debacle with the mare, Life at Ten, at the 2010 Breeder’s Cup. The trainer was Todd Pletcher or Teflon Todd, if you like. The trainer has the ultimate responsibility for the horses in his barn but a steward lost his job and Todd Pletcher was hardly mentioned !
Argh! He’s entered again at Churchill. November 29th at 6:03.
I’m glad to help!! If anyone is on facebook, Twitter, etc., maybe they can post this link as well.
Absolutely, Carolyn…it’s such a great idea thanks to Jenn!
Please everyone, vote for Shamrock Road!
Many thanks Joy for the link and the instructions – DONE!
It’s just so easy to do everyone
Go to http://www.secretariat.com/
Then you’ll see (in blue text) “2015 Secretariat Vox Populi Award Nominees Set, Voting Now Open…Let Your Voice Be Heard”…click on that and it should be there. SUPER SIMPLE AND QUICK!
All you have to do is just type in SHAMROCK ROAD
Great imagination Jenn! Exactly……. WHO is Shamrock Road? He is a HERO!
And we will make sure that he becomes well known – he represents the hundreds and hundreds
of horses being overraced, overused and overworked in the racing industry without any regard for their safety, health and welfare.
Jenn!! That is a fantastic idea to vote for Shamrock Road for the Vox Populi Award!…in fact, I’ve already done it!
FOLKS WHO CARE ABOUT SHAMROCK ROAD…please go to the site (see below) and there is a box where you can vote for one of the three horses listed OR you can write in the horse of your choice – Shamrock Road! It was the simplest thing…just type in his name and accept! DONE!
Go to http://www.secretariat.com/
Then you’ll see (in blue text) “2015 Secretariat Vox Populi Award Nominees Set, Voting Now Open…Let Your Voice Be Heard”…click on that and it should be there. SUPER SIMPLE AND QUICK!
THANKS JENN!
I scan sites like Bloodhorse (and really, what kind of a name is that supposed to be?!) daily. The current thing is the award for people’s choice, created by the owner of Secretariat, Penny Chenery. The following selections were copied from the BH website:
“…nominees were selected by the Vox Populi committee, and voters again have the option to write in a racehorse of their choice.”
So why not write in Shamrock Road’s name? I can’t think of a better, and very visible way, to put light on this poor horse than writing in his name.
There are only three prenominated horses picked. American Pharoah, Beholder, and Rachel’s Valentina (daughter of Rachel Alexandra).
“The winner will be selected on the equally weighted basis of the public online poll as well as input from Mrs. Chenery and the Vox Populi committee, a group of several distinguished personalities from within and outside the racing industry who all share a keen interest and affection for the sport. Voting in the online poll, which can be found at Secretariat.com, ends Dec. 6, with the public presentation to the 2015 winner scheduled for Jan. 9, at Santa Anita Park.”
Let’s put Shamrock Road’s name there for all to see! Imagine if we could get “big” racing names saying “Who is Shamrock Road?” Would they review his race record and see how over raced he is? Google his name and see blogs like this crying out to get him retired? Shine light on his shady owner? Maybe this could be big for him. Hopefully in a good way.
Interesting Mary, thank you.
Jill’s Reflection was scratched from race 8 on November 22, 2015, at GULFSTREAM PARK WEST.
Thanks for the link, Mary.
April, I couldn’t agree with you more. Sexton is a predator. Keep every email and voicemail that he sends to you. If you have trouble with him moving forward, let me know and I will put you in touch with two other individuals who will corroborate what you are saying. They, too, have been threatened by him. He is bad, bad news.
Sexton is a predator. He admits it on a vm to me personally. Mr. Sexton will soon have lots social media attention and it’s not going to be good. Sexton, if you’re reading this, I told you people are watching you. You will be held accountable. That’s a bet you can count on!!!
Carolyn, Sexton, the abuser, has stated that, if he chooses to run his horses “eight days a week”, it is none of our business. That quote comes from one of my contacts that I completely trust. I have also been told, by another contact connected to Midwest TB’s, that Sexton beat a guy up in Florida and threatened to do more damage to him if he went to the authorities. Sounds to me as if Sexton thinks he is above the law and is just a low life “thug”. Also, it is important to keep in mind that Sexton is involved with Mary Mead, the girl who sent some of the Midwest TB’s to slaughter. Both are bad news, in my opinion.
I personally don’t think that Sexton comes to this blog and reads the posts about him, but I’m sure there are pro-racing trolls that funnel some of the comments in his direction. Therefore, let me be clear. If Sexton wants to come after me, please let him know that I am ready…and waiting…for him. I refuse to be intimidated by him or any other human “monster”.
We will continue to follow Shamrock Road much to the chagrin of the thug…Sexton. Those who support horseracing must be mighty proud to have such a vile human being in their industry.
I remember her well, Jenn…what was done to her was blatant abuse. Legal, blatant abuse. I think LAT was Pletcher’s racemare so that is a partial explanation for lack of concern for her.
You’re welcome. I think that seeing his progress, from saddling area to the gate, can tell a lot about how the horse is doing. One of the saddest races I saw ended up with the horse not being injured at all, but the mare did not want to race. The mare’s name is Life At Ten and it was in the 2010 Breeders Cup race. I was into horse racing back then and I watched the post parade. The jockey said she didn’t seem herself but the track vet cleared her to run. She pretty much shouldn’t have been raced and, I think, she proved to me that day that she was right and the humans were wrong. Except maybe her jockey who didn’t want her to run either.
Anyway, I’m glad that Shamrock Road finished safely, but I really wish that, if he had to be raced at all, that he wasn’t with that guy.
Thank you, Jenn…firstly, for being so brave to watch – for the sake of Shamrock Road. And then to honestly report back to all of us who have such concern for his welfare.
Sexton is an abuser and a coward. Men like him feel big in exploiting animals such as horses because they themselves are so small and weak and nothing.
I had almost forgotten about his race and turned to the right channel just in time to see the post parade. I was so worried for him that I paused the tv (I’m so glad for DVR!) until I thought the race would be over. On hitting “live” I managed to catch the race just as the horses finished the race. Not for the last time will I say that I wished I had the money, ability, and know how to claim him!
Mr Sexton
It is not in your best interests to threaten me…….. The emails you have sent to me have been handed over to a lawyer.
You stated in your first email that you have “a large pile of harassing emails to numerous tracks”. You also stated that I was trying to get in the way of you making money???
The racing industry is a public industry sustained by the public and the horses are put on public display and therefore their welfare is open to public scrutiny. As I have previously commented on this site, I (and some other fellow commenters) have concerns about the arduous racing program for Shamrock Road who has been racing since Jan 16, 2015 without a lay-off. Emails sent by me (and some other fellow commenters have also sent emails as well) to the relevant racing authorities/tracks, are always polite. I state the facts and refer to equibase.com and I also make reference to the industry’s own veterinarian scientific researchers’ findings, recommendations and advice, to substantiate my concerns.
No, Mr Sexton, I don’t send “harassing” emails.
Interestingly, I’ve received some replies assuring me that my correspondence would be forwarded on to the appropriate officials for their attention.
It appears to me that the “large pile of harassing emails” that you talk about are in your possession because they’ve been sent to you by the racing authorities and I would imagine that they’re following protocol and informing you that some members of the public have genuine concerns about the welfare of Shamrock Road.
Perhaps I should remind you that the Horseracing Wrongs site is about the welfare of the racehorse, it is a public forum, freedom of speech and everyone has the right to voice their own opinion.
Jenn, thank you for following Shamrock Road, watching his race and informing the public (tv) comments that were made about him – yes some honesty. “This horse has no place being here”.
According to equibase.com, he came home (8th/9) 2nd last by 26 AND ¾ LENS. and for this he earned $777 for his owner/trainer, (the IRA)/ Edward Sexton.
Chart stated he “FOLDED UP” well….. we know why, given this horse’s history. No, he definitely had no place being in that race because his place should’ve been in a paddock having a desperately needed lay-off.
http://www.equibase.com/static/chart/pdf/CD112115USA9.pdf
I just saw Shamrock Road’s race on TV. He finished either last or second last. But he finished. The TV guys were not kind to him during the post parade, but I guess it was frank honesty. “Your final horse of the race at 45 to 1 and worth every bit of that price” aka “This horse has no place being here.” I feel so bad for him. :( He has such a terrible owner.
Thank you Mary and Joy, for your posts.
Anyone with an ounce of sense knows the business is obscenely corrupt, not to mention the animal cruelty involved.
The situation with Parx and the issue with being able to “legally” start a horse in AZ that was declared unfit to race by the vet. in CA is outrageous. It clearly shows, among other things, why nobody in the business wants a national racing commission or any “outside” interference.
Mary, thank you for providing the link to the Paulick Report article about the four-year-old gelding Time for a J. I read disturbing pieces about racehorses daily, but this one was especially horrific. I would encourage readers to click on the link Mary provided – see what a racing insider had to say about what was done to Time for a J AND read the remarks from the gelding’s racing owner/trainer. That being said, the article is long and I’m afraid many will pass on reading it…so I want to highlight a several things;
– in May of 2014, Time for a J (then 3-years-old) raced at Santa Anita in a 20K claiming race
– in his very next race (June), he was DROPPED into a $3500 claiming race at Los Alamitos and was claimed by O/T Robert Lucas
– Lucas ran him four more times
– then on October 4, 2014, Time for a J was SCRATCHED from a race on a California track by the vet (meaning the horse was not sound/fit to race). California rules prohibit horses on the vet’s list from running at any track in the state (until they are deemed sound and removed from the list)
– so Lucas took the gelding out of state – to Arizona – where he ran him once in November and twice in December
– on December 29, trainer Kanya Kemper claimed Time for a J for $3500
– Kemper raced him on January 14 and January 27…on the 27th, he broke his left front leg only a couple of furlongs into the race and was euthanized
– Quotes from Robert Lucas who took the vet-listed youngster out of state to race him…”I WAS SURPRISED HE GOT CLAIMED [on December 29] BECAUSE HE HAD SUCH BAD LEGS” and “IF YOU LOOKED FROM HIS KNEES DOWN, IT WAS JUST DREADFUL”
– (Time for a J – now remember, just four years old with such DREADFUL, BAD LEGS – had already suffered a bowed tendon in one front and a ligament injury in the other front)
– and a quote from Kemper who claimed Time for a J on December 29…”I STARTED HEARING BAD THINGS ABOUT HIM [about Time for a J, after claiming him]
– and lastly, according to the article, Lucas had a nice retirement “gig” lined up for Time for a J if he hadn’t died from racing with such dreadful legs – considering what he did to him while the gelding was alive, I can only imagine the “gig” was the slaughterhouse…
Carolyn, yes the abuse of Jill’s Reflection and Shamrock Road continues….unabated….and nothing will be done to stop it unless we, as compassionate human beings, encourage family and friends to stop betting on the horses. The racing industry is a “rogue” industry where money is king and each state plays by its own rules. Today I read an article in the Paulick Report about another exploited and abused horse, Time for a J, who was raced in Arizona when he was on the vet’s list in California. He died in the dirt when he fractured both sesamoids in his left front leg. I wonder if the scene was “sanitized” by the lovely blue screen so that the betting public wouldn’t have to witness the unpleasantness of a horse euthanized on the track. Oh, and Time for a J was only four…you know, just a baby….but who cares when there is freaking money to be made. I sometimes think that I can’t hate racing anymore than I already do, but each day brings a new level of utter disgust and contempt.
http://www.paulickreport.com/news/ray-s-paddock/time-for-a-change-veterinarians-list-no-safe-harbor-for-racehorses/
Just on JILL’S REFLECTION
This 4 year old mare is entered to race again at Gulfstream on November 22 (it will be her 56th start) – just eight (8) days after her last start when she came home 10th/13 at Gulfstream on Nov 14. Chart stated “began to weaken three furlongs out”. And this was in a 6 furlong race, therefore, this poor thing is stuffed half way through the race! I call it aggravated cruelty.
The abuse of JILL’S REFLECTION continues…….. with no intervention by the so called “veterinarians”, racing authorities or Stewards who have the power, responsibility, obligation and duty of care to ensure the welfare of the horse. UTTERLY SHAMEFUL.
Agreed Jenn – a dignified peaceful protest would be one sure way of raising awareness. Shamrock Road is just one solitary example of racing a horse into the ground.
Rose raised Jill’s Reflection a while back (a 4 year old mare). JR continues to be raced into the ground – since May 2013 she’s been raced about twice each month with no lay-off, of any significance, that I could see. To date, she’s had 55 starts 49 of which have been at Gulfstream. She has failed to finish twice and in her last race came home 10th/13 at Gulfstream on Nov 14. Chart stated “began to weaken three furlongs out”. And this was in a 6 furlong race, therefore, this poor thing is stuffed half way through the race! I call it aggravated cruelty.
Like SR, her bones and body are not being given the opportunity of a proper recovery, resting and mending period e.g. 3 months. Veterinary research scientists such as Dr Chris Riggs BVSc, PhD, DEO, Dipl. ECVS, MRCVS, head of Veterinary Clinical Services at the Hong Kong Jockey Club, have proved that bone fatigue is the most common reason for breakdown fractures.
Also, Sue Stover, veterinarian and researcher at the University of California-Davis stated “We know that well over 85% of horses that die from a bone fracture die because the bone has a weakness”. “These are repetitive overuse injuries” Stover says. “This particular lesion is one of the main reasons that bone scanning was installed at Santa Anita. We know that well over 85% of horses that die from a bone fracture, die because the bone has a weakness. The next step is how do we detect the pre-existing injury?” Stover runs a finger over the bone. “This horse, if it was allowed to heal, would have had normal performance afterwards”.
What more evidence does the racing industry require before it heeds the scientific research, recommendations and advice from its own experts?
Have sent emails.
He’s been entered in a stakes race. I wonder if anyone close enough to Churchill could bring a sign and protest. Imagine if it got on TV!
Shamrock Road is entered to run on November 21, 2015, at CHURCHILL DOWNS.
I feel so bad for him. I have him in a virtual stable, which notifies me of workouts, and race entries and finishes. He was alone in this latest workout. Oh, if I had the money and ability to do so, he’d be one of many I’d claim in order to retire!!
Update on SHAMROCK ROAD (a 3 year old gelding)
From his foaling date, for his first ten (10) starts he was only TWO (2) years old.
After his last start when he came home 24 lens last for $192 at Thistledown in Ohio on October 16, he has had two (2) workouts at Churchill Downs, Kentucky. Just a 3 weeks’ break and then his first workout on November 9 and again yesterday on Nov 17.
A 3 weeks’ break in lieu of a 3 months’ lay-off – Oh you sure are true to form EDWARD SEXTON!
In comparison, 3 year old Houston Fire who began his career on the same day as Shamrock Road (Jan 16, 2015) has had SIX (6) starts to date, this colt was given a 4 months’ lay-off and has had a couple of recent workouts.
Shamrock Road – number of starts to date TWENTY-ONE (21) with no lay-off.
THE OVERRACING, OVERUSING AND OVERWORKING OF SHAMROCK ROAD CONTINUES
Shamrock Road’s outrageous abuse continues because of racing’s deliberate lack of any rules to protect the horse. The vets and the stewards all look the other way simply because, even if they gave a damn about the abuse, they are “scared” for their jobs. If any one of them had a spark of decency they would speak out on behalf of this voiceless animal.
To work in this business one has to put aside one’s conscience, integrity, as well as decency provided, of course, that any existed in the first place.
The situation says it all in terms of what a dirty business this is. It is without any redeeming social value whatsoever.
God help Shamrock because racing will not.
Agreed. I tend to think that any horse that refuses to get into the gate, or acts up in it, is either hurt, sick, or flat out doesn’t want to go. Can’t really blame them, especially one as over raced as Shamrock Road.
Thanks Jenn. We call that reared in the gates here. He would not have been keen to be loaded!
I’ve seen hopped. It’s when the horse rears up a bit as they leave the gate. The horse also may or may not have been difficult to load into the gate. I wish I could claim him and save him from this abuser.
SHAMROCK ROAD (a 3 year old gelding) – UPDATE
http://www.equibase.com/profiles/Results.cfm?type=Horse&refno=9409893®istry=T
SR raced at Thistledown on Friday Oct 16 and earned $192 for trailing home 24 lens last for his trainer owner Edward Charles SEXTON (the IRA).
It was this horse’s 21st start since Jan 16, 2015 when he had his first race start.
From foaling date for his first ten (10) starts he was only 2 years old.
SR raced on Sept 4 and has had 6 starts since that date in a period of 6 weeks!
Earlier in his career he had 12 starts in 18 weeks!
SR has not had even one proper lay-off.
According to equibase.com, the Chart stated SR “hopped at the start then trailed”.
There were 9 starters in this race and Como Se Llama (owned by Maggi Moss) came 8th, 14 lengths 2nd last, so SR’s trailing the field would’ve been very obvious indeed with a gap of TEN (10) lens between them. Oh Shamrock Road must’ve been laboring – glad I cannot look at it. “Hopped” at the start, I’m guessing that this happened when he jumped out of the gates or very soon thereafter. Stumbled, bucked but I’ve never come across “hopped” before, anyway something was going on with SR and it is highly likely because he’s so exhausted from this arduous racing without respite, he had difficulty in starting and obviously didn’t have the strength to keep up there with the field and just trailed behind, I hope he didn’t sustain an injury. This race was five and one-half furlongs so it wasn’t his usual one mile distance and he should’ve been able to handle a shorter distance, he trailed for the whole of the race!
AND ONCE AGAIN the Stewards and the so called Vets turn a blind eye.
AND ONCE AGAIN racing officials at the Ohio State Racing Commission were notified of the concerns for the welfare of this racehorse and this was the third occasion of such a notification
and they once again took no action – these horses are in the stewardship of these Stewards!
And you SEXTON are racing Shamrock Road into the ground and you’ve done it from the very beginning of his career. You know it is unlikely that he’ll be a significant money earner for you and being a gelding the only way you can get money out of him is to race him relentlessly.
I’d like to know what you thought of this recent race at Thistledown – did it prick your conscience?
SR must’ve looked a sorry sight in that race – don’t you think?
It appears to me SEXTON that you are slowly but surely destroying this young horse. You have been taking risks with him and that tells me that you just don’t give a damn and I suspect you’ll just race him till he drops, you will squeeze the last drop of blood out of him, you will squeeze the last ounce of energy out of him and that nearly happened at Thistledown. And while you’re keeping yourself busy with all this what is SHAMROCK ROAD doing?
I’ll tell you what he’s doing – he is fighting for his life, he is trying to preserve himself AGAINST ALL THE ODDS thanks to you, you cur…..!
SHAMROCK ROAD is racing again this Friday 16 Oct at Thistledown.
Anyone who wishes to speak up for this voiceless racehorse – relevant details below
Thistledown Racino Racetrack
North Randall, Ohio phone: 216-662- 8600
email: Info@thistledown.com
Ohio State Racing Commission
77 South High St. 18th Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215-6108
Phone:+1 614-466-2757
To: William Crawford
Executive Director – Ohio State Racing Commission
bill.crawford@rc.state.oh.us
Ms Barbara Roth, Licensing – Ohio State Racing Commission
barb.roth@rc.state.oh.us
RE: SHAMROCK ROAD – RACE 6 – THISTLEDOWN – OCT 16, 2015
http://www.equibase.com/static/entry/TDN101615USA-EQB.html#RACE6
Link to Shamrock’s Profile
http://www.equibase.com/profiles/Results.cfm?type=Horse&refno=9409893®istry=T
Despite the fact that there are no Rules in place (that I’m aware of) as to the number of starts over a certain period of time that a horse can have, I believe that the authorities do have the power to scratch this horse. An on duty racetrack vet, employed to vet the horses and find them fit to race, only has to look at SR’s arduous racing program to see that he has had no lay-off since Jan 16 2015 (9 months of racing which included 12 starts in 18 weeks). From foaling date for his first ten (10) starts he was 2 years old. It is my belief that SR’s history and the unabated racing of him, are grounds for a duty of care for the welfare of the horse to come into play, any ethical vet would know this. The Stewards can then heed the advice of the vet and scratch the horse. The following is part of the Veterinarians’ sworn oath –
“Being admitted to the profession of veterinary medicine, I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health and welfare, the prevention and relief of animal suffering, the conservation of animal resources, the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge”.
Thanks Rose – emails have been sent to the various Racing Commissions e.g. Kentucky, Ohio,
Pennsylvania (no email address but sent to Presque Isle Downs) West Virginia and now Ohio again as well as the various Racetrack Clubs for good measure. Agree with you – seems it’s somewhat convenient that there’s no national body having jurisdiction over all the State Racing Commissions. If they genuinely cared for these horses, at the very least, they would have just ONE SET OF RULES AND REGULATIONS for each and every racehorse no matter what State they were in.
Shamrock Road is racing again on Friday 16 Oct at Thistledown – I’ll put up another comment with the details.
Carolyn, thank you for keeping up with Shamrock Road. The horse started 4 times in September and again 11 days later on the 10th of October. How this blatant abuse is “legal” in this business speaks volumes concerning how it’s athletes are “valued”.
The horse crosses state lines to compete and, since there is no national commission for racing, it means a complaint would have to be made to each track in each state, all with different rules. However, I don’t believe there are rules concerning frequent starts in any racing jurisdiction. The standard answer seems to be “it is up to the trainer”.
It would be easier to file a complaint with a national governing body.
I believe the fact that there is no national commission is by design because it facilitates the lack of accountability and the lack of uniform rules. Trying to hold anybody accountable in this business just about impossible. No animal rights group is willing to challenge the horse abuse. The only case I know of was when the ASPCA brought charges of cruelty against trainer David Jacobson for severe neglect of a horse called Huggable Tom back in the 80’s. The same trainer is now getting awards for the most wins in NY. He plays the “claiming game” a lot and is known to start horses with just 3 days between races.
Shamrock Road is now at a $7,500 claim down from $50,000 in February of this year. It seems to me the only way to stop this horse from being run to death is for someone to pay the claim money. Money always takes precedence over the horse. This is the mentality of those in the game.
Thank you CArolyn for following this story. i will continue to record the race whenever he races . i do hope they will retire him.
i agree with you that
THE OVERRACING, OVERUSING AND OVERWORKING OF SHAMROCK ROAD CONTINUES
along with thousands upon thousands of other over worked and abused horses.
it is a shameful industry that should be shut down forever.
UPDATE ON SHAMROCK ROAD – Another mile on the dirt in these INSIDIOUS claiming races
Representations were made to Bill Crawford, Executive Director and Ms Barbara Roth, Licensing of the Ohio State Racing Commission prior to SHAMROCK ROAD’s recent start at Belterra Park on Oct 10 to have this 3 year old gelding scratched and an embargo placed on him to have a 3 months’ layoff on the grounds that this horse’s welfare is being disregarded by his trainer/owner, the relevant racing commissions, the relevant racetracks, stewards and the so called vets. The deliberate continuation of his arduous racing program without respite is unacceptable. Shamrock Road was permitted to start and a lay-off he was once again denied.
From Feb 12 to June 21, 2015 this horse had 12 starts in 18 weeks which is totally unacceptable in my opinion.
http://www.equibase.com/profiles/Results.cfm?type=Horse&refno=9409893®istry=T
According to equibase.com connections as of last start were –
Jockey: Erin M Walker
Trainer: Edward C Sexton
Owner: The IRA
Breeder: Edward Charles Sexton & Mary Grace Mead
He came home 2nd for $1,140 (3rd place was $570). He was up for claiming ($7,500).
According to the Chart
Shamrock Road “set suicidal fractions”
Shamrock Road “set the ultra fast pace while five and six wide, was used up in the stretch and began to fade”
I’m glad I cannot look at this race. Set suicidal fractions means that this horse was FORCED to gallop at such an extreme speed that it was suicidal – YES potentially life threatening for him.
He could’ve suffered an acute cardio respiratory failure and severe pulmonary haemorrhage, as a result of exercise induced cardiovascular failure.
Another concern is that he set this ultra fast pace when he was 5 and 6 horses WIDE (having to cover more ground than the other horses) which leaves me speechless.
If you are reading this SEXTON (the IRA) I can imagine what your instructions were to the hoop and I think it’s safe to say here that they would’ve been along the lines – be aggressive at the start, set a very fast pace and hit the lead no matter the circumstances (he was 5 and 6 horses wide which evidences these instructions). And highly likely there was a sling on offer for the jockey.
The purse for this race was only $5,700 with 8 horses in the race. This sick strategy for SR to set an outrageously fast pace was in the hope that many of the others would tire giving him a good chance of winning. SR was I think the youngest and also carried the lightest weight but he still tired and we know why. I hate to think how he pulled up after this gutbuster and I wouldn’t be surprised if he lost weight and goes off his food. SR will be sour.
3 year old Houston Fire began his career on the same day as Shamrock Road (Jan 16, 2015).
Houston Fire – number of starts Six (6) this colt was given a 4 months’ lay-off
Shamrock Road – number of starts TWENTY (20)
(I had previously inadvertently stated that HF had had 7 starts).
THE OVERRACING, OVERUSING AND OVERWORKING OF SHAMROCK ROAD CONTINUES
SHAMROCK ROAD is racing again at Belterra Park Racetrack on October 10 in a one mile claiming race. The overracing, overusing and overworking of this young gelding continues.
http://www.equibase.com/static/entry/BTP101015USA-EQB.html#RACE3
This will be his 20th start since he began his career on Jan 16, 2015. He has not had a proper lay-off.
http://www.equibase.com/profiles/Results.cfm?type=Horse&refno=9409893®istry=T
Belterra Park Racetrack, Cincinnati, Ohio.
6301 Kellogg Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45230, Phone:+1 513-232-8000
Cannot find an email address for Belterra.
Ohio State Racing Commission
77 South High St. 18th Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215-6108
Phone:+1 614-466-2757
To: William Crawford
Executive Director – Ohio State Racing Commission
bill.crawford@rc.state.oh.us
Ms Barbara Roth, Licensing – Ohio State Racing Commission
barb.roth@rc.state.oh.us
RE: SHAMROCK ROAD – RACE 3– BELTERRA PARK – OCT 10, 2015
JILL’S REFLECTION came home 2nd last for $160 at Gulfstream on Oct 1 by 18 lengths and according to the chart she “could not sustain bid” and “had no response in the lane”. Well, doesn’t sound as though she’s coping at all and given her arduous racing program/history, that is no surprise. Her claiming price was $6,250. It appears that she’s been up for claiming since Sept 2013. To date she has earned $76,480.
According to equibase.com connections as of her last start were –
Jockey: Winston R Kay
Trainer: David Rakoff
Owner: Breakin Wind Farm
Breeder: Rose Family Stable Ltd
This 4 year old filly began racing on May 2, 2013 as a 2 year old. Her breeder, Rose Family Stable was her owner and Barry Rose her trainer up until June 11, 2015 when she was claimed for $10,000 (her initial claim price was $50,000) new trainer is Dario Vega and owner is World Wide Promotion Enterprises. On Sept 4, new trainer is Sergio Vega. On Sept 20 she was claimed for $6,250.
New trainer is David Rakoff and new owner is Breakin Wind Farm.
According to equibase.com, on Oct 12, 2013 Jill’s Reflection lost her rider and DNF. BE EXTRAORDINARY (also a 2 year old filly) was raced up close, clipped heels, fell and was vanned off. Chart says JR “bumped hard” with the fallen horse and lost her jockey. I think “collided heavily” with the fallen horse would’ve been the correct description as to what happened here – when a horse is down on the ground, it is a collision. Apparently there was a Stewards’ inquiry but no action was taken. Did BE ask to be raced up so close to another horse, resulting in her being so squeezed for room, that she clipped heels? No, the equine never places itself in such a dangerous potentially lethal situation. BE who was having her very first race start has not reappeared and seems to have disappeared……I think one can safely assume that she’s DEAD.
JILL’S REFLECTION is only 4 years of age, has not had a decent break (with the exception of a 2 months’ break early in her career) and has had FIFTY-FOUR (54) starts to date. These so called “vets” and others in the racing commissions have a duty of care to immediately place an embargo on her for a lay-off for at least 3 months.
http://www.equibase.com/profiles/Results.cfm?type=Horse&refno=9103712®istry=T
Just to clarify that Houston Fire began his racing career on Jan 16, 2015.
Total career starts to date = seven (7)
Despite further representations being made to the West Virginia Racing Commission and the Humane Society, SHAMROCK ROAD was passed fit to race on Sept 29 at Mountaineer. He came home 4th/6 (2 others scratched by the Stewards) by 11 lens and he was “spent” and worn out in the upper stretch according to the chart …..mmm… WONDER WHY? So as we can see here the Stewards had the power to scratch 2 others but the reasons are likely to have been in accordance with the Rules and we are not privy as to the reasons/Rules. On the other hand, there are no Rules in place to protect the horse as to the number of starts over a certain period of time, however, the Vet on duty (if consulted by the Stewards) appears to have been of the view that SR could race, at the same time conveniently ignoring his arduous racing program/history, as well as concerns by members of the public who provided factual evidence to justify their concerns.
According to equibase.com, and if I’ve read it correctly, SR did not carry the original 119 allocated? but carried 122 which would have made it harder for him and this race ended up on the dirt track, an unkind surface. He was in fact a 2 year old (foaling date May 25, 2012) when he had his first TEN (10) starts. He had twelve (12) starts in 18 weeks (Feb. 12 to June 21). In my experience, I’m seeing all the signs that this horse is barely coping and remains at high risk. Total earnings to date $20,555 ($1,082 per start). SR is earning his keep but the profit margin for the IRA is nothing to write home about. $920 for 4th/6 this last start.
The only other 3 year old in the race, Houston Fire, won but it was his 7th start since Jan 16, 2015
(this colt had a 4 months’ lay-off during the year)
WHEREAS Shamrock Road has now had 19 starts since Jan 16, 2015 with no proper lay-off.
What was it April that Sexton said to you – something along the lines that he wasn’t racing SR any harder than the others???
THE CONCERNS FOR THIS 3 YEAR OLD GELDING CONTINUES….
And in the same race, according to equibase.com
Cap Trick who came home 2nd last by 18 lens “wilted abruptly”
and
Ocean City who came home last by 21 lens “folded up after a half mile” (and this was a one mile and 70 yards race). How can anyone argue that this horse was fit for the purpose?
This is horseracing.
JILL’S REFLECTION a 4 year old filly is racing on Thursday Oct 1at Gulfstream Racetrack in yet another sinister claiming race
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?tab=wm#inbox/15015324b9f49fef
This helpless filly has been raced into the ground for over 2 years when she should be getting lay-offs (3 months) to allow her to recover, rest and mend her body. Here is the link to her profile giving her racing history
http://www.equibase.com/profiles/Results.cfm?type=Horse&refno=9103712®istry=T
Her first start as a TWO YEAR OLD was on May 2, 2013 and she had 47 starts in just 2 years and it will be FIFTY-FOUR (54) starts next race. She had a couple of months off earlier in her career after her 4th race start but since then she’s had no lay-off at all.
They make the ridiculous claim that they love their horses but don’t give a damn about their welfare…. says it all!
Needless to say JILL’S REFLECTION is just one example of the overracing, overusing and overworking of racehorses.
SHAMROCK ROAD – have sent my emails and hope some other advocates have done likewise….
Thank you Carolyn.
Just turned on my computer and when i saw an email from Virtual Stable i thought it would be about one of the other horses i have.
THE OVERRACING, OVERUSING AND OVERWORKING OF THIS YOUNG GELDING CONTINUES
It is a plus that it’s Mountaineer again – the racing officials at WVRC have been informed by members of the public of their concerns for the welfare of SHAMROCK ROAD who last raced on Sept 19 at Mountaineer and on that occasion I received a response from Bill Phillips, one of the Commissioners at West Virginia Racing Commission and he stated that he would provide a copy of my email to Chairman Jack Rossi and Commissioner Gregory McDermott. He added that he would also provide a copy of my email to Joe Moore, Acting Executive Director asking him to look into this matter.
Here are the relevant links again for the sending of emails/phone calls
RE: SHAMROCK ROAD – RACE 2– MOUNTAINEER RACETRACK – TUESDAY SEPT 29, 2015
West Virginia Racing Commission
900 Pennsylvania Avenue Suite 533
Charleston WV 25302
Phone 304.558-2150
Fax: 304 558-6319
Here is the link to the West Virginia Racing Commission
http://www.racing.wv.gov/about/tracks/Pages/default.aspx
Her is Bill Phillips’ email address (the other Commissioners’ emails are not listed)
bill@phillipsgroupideas.com
Mountaineer Casino Racetrack & Resort
State Route 2
PO Box 358
Chester WV 26034
Phone: 304.387.8000
To: the License Clerk of Mountaineer Racetrack
licenseclerk.mp@gmail.com
Perhaps a request to Ms Pringle that she provide a copy of your email to Wayne Pacelle for his attention, given his belief that horseracing can be conducted humanely!
The Humane Society USA
Ms Valerie Pringle
Equine Protection Specialist, Equine Protection
vpringle@humanesociety.org
telephone 301-258-1408
The Humane Society of the United States
2100 L Street NW Washington, DC 20037
humanesociety.org
We know that SHAMROCK ROAD is just an example of many others, one of which is JILL’S REFLECTION who is another racehorse being raced into the ground over a long period of time without respite.
And SEXTON if you are reading this, you know what you’re doing to this young horse, you are continuing to race this horse into the ground without respite when he’s desperate for at least a 3 months’ lay-off. You also know that you are playing Russian roulette with him because he is high risk. Yes, I’d imagine you’d keep your fingers and toes crossed when he races hoping that he doesn’t break down…. no explanation needed
http://www.equibase.com/profiles/Results.cfm?type=Horse
Jenn, he’s not up for claiming because it is an Allowance race. I suspect that the reason he’s not in a claiming race and has been entered for this Allowance race is because it is the only one mile race for the meet (that I could see) which seems to be SR’s distance, he may not have much competition and he is one of only 2 horses (3 year olds) out of the 8 in the race carrying a lighter weight of 119 which is to his advantage and the turf will be a kinder surface as long as it doesn’t have any holes in it, being Race 2 the surface won’t be cut up much.
Sorry to say this, but he’s entered again. This time on the turf. For the first time, that I’ve noticed, this isn’t a claiming race. This poor kid needs a break.
Shamrock Road is entered to run on September 29, 2015, at MOUNTAINEER CASINO RACETRACK & RESORT. Race: 2 – 7:22PM
The title of this blog is Horseracing Wrongs. Whether the message is here or on the other social media networks, it clearly states the same criteria and result, the end of horse racing, period. No negotiations, no compromise, nothing. That’s it. Easy to comprehend, easy to understand. But it seems that the complication comes when the simplicity is challenged. It is what it is. I understand what you are saying, but you are stating it on the wrong forum. Insulting the home of persons who are avid and productive contributors, is not a wise move.
Ms. Tierney, good bye AND good luck!
Thank you, Mary!
Yes, Maureen, we are fanatically passionate for ending horse racing. Repeat. We are fanatically passionate about ending horse racing! All of it!!
Quit trolling and please leave.
Those of you who post on the forum are foolish. Because someone doesn’t believe everything you believe, you consider them enemies. To accomplish great things it takes cooperation. Good luck.
People on this list have specifically said they are not interested in changing racing. I am not talking about rescuing individual horses – which I have done also. I mean ALL racehorses. I have said you could support the anti-drug legislation, which would help ALL racehorses. But I was told you (collectively) had no desire to change racing – you want it to stop. Fine – but why the resistance to changing racing in the meantime – to help those horses trapped in it. Without drugs there would be far fewer breakdowns. Even if you saved 100 horses or a 1,000 horses. That is a far cry from the many thousands that don’t get saved.
Ms. Tierney, yes, animals have been abused since the beginning of time, including horses. Does that make it right? If you saw a dog being beaten, would you not speak up or would you just babble…”Oh, I need more facts”? Of course not. Patrick posts FACTS…FACTS on breakdowns and deaths at tracks across the country. How do you know that our letters and faxes are thrown in the trash? You have no freaking idea but you want to label us “fanatics”. We are educating the public but you seem to think we are “fanatics” by doing so. You, Ms. Tierney, talk out of both sides of your mouth. Hopefully, Patrick will ban you….another “crazy baby”.
Oh, and one more outrageous comment from you is that you aren’t defending racing as it is today. Really? What are you defending? Racing as it was 20, 30, or 40 years ago? Move on, kiddo, move on! You then babble that you are against the drugs. Once again, really? 99% of the horses race with drugs, and, yes, Lasix and bute are drugs although some of the dumb asses in racing have trouble with that concept. There is nothing in racing that benefits the horse….nothing. Got it?
People have always raced. Racing doesn’t mean gambling. As I said, it should be a sport, not for large amounts of money, or for gamblers. Racing is one person feeling their horse is the best, and running against another person who feels their horse is the best. It has been done since the second horse was ridden. You are talking TODAY – yes, the racing industry is sickening, I agree. But three young girls racing their ponies is NOT.
Yes. But you have to think when stating your position, even with facts. Due to action movies, horror movies, video games, etc., people no longer really understand violence or death. To say 150 horses die, yes, they think it’s bad, but it doesn’t touch people’s emotions – their empathy. To say the details is what reaches people. “The horses are kept in boxes which are no more than cages. The are drugged so they cannot feel their pain, and pushed until their tendons rip and their bones break. They are whipped mercilessly” etc. etc. Just saying abuse means little to a nation where millions of dogs are cast aside and killed every year.
Ms. Tierney, I was hoping that another “crazy baby” wouldn’t rear its ugly head but that is exactly what has happened here. You are either incredibly slow or just out of touch with reality. This blog is meant to shine a light on racing’s dirty secrets and, as we all should know by now, there are many dirty secrets. By exposing those dirty secrets, we are turning people away from racing with the intent purpose of helping the horses that we love so much. Yes, we do want racing to end, but, in the meantime, we must do everything in our power to speak for the horses. If you consider that foolish, then take your comments elsewhere. There are many pro-racing blogs where you could enjoy calling me, and others, “fanatics”. What you think of me is totally irrelevant. I speak for the horses…not for those who exploit them.
I find your comment above to be truly revolting. I have helped many, many horses over the years and NOT once have I said “I can’t help you because I want racing to end”….not once, Ms. Tierney, not once. I have kissed plenty of asses in order to get a horse to safety. In fact, there were times that I felt I needed more Chapstick since I had done so much “ass kissing”.
We are obviously at cross purposes. Therefore, it is time for you, another “crazy baby” to be put to bed.
I don’t have to imagine it, Maureen…”Please help us!”…that is exactly what the racehorses of our nation are BEGGING! That part you have correct. But then I must correct one important misunderstanding of yours about us…we don’t respond back – and never have – with “we can’t help you because we want racing to end”. You have no idea what my close acquaintances and I do…every single day. We don’t list it here for you or the HRW readers. We don’t “report back” with what horse(s) we’re working diligently to help. We also don’t feel the need to put our “to do list” for ALL of the tortured animals in our sick society with our check marks indicating “DONE” on this blog. Why would we do that? So really Maureen, you have no idea what we do while we advocate for the demise of this killing industry called horse racing.
Lastly, I’m not easily offended – but I do take offense to you claiming my fellow advocates believe they are heroes. There’s nothing heroic about being a compassionate human being doing the right thing for defenseless, voiceless creatures that share this earth with us…every one of us knows that. You’ve challenged us to not be fanatical and that, I would assume, includes refraining from assigning inflammatory terms or names to those we don’t agree with. I would then expect you to do the same.
“Against gambling on racing”? Racing is gambling.
You mean facts like these?
I am not defending racing as it is today. I am against gambling on racing. I am against drugs. I am against horses spending months on end in stalls. What have I said that in any way defends racing?
Imagine if all the racehorses in the United States were looking at you and saying, “Please help us.” And your response is “we can’t help you because we want racing to end.” How foolish is that?
Let me add that history is against you. We have abused horses since the beginning of time. they served in the military since before the wheel was invented. They died in World War I. Eight million of them. The average person sees them living the good life on TV at Derby time and knows nothing of what goes on. Unless you educate the public with FACTS, not just protestation of abuse – how will you change anything. Yes, some of you write letters – and those are tossed in the trash as being from people who are fanatics. So all or nothing is a poor stance and note helping horses.
What you are defending is a sordid gambling business, nothing more, nothing less. And one horse dying for that – a lousy $2 bet – is one too many. And you are absolutely wrong on us and our movement – Racing will go; it’s but a matter of time.
I have said why I am here. I am against racing as it is today. I am here to get the facts on how many horses actually die. I am not trying to convince any of you that racing is good. I AM for change in racing, because I do not believe it is inherently wrong. It is wrong as an industry. But there doesn’t have to be abuse or cruelty. There is nothing wrong with it as an amateur sport. It will never become one, because it really is all about money. My horses were happy and not abused. They did not live their lives at the track. But just because I am against something doesn’t mean I will deny facts. And I do think you could help a lot of horses if you and your friends would support the bill for government oversight. Your stance is all or nothing. So you allow all the horses now in racing, and those who will enter it every year until racing dies – if it does – to suffer, because you don’t want to help prevent abuse. Instead you prefer to tilt at windmills. if it were children being kept in cages and forced to work, would you be the same. Would you help the children get out of the cages, even if it didn’t stop them from having to work? Would you not help them get food even if they still had to work? You claim to hate abuse, yet you do nothing to prevent abuse – unless you can get your way. You are heroes in your own minds – but you have done nothing to actually help ALL the racehorses who so desperately need it.
Amen Patrick and Joy!! I cannot understand what Maureen is trying to accomplish on this site. One day she is for racing, and the next day she is against it. Her position fluctuates from day to day.
Maureen, you say “we sound like fanatics and people don’t listen to fanatics”, well what then are you doing on this site, if you could care less about what we have to say. The one who is wasting their time is you.
There are many open pro-racing forums who, I am sure would love to hear what you have to say. Just think you could all sit around and boast about all the TB’s that suffered and died for someone’s entertainment that day. All of you do have one thing in common, you are all morally bankrupt.
Marlene Thornley
Perhaps, Maureen, this forum is not for you. Horseracing Wrongs holds that racing is inherently wrong; the conversation begins and ends with exploitation. You can’t fix wicked.
You will not influence those making a lot of money in racing. So you should not waste your time. You CAN influence the public, but not by sounding like fanatics. Be calm and rational like Mr. Hancock, but state the FACTS, not just “racing is evil”. People respond well to facts. There are good people who would like to be in racing, but do not want to compete with crooks, the ignorant, the cruel, and the cheats.
And I stand by it. Work strengthens bone. Work strengthens tendons and lungs. Work builds fitness. If he had raced more often instead of galloping a mile a day – which is nothing to a horse – he would have built some fitness and if he survived the first few races, he would have grown stronger and been safer. The sad fact is that he was never fit enough to race on drugs. That is the problem. But truly it is better to race more often and have some true fitness, than to race once a month or every 5-6 weeks. Who among you thinks you can do something once every 6 weeks and NOT be injured.?
The racing industry listens to no one….Arthur Hancock was pretty damn “calm and rational” at the Congressional hearings and has been for years. This industry does as it pleases with its goal to make money hand over fist at the expense of the horses’ welfare…all the while trying to appear as if it matters to them.
Wait a minute Maureen…you just said “Racing a horse every week is better than racing it every 4 weeks or more”…and since we’re talking about the racing schedule of SR, I can only assume you’re telling us that what is being done to SR is “better than racing [him] every 4 weeks or more”. Yet your response to my comment is “racehorses do not get enough exercise to be fit”…and again, we will apply that to SR. So what is it? Too much? Too little? Just right?
I’ll check back later. Need to go offline for the remainder of the day.
You sound like fanatics. And people do not listen to fanatics. Calm and rational is much more impressive and makes people more likely to really listen to what you are saying.
You are right that racehorses do not get enough exercise to be fit. Racing is much harder. In 1976 I bought a horse for $300 who had small osselets, ringbone on one pastern, and had a suspensory injury that allowed m to buy him cheaply right after he broke down. He recovered so well that I raced him. Between Aug 18 and Sep 10 he raced 5 times. in order, he finished 4th, 3rd, 3rd, 2nd, and first. He got better because he was getting more fit. He was completely sound. He took the winter and spring off, living on a farm, with turnout, and being ridden on the trails. The following year he raced the same span of time and finished 3rd, 1st, 1st, and 1st. One of those races was a mile and a half. He was still sound. The problem with racing is that there are very few people who truly understand horses, or how to achieve fitness. Standing in a stall 23 hours a day and being filled with drugs that demineralize bone is NOT the way to train horses. People are ignorant and greedy. Racing should go back to being a sport – no gambling, no $100 a day training fees. In fact, I would like it if amateur riders could ride their own horses.
And we’re “crazed”? Unreal.
You cannot begin to compare a training schedule of a human runner with a racehorse’s, Maureen. Humans don’t take their morning run for 15-20 minutes then stand in a 8×8 room the rest of the day. Humans don’t dehydrate themselves before a race. Humans don’t train for and run races at the age of 6, 7, 8, etc. As a runner, I don’t “bute” myself before a race. And I don’t have to combat the effects of Lasix for up to several days after I run a race…nor do I go “off my feed” and need to do nothing but “rest” for sometimes DAYS after…in fact, it is the exact opposite. Do horses need to be fit? – to be raced or for that matter, be made to compete in any equine discipline? – well of course! But the life of a racehorse stabled at the track does not set them up for optimum well-being and overall fitness.
The “wear and tear” of racing…osteoarthritis at the age of three…THAT is what these horses made to run like SR endure. And much more.
If you do it rationally and not in the crazed, condemning way you talk here. Think of the people who DID create great change. None were like you guys. Martin Luther King, Ghandi, Nelson Mandela.
Racing a horse every week is better than racing it every 4 weeks or more. Human athletes race multiple times in a day. Horses are MORE fit if they race, than if they just gallop, as long as they are getting good care. Horses need exercise to be fit in order to avoid fatigue. Just like you. If you only work out once a month at the gym, you will not be fit. If you go to the gym and work hard 4 times a week, your body will thrive.
There are racing groups on facebook. Maybe we can spread the word there?
Yes Jenn and we will continue to inform the public about the plight of SHAMROCK ROAD!
Great and wonderful, Mary!
I’m sure we’ll find out his next race within two weeks. People complain about the short times between triple crown races. Those people should be aware of Shamrock Road’s situation.
SHAMROCK ROAD – MOUNTAINEER WV – SEPTEMBER 19
Despite representations being made for this horse to be scratched and have an embargo placed on him, he was permitted to race and came home 3rd and “weakened”. Sole owner and trainer Edward Sexton (the IRA) received $1,040 for Shamrock Road’s labor on Saturday.
The overracing, overworking and overusing of this young horse continues………
He’s raced in Florida, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia – done a bit of travelling.
Wonder where and when his next start will be?
April,
I agree with Mary, that the way to have racing collapse is to stop the betting. No other avenue will be as successful, or as swift, as cutting off the betting to take them down.
I have written countless letters to Governors, State legislators, Racing Commissions, Animal Welfare Groups, etc. in hopes of them sponsoring legislation, which will help the plight of the TB, and this is all well and good, however, even if legislation is enacted, these will still be small measures of change, and therefore, will not accomplish the goal of shutting down the industry; but stopping betting will.
Both Mary and Joy have been fighting for the TB’s for many years. I believe they are the most experienced people on this site with knowledge of this disgusting industry, they know it inside and out. They also have vast experience with TB’s for most of their lives. They have rescued TB’s, dealt with the owners and trainers, seen the atrocities, and have communicated their outrage and concerns with racing industry officials, and many others involved in this business. Their knowledge and experience is invaluable.
April, change is good, however, we want the industry to cease to exist in the most expedient manner, and stopping the betting will accomplish that the fastest.
Marlene Thornley
April, I never said that animal exploitation in ANY industry was right and I have worked to expose the atrocities for many years. I am a firm believer in resistance and I show my own personal resistance by boycotting the racetrack, Sea World, Petland, and on and on and on. How do I show my resistance? Through my wallet because, in my opinion, that is the most effective way to do so. Again, this isn’t my first time up to home plate. I have posted on this blog many times to STOP THE BETTING. If betting ceases, then racing goes away. It has always seemed quite simple to me perhaps because I am a businesswoman and I do understand basic business concepts.
You seem to forget that I have been involved with racehorses since the 1960’s and I got my first OTTB in 1963. I galloped horses at a lay up farm before I could even drive. Also, I guess I’m a little offended by you asking me why we fight so hard. If anyone knows why we fight so hard, it would be me. I walked the backside of a low level track (and we all should know that most are low level) for many years picking up the discarded horses tossed into the trash by their owners and trainers. I currently own two that were inside Richelieu, minutes away from hanging by a meat hook as they bled out. My question to you is why haven’t you fought harder or why haven’t you fought as hard as I have? One month ago, I was contacted by a racing official who said a horse, based at Belterra, desperately needed a place to go. His name is Speak The Word and I am the person who found him a safe place to land. I also contributed $265 to pay for his shipping from the track to the rescue. Therefore, please know that I “fight” everyday to help the horses exploited by the scum in racing.
A couple of weeks ago, I met a racing official for lunch in Cincinnati. As soon as I sat down, he told me about three trainers….yes, THREE trainers….who had horses with a kill buyer in Oklahoma. He asked me what the punishment should be and I told him, as did a friend of mine, that all three needed to be permanently banned from the track and that is exactly what happened. Certainly that was a small victory but a victory, nonetheless.
Yes, April, I know about resistance and fighting against the exploitation of the racehorse because I have been doing it for years. The easiest way to get this horrific industry to go away is to stop the bets because it really is all about the money.
Everything you said is true but you forgot one thing. Resistance. The status quo never changes without it. SR’s trainer called me and his bold and crass statements about the biz and SR validate your statements of truth but you know what? It doesn’t make it right and it doesn’t stop me from exposure. You know another thing?
Do you know why we have to fight so hard now? Because this giant is so big economically because people either didn’t know the truth or they were afraid to stand up for it.
Ladies, please continue to fight on paper, emails, protests, calls, and more importantly writing your Congressmen to cosponsor the Udall Pitts bills. NOT the Tonko/Barr bills. People who resisted got legislation on the table. That came from people who never give up!!! Resistance to tyrants is obedience to God and I’d rather be on God’s side any day.
Let’s keep fighting!!!
I, too, have been following Shamrock Road and it breaks my heart that he is being run into the ground. However, nothing being done here is illegal. The racing industry is impenetrable. It is a “rogue” industry where doing the right thing is elusive. I have seen a couple of posts where it was suggested that the Ohio Racing Commission be contacted or, more specifically, Bill Crawford, the Director. I have spoken to Crawford several times on the phone and he was quite dismissive when it came to my concerns about an industry that pays his salary. I have also heard that he is pro-slaughter but I don’t know that for sure. It is time to take off the rose colored glasses. The vast majority of those in racing don’t give a damn about the horses and I have witnessed that over and over and over throughout the years. Keep the pressure on to do the right thing for SR but don’t be surprised, or dismayed, when nothing is done to alleviate the situation.
I wish that SR was an aberration but he isn’t. This same scenario plays out on a daily basis throughout the country. An example is Pass Me A Drink. She raced here in Ohio on a Friday and the following Monday night she raced again. I believe it was at Turfway in northern Kentucky. Two races in three days. I have followed her for a long time and tried to acquire her for $500 working through a racing official, but I was unsuccessful. I have become so discouraged due to the lack of concern about these wonderful horses who are really nothing more than machines in the eyes of those who own and race them.
Anyone, with minimal intelligence, knows that racing can’t be “cleaned up”. It must go away. The gaming companies that own many of the tracks don’t want horseracing because it isn’t as profitable as the slots. Therefore, continue to encourage people not to bet on the horses. Without the bets, racing would die in the dirt and that is exactly where it should die…in the dirt.
Merci beaucoup, April!
Thank you all for your efforts. I will contact you all offline about another way to approach Shamrock Road’s welfare. PETA does it all the time and so can we.
I’ve done more research and at the time of writing there are 30 States conducting horseracing with a total of 78 racetracks.
SHAMROCK ROAD
at Mountaineer in West Virginia – Race 2 at 7.22pm – Saturday Sept. 19
http://www.equibase.com/static/entry/MNR091915USA-EQB.html#RACE2
He’s the baby in the race but carrying a heavier weight than last start when he “faltered and faded” coming home 3rd in a 5 horse race on Sept 13 which means SR has only had five days’ respite. Being the 2nd favourite he’s carrying the same weight (122) as his two main rivals in the race.
Ah yes, he’s up for grabs again but this time for $15,000 – his previous claim was $30,000. Disclosed under owner’s details IRA (Edward C Sexton). Sole owner and trainer – what chance does the horse have!
I’ve sent my emails
SHAMROCK ROAD – September 19 at Mountaineer Racetrack – the deliberate overracing, overworking, overusing of this young horse CONTINUES UNASHAMEDLY!!!
bill@phillipsgroupideas.com
Bill Phillips is one of the three Commissioners whose email address is listed. I do not have a fax machine nor can I phone from here. I intend to send an email to the West Virginia Racing Commission. The other two Commissioners are –
Gregory McDermott
Jack Rossi (Chairman)
Phone 304.558-2150
Fax: 304 558-6319
and the Mountaineer Racetrack
licenseclerk.mp@gmail.com
Phone: 304.387.8000
As Gina previously pointed out, it is only the relevant Racing Commission that has the power to scratch/take action on the horse but it is also a good idea to email/phone the relevant racetrack as well.
After all, this public blatant animal abuse of SR is taking place on their premises.
PS problems with my emails, receiving them but cannot reply or compose – hopefully this will soon be rectified.
Representations were made to Bill Crawford, Executive Director and Ms Barbara Roth, Licensing of the Ohio State Racing Commission prior to SHAMROCK ROAD’s recent start at Belterra Park on Sept. 13 to have this horse scratched and an embargo placed on him to have a 3 months’ layoff on the grounds that this horse’s welfare is being disregarded by his trainer, owners, the relevant racing commissions, the relevant racetracks, stewards and the so called vets.
The deliberate continuation of his arduous racing program without respite is unacceptable.
(He had 12 starts in 18 weeks -12 Feb to 21 June)
SR came home 3rd ($720) at Belterra Park on 9/13/15 in a 6 horse race but competed with only 4 because Wheaton’s Express, a 10 yr old gelding having his 76th start, was pulled up after the gates opened and was walked off…..? No disclosure as to why this horse had to be pulled up and unable to take part – highly likely he suffered an injury.
http://www.equibase.com/premium/chartEmb.cfm?track=BTP&raceDate=09/13/2015&cy=USA&rn=1
SHAMROCK ROAD is entered to race again on September 19 at Mountaineer Casino Racetrack and Resort which means he will have only 5 days’ respite since his last start.
West Virginia Racing Commission
900 Pennsylvania Avenue Suite 533
Charleston WV 25302
Phone 304.558-2150
Fax: 304 558-6319
Here is the link to the West Virginia Racing Commission
http://www.racing.wv.gov/about/tracks/Pages/default.aspx
Mountaineer Casino Racetrack & Resort
State Route 2
PO Box 358
Chester WV 26034
Phone: 304.387.8000
Email: licenseclerk.mp@gmail.com
Agreed Rose.
This is the “contact us” link http://www.humanesociety.org/about/contact/?credit=web_globalfooter_id93480558
This is the link to the equine protection department
http://www.humanesociety.org/forms/contact_us/contact_equine_protection.html?credit=web_globalfooter_id93480558
Maybe someone could phone and get the name of the appropriate person and his/her email address and put it up so we can email directly re our complaint about SHAMROCK ROAD.
Couldn’t find anything on horseracing………
Pacelle also supports the weakest bill introduced in Congress ( Tonko/ Barr vs. Udall / Pitts ) and is silent on the Udall / Pitts dereg bills that must be supported.
Rose, write him and ask him! Don’t wait for someone else. Your points are valid and well taken. He is supposed to advocate against all animal cruelty not what is politically correct. Start the campaign by writing his office. Make him answer these questions and hold him account. If not now, when? United!
I agree Rose. Remember, Mr. Pacelle believes horse racing can be safe and humane according to a recent public statement. Thus, he has sold out because it’s big business and he won’t stand up when it counts! He is two faced as far as I am concerned.
This is nothing short outrageous .
It exposes exactly what these people are about, total explotation of the horse to the point of breaking them down..
And where are the “good people” in racing we hear about ? Some how ,some way,these racing commissions need to be held responsible for their utter negligence in terms of rules to prevent this “in your face” abuse. I’m afraid the only way to get their attention is to hurt them financially.
But now that Mr. Pacelle of the HSUS is working with this horse exploring business to improve conditions flor the horse this might be a good place to start !! In fact, I ,think emails to the equine rep. at the HSUS re what is happening to Shamrock Road are in order !
Let’s see some action from the HSUS.
Thanks Jenn – i just got a notice (previously i hadn’t ticked the Entries box so that was my problem).
It is TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE what Sexton and the IRA are doing to him with the racing commissions, racetracks, stewards and vets all nodding approval…… and that speaks for itself!
We’ve got a battle on our hands here with the death of a jumps horse and i’ve been tied up in that but
i’m going to get back to SHAMROCK ROAD as soon as i can.
https://www.facebook.com/coalitionfortheprotectionofracehorses
He’s been entered again!!! What the heck?! Are they doing this because we’re so outraged about it? I’ve never heard of a horse being raced so much. Yes, he did finish third in his last two races, and I think won the race prior to those two, but why is there so small of a gap between his races?
Shamrock Road is entered to run on September 19, 2015, at MOUNTAINEER CASINO RACETRACK & RESORT.
Race: 2 – 7:22 PM
CLAIMING $15,000 – $14,000
>
The track where Shamrock Road is racing is as bad as his unscrupulous owner(s). Shame on Sexton and that Mead woman.
Sexton makes me ashamed of my heritage. And maybe he knows that in ancient Celtic tradition the horse was so revered that mistreatment and slaughter were severely punished. But I doubt he knows much about such things !
He represents his country poorly and naming his stable IRA says plenty.
That makes me a little more relieved. I’m terrible at math :) I just wish I had the money, facilities, and ability to rescue him!! I use the Equibase virtual stable to keep an eye on these horses. I saw Road to War in person when I visited Arlington one year when I was visiting my sister in Chicago. I know it will sound weird, but I think the horse spoke to me. I’d been taking pictures of the horses, because I will never outgrow that horse phase! And also I’m city bound and rarely get to see a living horse. At any rate, we locked eyes. As I looked Road to War in the eye as he walked by me on the way to the track, I swear I heard a male voice (the horse is make) in my head saying, “I’m gonna win this thing.” He was a longshot and he won.
I’d gone to Arlington before I found this site, because I love horses. As I said, I’m terrible at math, and betting seems to involve that. This site has really owned my eyes to tragedies in racing. It’s really disgraceful that the bigger racing sites never mention how many deaths occur. A few will pop up, but I’ve noticed they’re bigger named horses. A shame that the others are unmentioned. So all of us need to keep up the good work of bringing this to light.
Correction – when i said all 38 of them above, i meant all 38 States that conduct horseracing. I do not know the exact number of racetracks for each State.
Ah yes, i see that one MARY GRACE MEAD is one of the breeders along with EDWARD CHARLES SEXTON (the trainer). One can only guess at who is behind the IRA ownership. Fancy using the IRA name as an owner – speaks for itself. A dear friend of mine and her husband had to flee Northern Ireland in fear of the IRA and found refuge in Australia. Oh, so she dabbles in sending horses to slaughter?
The racing industry declares publicly that it is anti-slaughter but bizarrely it turns a blind eye to the racehorses that are put on trucks at its racetracks (all 38 of them if my research is correct) for a horrific journey to Canada or Mexico to suffer the unspeakable process of being SLAUGHTERED! And of course some “anti slaughter racetracks” will expose a trainer every so often to be seen to be doing the right thing – oh how stupid do they think the public are! So Mary Grace Mead might possibly be “Fred” (Triple T Stables) the very recent incoming owner of SR for only a few starts……? All the energy they put into fake profiles? How pathetic!
Perfect Couple…. yes it takes one to know one, as the saying goes.
Poor SHAMROCK ROAD sired by the well known stallion Bellamy Road but what does that do for him to keep him safe – ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. Oh it’s such a joke! The victim is this magnificent young 3 year old being unashamedly raced into the ground with no consideration for his welfare – I’m ashamed to be a human being. I look at my Aussie kelpie dog sleeping at my feet and wish I was one of her species – no kidding.
Carolyn, I think Fred the Fraud might actually be Mary Mead who sent Midwest TB’s to slaughter. Oh, and Mead is Sexton’s “gal pal”. I think they make a perfect couple!
Ah yes Mary, interesting isn’t it? Mmm Fred the Fraud, aptly said. Remember he was going back to Ireland and he’s a supporter of jumps racing – says it all! Hey Fred, if you happen to be reading this, just to let you know that my great -great- great Irish grandmother brought her magnificent Irish thoroughbreds out to Australia in the early 1800s and raced them on a track at Parramatta near Sydney that was similar to Newmarket in England (an undulating straight track no turns no bends) her horses lived on her property and lived as an equine should. As racing advanced some lunatic thought they should race around in a circle which is disastrous for the horse and the rest is history, the model of horseracing today….. pfff! It is SICK!
Hey Mary, do you think “Fred” might’ve got sweaty hands? Oh i think so!
I nearly accepted a job with Coolmore (Ireland) some years ago, thank God i didn’t accept.
Carolyn, I remember good ole Fred, or, as I call him, Fred the Fraud!
Jenn, the law of averages tells me that he’ll probably be okay, carrying a lighter weight than the other 5 in the race is a help to him but as we know he is at high risk given his arduous racing program (12 starts in 18 weeks). The day will come when he just might break down and will we be surprised? NO!
Thank you Jenn for your caring and monitoring SHAMROCK ROAD.
April,
Thank you. I was away on a project. I will email you now.
Interesting that TRIPLE T STABLES has pulled out of ownership. If my memory serves me right it was a recent incoming part owner “Fred”.
It appears that the IRA is now the sole owner of SHAMROCK ROAD.
http://www.equibase.com/profiles/Results.cfm?type=Horse&refno=9409893®istry=T
Praying for his, and the other horse’s, safety.
Race information:
Shamrock Road is entered on September 13, 2015 at BELTERRA PARK.
Race: 1 – 1:45 PM
STARTER ALLOWANCE $5,000
Purse: $ 7,200. (Plus $1,000 – OTF – Ohio Thoroughbred Fund)For Three Year Olds And Upward Which Have Started For A Claiming Price Of $5,000 Or Less In 2014 – 2015. Three Year Olds, 120 Lbs.; Older, 124 Lbs. Non-winners Of A Race Since August 13 Allowed 2 Lbs. (races Where Entered For $4,000 Or Less Not ConsideredIn Allowances) (Winners For A Claiming Price Of $5,000 Or More In 2014 – 2015 Preferred). One Mile.
PP Horse A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer 2 Shamrock Road 3/G Perry Wayne Ouzts 120 Edward C. Sexton
I got as far as this for the Belterra Park Racetrack, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Address: 6301 Kellogg Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45230, United States
Phone:+1 513-232-8000
Ohio State Racing Commission
77 South High St.
18th Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215-6108
Phone: (614) 466-2757
Fax: (614) 466-1900
Link below gives the email addresses for the Ohio State Racing Commission
http://www.racing.ohio.gov/keypersonnel.html
SHAMROCK ROAD at Belterra Park on 13 Sept. is in Race 1 at 1.45 pm, he’s the baby in this 6 horse claiming race with the oldest being a 10 yr old gelding, Purse $7,200 and it’s a one mile, he’s carrying a lighter weight than the others. The 10 yr old Wheaton’s Express will be having his 76th start and this horse has been racing for over seven (7) years.
Fantastic work April – as always!!!
I read all of your posts April without fail. We need to simplify and decide which thread we are going to post on in the future, either “the abuse of a 3 year old horse named shamrock road” or “Shamrock Road at 12 races”?
Thanks Jenn for your monitoring. As I’ve suggested before if someone can watch his races live (I cannot do it from here) and film it because when a horse goes amiss they often cut it out. If at least a few of us are monitoring him then we shouldn’t have any problems with this case study.
And if “Fred”, Sexton, Ellis Park officials, vets, Stewards, the relevant racing commission and any other racing authority are reading this, then I am glad. We are scrutinizing what’s going on with this racehorse.
It came over the news this morning that the IRA (the Irish Republican Army) has been continuing with its operations, silently. Well, the IRA in Shamrock Road’s life is right on track, slowly and silently destroying this horse.
Carolyn, please read ALL my posts for advocacy updates on Shamrock Road and then keep us posted from your end!
Just to say that i posted about Shamrock Road before his last start (Sept 4) on the original thread for him “Abuse of a 3 year old” where Patrick originally raised this baby’s plight and where there is a lot of history on him. I then posted on the result of that race.
http://horseracingwrongs.com/2015/06/03/the-abuse-of-a-3-year-old-horse-named-shamrock-road/#comments
And when there was no response i thought everyone is so busy with other stuff. Interestingly, virtual stable has not notified me of his next start and I’ve been relying on that to monitor him.
SHAMROCK ROAD: Back in August, Shamrock’s trainer (Sexton) called me personally after I complained to the Commission and Ellis Park that SEXTON was overworking Shamrock Road without a proper layoff. Remember, this industry is lawless!
I wrote a damning but professional letter/email to 11 officials and utilized the hotline. I couldn’t find Sexton’s information but calling him is a waste of time. What’s he going to say? You’re right, ma’am. I think Shamrock Road needs to rest. You complain and protest to the Commissions, Race Tracks, and Boards that WE are WATCHING THEM. Trust me, there are some other people watching him. That’s all I can say right now. Sexton will get the message and he did! Everyone who is anti-racing knows the industry is self-policed which is why it’s going to take an act of Congress to reform it so much that the industry dies! I hope it’s in my lifetime.
This man (like the Maurina1951’s of the world) in his voicemail to me was arrogant, and blatantly said he will continue to run Shamrock Road as this is “normal” in the industry. He felt justified because he has 47 years of experience doing it, that I [me] am just a lawyer and don’t know anything (always their narrative–we anti-racing folk don’t know anything), and that some trainers run their horses even harder than he does.
Mr. Sexton is a purebred ignoramous! I’m originally from Texas and people like Mr. Sexton are identified as “hard core white trash red necks.” This isn’t name calling. It’s just the truth. Mr. Sexton is Irish but wears this phrase well and he probably would admit it. He knows we are watching him but he is going to get his money! Money! Money! Money!
Unfortunately Shamrock Road will be another racehorse statistic even if he survives in spite of it all. Survive yet tattered and torn? Simply pathetic.
Jenn, please keep us posted on Shamrock Road and thanks for sharing! NOTE: I have all the information you need to write your own emails, calls, etc. to the Commission in this blog chain (see above). State facts and statistics. Voice your protest, activism, and concern. Sexton won’t stop racing and we won’t stop advocating!!!
Thank you April. I’m busy sending emails. Someone needs to pay attention…
Shamrock Road last raced on 9/4. He’s entered to race on 9/13. This is so unfair to him! He needs to be claimed by someone who will retire him.
You are absolutely spot on April. Just to add, they hand out trainers’ licences to any tom, dick or harry that makes application. The criteria to qualify…… pfff….. so long as you provide documentary evidence that you have X amount of $$$ in your bank a/c to set up training ($30,000 the last time I heard) and a couple of references from trainers, you are accepted. You also do a test answering questions about racing, horses, etc. and if you don’t know the answers you just get on the phone and ask someone in the know. The industry needs trainers and owners coming in on a regular basis to keep it going, virtually anyone can become a trainer, which of course is disastrous for the horses.
SCRATCH Shamrock Road for his SAFETY – Ellis Park – Henderson, KY on August 22, 2015
You can email me at voicesforhorses@gmail.com and use my exact letter if you want.
Please at least email and voice your concern and protest against racing Shamrock Road this Saturday:
ELLIS PARK
Ronald G. Geary, President – ron.geary@ellisparkracing.com; Dan Bork, Racing Secretary – dan.bork@ellisparkracing.com. Racing Office: 812-423-0372
KENTUCKY HORSE RACING COMMISSION (KHRC) – My recommended individuals to contact:
Marc.Guilfoil, John T. Ward, Lindsey Flora, Dr. William Farmer, Barbara Borden, Dr. Mary Scollay, Chris Clark
*All their email addresses are their first name separated by a dot then their last name @ky.gov EXCEPT John T. Ward is johntward@ky.gov
For example: william.farmer@ky.gov
The KHRC’s Integrity Hotline email address is: KHRC.Hotline@ky.gov and their # is 859-246-2848. This # encourages the public to call if you are aware of any improper activity or improper practice. Whether it’s there just to pacify us I don’t know…but it’s on their website.
I know Carolyn, it’s heartbreaking. I go through periods of pure sadness and then I get extremely angry! Like I said, I really can’t believe this animal cruelty is allowed and praised as some legitimate, artful sport. To be honest with you, and I really don’t care if I offend anyone, there is no real skill, art, or talent to training a race horse. The horse runs its heart out and is pumped up with drugs! It’s whipped!! It’s fight or flight!!! We’ve all seen the terror in their eyes and when these horses throw their jockeys off I have no sympathy for the jockey and I welcome the instincts of these horses to fight back — but that’s when they are abused even more!
Training is talent on behalf of the Bafferts, Pletchers, and ASSmussens of this world??? Give me a freakin’ break! When I saw Baffert up close with AP recently that horse looked completely lost and AP wanted to get the hell outta there. Baffert always walks ahead of AP like he’s [Baffert] some God. Baffert is a just a man with lots of money acquired from exploiting animals. You don’t need any education, sophistication, or character to do that!
Thanks for the reply and the fight!
I’m totally with you April and am very grateful for all your hard work for the horses. I know it’s not where we stop – i’ve been doing it for many years where i am. I recently attended a race meeting near where i live, witnessed horses being whipped when out of contention, absolutely nothing in the post race reports, wrote to the relevant racing authority, got an unsatisfactory reply and wrote back. These horses were being flogged when they didn’t have a chance in hell of placing and they came home last! Pursuant to my official complaint in a later report it was disclosed that the jockeys were “spoken to” but no fine or a suspension, yet they’re fully aware of the whip rules – says it all doesn’t it! Whipping racehorses is obscene enough but whipping them when they’re going as fast as they can, are seriously fatigued and are coming last absolutely enrages me.
I’m time poor with my research into the welfare of the racehorse and can only attend a meeting every now and then and what bothers me is that I know a lot is going on but cannot report on it unless I’m physically there to witness it. The only satisfaction I got with this recent episode was that they confirmed that the horses were definitely out of contention.
Yes April, we will all keep on screaming about it, THAT IS FOR SURE!
We will keep screaming, April. All of us. On many forums. We are and we WILL. Thank you!
TY April…your advocacy and hard work for the horses’ welfare is greatly appreciated. It does not go unnoticed.
Carolyn, you are absolutely right about the past, present, and likely future of Shamrock Road, but with all due respect, and I sincerely mean that stating, “this is horseracing” is not where we stop. Against all odds, we keep raising our voices and shouting by acting: protests, letters, emails, calls, investigations, and whatever keeps us on their back. I’m 2 months at this and I’ve spent countless hours of research, calls, and networking. Peta has already contacted me because I have screamed. Everyone keep screaming! This is life and death!
Jenn, this horse is young, he only turned 3 years of age (from foaling date) a few months ago. His owners
THE IRA and TRIPLE T STABLES have invested in him and they will continue to race this horse until he is no longer a commercially viable commodity or someone claims him. He is not a good money earner for them to date and nearly all of his race starts have been in claiming races. It appears that after his first start he did not come up to their expectations and he was placed in a claiming race in his 2nd start. He is a gelding, no money in the breeding barn and therefore his future is not bright in that he will be raced and raced and raced. Other trainers are not an option because they’re all painted with the same brush. Rehab places are not an option for SHAMROCK ROAD at this point in time. There are no Rules in place to protect the racehorse in relation to the number and frequency of starts over a certain period of time or for mandatory spelling/lay-offs. For far too many years I’ve seen racing authorities doing absolutely nothing to intervene and I believe that they prefer to go along with trainers and owners to keep them happy, to keep racing going and to hell with the sufferings of these horses.
And the trainer EDWARD C SEXTON (and the owners) should be brought to account for overracing this horse and for not giving it the appropriate respite essential for its welfare – I call it aggravated cruelty.
This is horseracing.
We are running out of time so I started from the top down. I’ll leave the Ellis crowd up to you all and post an update later.
I am pleading with everyone to at least email (I’m also calling) until your fingers bleed on this.
As you all know, Shamrock Road will be racing as a 3 y.o. gelding on Saturday, August 22, 2015 at Ellis Park in Henderson, KY – Race No. 7 wearing No. 9. 12 races in less than 6 mos. 14 starts in 7 mos. Last race: July 15, 2015 — just 5 weeks 2 days to rest. We all know this is animal slavery for sale.
Please go to http://khrc.ky.gov/Pages/staff.aspx. Copy this link exactly like I have it. It is Kentucky Horse Racing Commission’s Public Protection Cabinet. What a joke but that’s what it is. Sidebar: Every day I am engulfed in this I just can’t believe we are begging for action on what should be criminal activity punished by fine and jail/imprisonment. I’m so sick of this legalized animal slavery!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If I was caught whipping my dog with a stick on the sidewalk someone would call the police. I guarantee it!!!
I am emailing everyone that has an email address because they ALL play a part. I don’t care but they all aid and abet. If you can only email a few people, I would recommend the Executive Director, Director of Racing, Medical Director, Chief State Vet, and the Director of Licensing and Enforcement.
If for some reason (because it happened to me), the link doesn’t take you directly to their email addresses, it is simply their first name separated by a period @ ky.gov. For example, Marc Guilfoil, Director of Racing
859-246-2040 would be marc.guilfoil@ky.gov. John T. Ward, Jr., Executive Director
859-246-2040 would be johnt.ward@ky.gov.
You can email me offline at voicesforhorses@gmail.com at any time. Also, if anyone knows of any rescues that can take Shamrock Road reach out to them. The calls and emails create buzz and things can happen.
Rose, that is absolutely terrible about Jill’s Reflection. Two years of racing twice each month, she’s only 4 years of age, has not had a break and has had FIFTY-ONE (51) starts already??? These so called “vets” and others in the racing commissions have a duty of care to immediately place an embargo on her to be spelled. I have had a few successes where I am with the racing authorities and one mare, not unlike Jill, had a connection to one of the officials but that didn’t daunt me and they eventually did the right thing by her.
Oh yes Rose, it is so very SICK.
Nope…no surprise here, Rose. They always pass the buck. They can always “blame” someone else. It is never their responsibility. And be certain to read about the hypocrisy of an Arkansas Racing Commission member who is also the ARCI chairman…from the Paulick Report:
“Mark Lamberth, a member of the Arkansas Racing Commission and chairman of the Association of Racing Commissioners International, turned the dial on the BS Meter all the way up on Tuesday in a press release on RCI letterhead stating: ‘Entire Arkansas Horse Racing Industry Opposes Federal Bills.'”
Read it all here…of COURSE they don’t want an independent, national overseeing entity! Then they wouldn’t be able to do whatever the hell they want!
http://www.paulickreport.com/news/ray-s-paddock/rci-chairman-takes-hypocritical-stance-on-federal-racing-bills/
Hi Kathleen,
To answer your question, how about protesting for starters.
My association with the evils of this industry only started 2 months ago when I witnessed a fatal break down at Santa Anita Park on June 13, 2015 claiming a beautiful 4 y.o. chestnut filly named “Hugh Knew.” I was new to horseracing and very naive to its darkness. Now, I’m waging war on horseracing in the memory of “Hugh Knew” who changed my life forever!
PROTEST Horseracing – Outreach @ Del Mar in San Diego: SATURDAY, 9/5/2015
Note: This is NOT a Peta-sponsored event. Ellen Ericksen and Toni Falcone are HOSTING. I’m participating and rallying.
SPREAD THE WORD!!!!!!!!!!!! https://www.facebook.com/events/513541292137652/
Saturday, September 5, 2015
11:00 a – 2:00 p
Del Mar Thoroughbred Club
2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar, California 92014 (near San Diego, CA)
We will meet inside the parking lot at the entrance to the Thoroughbred Club.
My email is voicesforhorses@gmail.com
Then, I will be working with PETA to develop a presence for protest at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, CA (Los Angeles) close to where I reside. There is never any real media coverage reported on all the Santa Anita break downs (deaths), injuries, whipping violations, drug violations, and get this, jockey violations for showing up drunk before they report. Taken from its Annual Report, the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) reported 52 horse fatalities from July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014. That’s what is in this report but I believe there are more. To Santa Anita Park and home to infamous trainer, Bob Baffert, I hope you are watching us because we will be watching YOU!
Kathleen, I hope this answers your question. I would love for you to be a part of changing the status quo — even from afar. Please feel free to reach out to me.
These people are unscrupulous. I contacted Steven Kogan in Tallahassee about a filly, Jill’s Reflection racing at Gulfstream. She is 4 yrs. old and had her first start in May 2013. In July 2015 she started for the 51st time. She has had two starts each month for two years without a break. Of course she was given IV Lasix each time.
Also, I contacted NYRA regarding trainer Jacobson starting horses with as little as 3 days between races. The answer was ” we leave those decisions up to the trainer”. The classic “pass the buck” response.
There is no national racing commission that one can go to. Each state has their own “rules” or lack thereof when it comes to the horse. Horses cross state lines all the time to compete and, yet, there is no uniformity of rules. It is truly AMAZING what this corrupt gambling industry gets away with. Politicians and others must be bought and paid for.
Somehow these people need to be held accountable. I’m sick of it and I’m not alone.
Disgusting….so sick of racing industry
He’s been entered to run in race 7 at Ellis Park on August 22, $5,000 claiming. Can’t someone get in touch with various local trainers to see if they’d claim him in your behalf to retire him? Have you gotten in touch with retired thoroughbred rehab places like CANTER to see if they can help you? Just tossing out ideas. Not sure if they’d help or not. I’m hoping this poor kid has a happy ending!
http://www.equibase.com/profiles/Results.cfm?type=Horse&refno=9409893®istry=T
Shamrock Road has been accepted to race on 22 August at Ellis Park in a Claiming Race. Appears same connections. This 3 yr old gelding last raced on 15 July so he’s had only just over 5 weeks break since that date. Despite representations being made to the relevant racing authorities, a proper lay-off of 3 months he was denied!
According to equibase.com, this 3 year old gelding had 13 starts in 5 months. During this prep he had 12 starts in 18 weeks which is totally unacceptable in my opinion.
Shamrock Road may well come home either winning, placing, midfield or tailing at the end.
Wherever this baby comes home is neither here nor there. In my opinion, this horse is being managed with disregard for its welfare based on equine scientists’ research and studies. Short preps e.g. 5-6 starts then at least a 3 months’ lay-off to recover, rest and mend his very immature bones and young body. Another young racehorse being ruined.
I have sent an email to Presque Isle Downs requesting that Shamrock Road be scratched and an embargo placed on him.
If they pass him fit to race it would be good if someone could watch the race live in case he goes amiss. Given complaints were made to the racing authorities previously and they know we are monitoring him then, in my view, we should not rely on the calling of the race and the footage.
13 starts in 5 months is unacceptable
14 starts in 6 months will also be unacceptable
To think that there are no Rules in place to protect this young horse from being overraced.
So they have no excuse.
Saw that She Sings Aling was euthanized when she broke down in the fifth race at Santa Anita yesterday. She was two. The title of the article was regarding how her jockey was released from the hospital.
Jenn, Sexton and his “gal pal”, Mary Mead, are also breeders.
Carolyn, here is the number for Debbie Howells, Racing Director at Presque isle. It is 814-860-8950. You will need to leave a message but Debbie has always returned my calls within a reasonable length of time. I also have her cell # but I don’t want to post it here for everyone to see.
Right, Carolyn…I could not find an email address, either. Here’s the phone number again for the PA horse racing commission: 717-787-1942.
I had a thorough look at the Pennsylvania Racing Commission’s website and could not find an email address.
Heaps of phone numbers for this and that.
Exactly Rose. You all need to know that I’ve seen racing commissions throw the book at Trainers they don’t like;find any rule to apply to them. It’s usually the honest Trainers with no medication violations like myself. The rules apply to some while others get away with everything – that’s why their top Trainers. Any other Trainer would be suspended if they had rap sheets like Asmussen, Lukas, Amos, Pletcher. Bottom line? The racehorse bears the brunt of inconsistent Rules & Regulations, multiple drug-violating Trainers which sometimes results in breakdowns and deaths because the horse’s pain is masked. Then the whipping into the ground. Horrific, but this is horse racing.
This guy races Shamrock Road as if he’s the only horse in the barn. Pathetic.
Called and left a message for the racing commission.
These people need to know people are watching and are aware just how complicit the commission and tracks are in this abuse. The deliberate omission of any rules to protect the horse speaks volumes about this gambling business. “We leave it up to the trainer” is a very tiresome excuse. Just keep them running and the revenue flowing. Let the unscrupulous trainers do what they want so “we” can fill race cards and stay in “business”
Thanks for the clarification Joy. I thought Preque Isle was in Ohio. Sorry folks. I thought SR was in Ohio, but it does t hurt even if you sent a letter. I’m sure it will be forwarded to PA or in the least raised some eyebrows.
Carolyn, Shamrock Road isn’t racing in Ohio so I’m not sure why it has been suggested to call the ORC. Bill Crawford does head up the ORC and I have spoken to him on the phone multiple times about other situations in racing. I have been told that he is pro-slaughter so I’m sure he is in it for the horses. LOL!
I quickly looked up SR’s PP…for calls to the PA horse racing commission; his last FIVE races were at Presque Isle, 5-18, 5-26, 6-1, 6-9, and 6-21.
All…Shamrock Road last ran at Presque Ilse which is in Pennsylvania, not Ohio.
The PA horse racing commission phone number is 717-787-1942.
Thanks Gina, your information, knowledge and advice is invaluable!!!
Linda, see Gina’s comment – excellent information advice.
The link to its website is http://www.racing.ohio.gov/Commission.html
I couldn’t find a general “contact us” email address but found this –
Ohio State Racing Commission
77 S. High St. – 18th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215-6108
Phone: (614) 466-2757
Fax: (614) 466-1900
William Crawford
Executive Director
bill.crawford@rc.state.oh.us
Cannot see a problem with the first port of call being the Executive Director of the Ohio State Racing Commission.
I just sent an email to Presque Downs. I pray someone will step up and help this poor gelding before it is too late.
I have already spoken to Ms. Debbie Howells, Racing Director at PID, about this horse. I informed her that Mr. Sexton’s “gal pal”, Mary Mead, was involved in sending a couple of Midwest’s horses to slaughter. She listened and did nothing. Surprise, surprise….
Thank you! I’ll do the same!
I just sent an email to Presque Downs at: pidracing@pidowns.com. I hope others will too.
Hi everybody, We ALL need to call out the Ohio Racing Commission on this one since they are the only ones that can deny entry to Shamrock Road. Obviously, the Owner is running it until SR breakdowns or dies so the only way to prevent this is to express our outrage, and concern. The racetrack has little say in the matter. They just want to fill races anyways. The public has every right to call, write, fax the Ohio Racing Commission and express our outrage at this. This is blatant animal cruelty. This horse doesn’t want to race for whatever reason (probably sore). This is unacceptable and falls under a No Competition Clause in the rule of racing. Please call the ORC now.
Carolyn how can we all help? I have shared on facebook and twitter. This is heartbreaking!
What they are doing to this horse is despicable. I just cannot believe that the relevant racing commissions (and their so called “vets?”) have permitted this horse to start 12 times in 18 weeks! Are they trying to kill Shamrock Road? Where’s the duty of care, especially when they claim to “love” their horses…….. what a joke.
He has ONLY JUST turned 3 YEARS OF AGE and he’s had thirteen (13) starts already.
http://www.equibase.com/profiles/Results.cfm?type=Horse&refno=9409893®istry=T
PRESQUE ISLE DOWNS are you going to do something about this? or are you going to allow this abuse to continue?
April,
Please share with us what you doing to move forward the banning of horse racing in California.
BULL FIGHTING IS EVIL.
The last 5 starts have been at Presque Isle Downs. The horse is racing every week and just turned 3 in May. This is in your face abuse. Presque Downs is complicit in this outrage. These tracks have no safeguards to protect the horse. The rules in racing are all to do with money and nothing is done to protect the horse.
Shame on Sexton, the owner and the track.
Presque Downs needs to hear people are watching this outrageous conduct.
Yes!!!
Patrick,
I can’t stand it! This is pure evil!! My heart aches because these beautiful creatures have no voice except those of us who speak up and take a stand. The public needs to know! Petitions for legislative bans and utilizing our criminal justice system to charge, convict, and punish these sorry human beings.
Who in the heck do these people think they are?
Very sad but I am moving forward with my fight to ban horse racing altogether (one step at a time) here in California. Parts of Spain have already banned bullfighting. We can do this!!!!!!!
The harsh reality is these horses are running out of time while the humans cash in. God bless these sweet creatures!
April C. Montgomery
Pray that someone thinks to rescue him…not many people thinking about the horses welfare these days..scum
This is crazy. Prayers that Shamrock Road stays sound until he can be rescued.