The following horses were casualties on American racetracks last week:
“Broke Down” – racing-speak for dead
The Mooche, Presque Isle
Acceptance Letter, Charles Town
Divine Tale, Del Mar
“Vanned Off” – carted away by ambulance, better-than-even chance dead
In Da Clear, Delaware
Malana’s Charm, Mountaineer
Running Wish, Presque Isle
All Rise, Saratoga
Dynaskra, Indiana
Hope On the Rocks, Indiana
Knock Rock, Mountaineer
Curly W, Charles Town
Te’s Live Action, Evangeline
Bold and Ready, Thistledown
King’s Fortune, Arlington
Sinfully, Del Mar
Divine Fortune, Saratoga (subsequently confirmed dead)
Greeley Pack, Saratoga
Texas Rising, Canterbury
Rush of Day, Del Mar
British Glory, Gulfstream
Michael With Us, Indiana
Aleandria, Penn
Circus Train, Remington
Brother Louie, Ruidoso
Karen’s Rag Doll, Timonium
Z E E Jess, Elko County Fair, not reported as vanned but “in distress after race”
In Franca’s Honor, Louisiana
Roman Fire, Parx
Mystic Star, Remington
Lagi Lagi, Timonium
Dinero Doble, Elko County Fair, not reported as vanned but “distressed”
Michelle Noelle, Ferndale
“Bled” or “Returned Bleeding From Nostrils”
Union Mettle, Saratoga
(source: Equibase)
The Mooche…a 4-year-old bay gelding.
They raced him 3 times in June…he was claimed June 1 then his new owner/trainer ran him only 7 days later on June 8.. the young gelding was claimed again on June 8.
They ran him twice in July, only 5 days apart.
Then he was raced 3 times in August. The Mooche broke down on August 25.
Bought and sold like an object. Business decisions. Just one of those things.
Not to us, The Mooche. I wonder if you’re waiting for someone to help you. Maybe at an auction. Possibly in the hands of a killbuyer. Any or all are highly likely.
Makes me sick that I live in the home of the derby. Doesn’t look like they will be slowing down anytime soon either.
http://www.wave3.com/story/29932032/churchill-downs-announces-18m-in-upgrades
Wasn’t sure if you were going to do chart review – so I did one myself last week. What struck me most was how often the word “tired” was used on the charts. Why are we forcing these poor, old, “tired” horses to run until they die? Also often used – the word “eased.” If you did a list of the “eased” horses, it would put any casualty list to shame. Several in one race. If these horses are too lame to run and have to be eased shouldn’t they be retired?
I’ve also been reviewing my own records and the list of “never heard from again” is outrageously long. Where did these horses go? The Jockey Club doesn’t know. Reporting a death is voluntary. It’s hard to believe all these missing horses were adopted. If they had been, every citizen in this country would have 2 or 3 in his backyard.
I’m not in favor of more big government but the racing industry is out of control. They will never reform themselves. Sadly, seems like we need one more agency to watch over these horses. Because right now no one gives a damn. Except you and I and other people on this page. Very, very sad.
Jeanette, good question. So many horses are “tired” in the charts yet the pro-racing enthusiasts babble that horses “love to run”. Yes, racing folks, they run because the horse wants to keep up with the herd even when they are “tired”. I have a list of horses that left Beulah Park before it closed and the majority of those horses have simply disappeared, or, as you stated, are “never heard from again”. However, the racing supporters will insist that these horses are in “wonderful” homes and are enjoying a great life in a second career. Oh, and they forget to mention that many have injuries sustained from their exploitation and, if they do survive the rigors of racing, will be relegated to low level work. In fact, a TB that I own, Canuki, had arthritic changes at the age of five…yes, five. Canuki wasn’t even fully grown but think of all the enjoyment the racing supporters experienced as they watched a horse being forced to run. Sorry, racing apologists. You have nothing to defend except a cruel and corrupt industry.