The following horses were casualties on American racetracks last week:
“Died,” “Euthanized,” “Broke Down” – racing-speak for dead
Walk the Tango, Louisiana
Jls Alyssas Story, Fair Grounds
Dash, Parx
Bigreds Thrillshow, Golden Gate
“Vanned Off” – carted away by ambulance, better-than-even chance dead
Wild Hardships, Finger Lakes (subsequently confirmed dead)
High Fresa, Ruidoso
Tiz Time to Shake, Saratoga
Sophia’s Night, Delaware
Thunder Deville, Indiana
Papa’s Miracle, Mountaineer
Mandola, Saratoga
Greeley’s Gazette, Canterbury
Grand Account, Louisiana
He’s Gone Packin, Remington
Fit for Duty, Elko County Fair
Royal Gloves, Ellis
Archie Will’M, Louisiana
Seriously Silver, Remington
He’s a Rockstar, Canterbury
Potochon, Gulfstream
Strawflying Corona, Los Alamitos
Captain Jeff, Penn
Dreamy Kid, Retama
Captain’s Glory, Canterbury
Love On the Road, Del Mar (subsequently confirmed dead)
Pierson, Ellis
Lookin for Luck, Emerald
Fist Fancy Chic, Ruidoso
“Bled,” “Returned Bleeding From Nostrils”
Mr. Narian, Charles Town
Miss Hume Township, Thistledown (also vanned off)
Exponentially, Golden Gate
Miss Holicong, Parx (also vanned off)
(source: Equibase)
The photo of this horse is ABSOLUTELY HEARTBREAKING! It appears that his near (left) fore leg has broken and he tries so desperately to save himself, all the stress goes into his hinds to try and keep himself up. His mouth and his facial expression display some of his pain, terror, fear and despair to find himself in such a terrible situation. Hate to think what was going on in his mind and his mates, the herd, too far away in the distance ahead to be of any comfort to him.
How dare we, as a civilized society, allow this to happen!
If Governments can leave the running of horseracing to the racing industry and not intervene when evidence of animal abuse and cruelty is presented, then at the very least they are failing in their duty of care. Governments gain substantial revenue for their budgets from horseracing. It is my belief that the Government is a third party to animal abuse and cruelty because it condones, legalizes, authorizes and financially supports the horseracing industry. I believe the great majority of people find animal abuse abhorrent and unacceptable. Self regulation in an industry which exploits animals is toxic.