My great challenge here is to get people – the American public, or at least a tipping-point section of it – to see through the distractions, the deceits – the lies. This, of course, is no easy task, for if nothing else Racing boasts a finely-tuned propaganda apparatus. How else to explain the fact that an industry that regularly (every day) maims and kills animals for $2 bets has been able to survive – even thrive at times – for 150 years? Masterful manipulation – “The Sport of Kings.”
Today is Kentucky Derby Day, a day in which the racing ruse is at its most obscene. Bob Costas and NBC Sports. Mint juleps and loud hats. “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports.” And all the while, the Racing people talk of the primacy of their “athletes.” We care (love, in fact), they say; our horses’ well-being shall not be compromised. In an April 29 news release, Churchill Downs rolled out this year’s “Safety from Start to Finish” program. Included: extra vets, extra exams, a bursting support team, three “state-of-the-art” equine ambulances, a board-certified veterinary surgeon (“should there be a need for immediate critical care response”), and “a triage facility, with x-ray equipment, will be available for patient evaluation.”
“Patient evaluation.”
Or as Mary Scollay, Kentucky’s equine medical director, puts it (Blood-Horse): “Safety is safety and integrity is integrity. Neither one is negotiable.”
Juxtapose that – a hollow one-day dog and pony show – against this – a cold, violent, merciless everyday reality…
Killed In Action, 2015:
2-year-old Golden Bay, January 2, Aqueduct 6
3-year-old Generous George, January 2, Golden Gate 7
4-year-old Pop Pop Kiss, January 2, Laurel, training
5-year-old Devil’s Issue, January 2, Los Alamitos 2
4-year-old Sharp Harbour, January 2, Tampa Bay 4
3-year-old Humble Hero, January 3, Gulfstream, training
6-year-old Calvados, January 3, Parx 9 (euthanized January 4)
5-year-old Shewreckstheplace, January 4, Aqueduct 5
2-year-old Stuffed Animal, January 4, Santa Anita 4
3-year-old Hiclass Local, January 4, Sunland 3
2-year-old Sparkling Form, January 5, Hialeah 5
11-year-old Tejano Trouble, January 6, Turf 4
2-year-old Discreet Romance, January 7, Calder, training
2-year-old Good Problem, January 7, Delta 6
9-year-old Reminic, January 7, Monticello 4
TSM Lil Orphan Andy, January 7, Pompano 9
8-year-old Can’touchthisgal, January 8, Fair Grounds 9
5-year-old Warren’s Assassin, January 8, Santa Anita 3
2-year-old Channel of Love, January 9, Aqueduct, training
4-year-old Apex, January 9, Aqueduct 2
9-year-old Italian Rules, January 9, Aqueduct 2
4-year-old Ear D’Rhythm, January 9, Laurel 7 (euthanized January 10)
6-year-old Dual Exhauzt, January 9, Pimlico, training
3-year-old Princess Marcela, January 9, Pimlico, training
5-year-old Big Swig, January 10, Golden Gate, training
3-year-old Mar de Mares, January 10, Parx, training
6-year-old Pick Four, January 10, Penn, training
4-year-old Rusty Raven, January 11, Fair Grounds 2
4-year-old For All the Kathys, January 11, Parx 6
3-year-old Bob and Louie, January 11, Tampa Bay, training
4-year-old Solomon’s Sun, January 12, Fair Grounds 6
7-year-old Boy’s Brother Bob, January 13, Mahoning 7
3-year-old Volage, January 13, Turf 6
4-year-old Master’s Champion, January 14, Charles Town, training (euthanized Jan 15)
4-year-old Pinpoint Pal, January 14, Tampa Bay 1
4-year-old You Take the Cake, January 15, Aqueduct 2
3-year-old One Step Higher, January 15, Delta 3
4-year-old One More Chief, January 16, Belmont, training
11-year-old St Lads Kingpin, January 16, Cal Expo 2
7-year-old Shop Smart, January 16, Charles Town, training
2-year-old Jazz Track, January 16, Charles Town 1
3-year-old Under Study Career, January 16, Golden Gate, training
5-year-old Top Partner, January 16, Tampa Bay, training
3-year-old Mt Everest, January 17, Calder, training
2-year-old Bah Zinga, January 17, Hialeah 8
5-year-old She Be Bunny, January 17, Penn 3
5-year-old Warrens Venedalucy, January 17, Sunland 7
3-year-old Senso, January 18, Aqueduct, training
5-year-old Highly Rated, January 18, Golden Gate 7
4-year-old Ratso Rizzo, January 18, Gulfstream 5 (euthanized January 19)
2-year-old Go See Too, January 18, Sunland 7
3-year-old Brooks Gift, January 18, Tampa Bay 8
3-year-old Hidden Angel, January 20, Turf 3
2-year-old Warrior Forever, January 21, Charles Town 4
3-year-old Boston Brute, January 21, Delta 2
3-year-old Cattagirl, January 21, Laurel, training
First After Me, January 21, Northfield 14
3-year-old My Uncle Frank, January 21, Tampa Bay 4
3-year-old Miss Macarena, January 22, Aqueduct 1
3-year-old Trail’satwosteppin, January 23, Charles Town 7
4-year-old Flying Jessica, January 23, Hialeah 5
2-year-old Snaff, January 24, Fair Grounds 3
4-year-old Paramounts Fortune, January 24, Sunland 4
3-year-old Colstons Leaving U, January 25, Louisiana 7
2-year-old American Sun, January 25, Santa Anita 6
2-year-old Tornado City, January 26, Belmont, training
3-year-old Birdie Brew, January 26, Sunland 10
3-year-old Time for a J, January 27, Turf 2
5-year-old Fronkonsteen, January 28, Charles Town 2 (euthanized January 29)
4-year-old Save This Dance, January 29, Penn 8
2-year-old Katelynn’s the One, January 30, Sam Houston 8
3-year-old Alexis Charm, January 31, Fair Grounds 1
2-year-old St Peter of Rome, January 31, Gulfstream, training
3-year-old Bounty for Devon, January 31, Sunland 10
3-year-old Sergush, February 1, Fair Grounds 2
3-year-old Lazy Lightnin, February 1, Golden Gate, training
4-year-old Pacific Coast, February 1, Sunland 7
3-year-old Force Nine, February 1, Tampa Bay, training
4-year-old Strawberry Park, February 2, Sunland, training
2-year-old Peaceful Quiet, February 4, Golden Gate, training
4-year-old Cobalto, February 5, Charles Town, training
2-year-old Leroy Rose, February 5, Gulfstream, training
Beach Speech, February 5, Miami 1
3-year-old Saint Rafael, February 6, Sunland, training
4-year-old La Ranchera, February 6, Tampa Bay 6
3-year-old Carol Ann, February 6, Tampa Bay 6
5-year-old Drew Clear, February 7, Delta 3
5-year-old Badman of the Brazos, February 7, Sunland 4
3-year-old Wildly Quiet, February 8, Sunland 10
4-year-old Silic Oui, February 8, Tampa Bay, training
5-year-old Strike It Cody, February 9, Louisiana 7
4-year-old Rock Shaft, February 9, Parx 4
4-year-old Trust in Tebow, February 9, Parx 4
4-year-old Astral, February 10, Parx 9 (euthanized February 11)
5-year-old Goldonspotofgold, February 10, Sam Houston 8
3-year-old Zen Zai Sun, February 10, Turf 4
7-year-old Cowtown Star, February 10, Turf 4
6-year-old Razmataz, February 12, Penn, training
5-year-old Belonging, February 12, Santa Anita 1
7-year-old Drink With Pride, February 13, Penn 8
3-year-old Delphia, February 13, Sunland, training
6-year-old Indian Flag, February 13, Sunland 10
3-year-old Wild Moon, February 13, Tampa Bay 10 (euthanized February 14)
4-year-old I Jus Wana Hav Fun, February 14, Fair Grounds 1
4-year-old Wonderfella, February 14, Laurel 4
3-year-old Cosmic Gold, February 14, Laurel 7
3-year-old Okey Dokey Smokey, February 14, Parx, training
3-year-old Sendme Some Lovin, February 14, Parx, training
6-year-old Praise a Native, February 14, Rillito 5
4-year-old Way to Go Gerda, February 14, Sunland 9
3-year-old Mac’shouseofhearts, February 15, Emerald, training
2-year-old Lord of Fire, February 15, Hialeah 7
2-year-old Lookatu, February 15, Tampa Bay, training
7-year-old Rule Breaker, February 16, Golden Gate, training
9-year-old Royal Blue Miracle, February 16, Louisiana 2
3-year-old Honey Boy, February 16, Sam Houston 4
5-year-old Ms P K Blue, February 16, Turf 2
2-year-old Fastique, February 18, Parx, training
4-year-old Penny Ante Cat, February 18, Sunland, training
3-year-old Brendon’s Pic, February 20, Fair Grounds 9
3-year-old Wild Tchoupitoulas, February 21, Fair Grounds 12
3-year-old Sprague River, February 21, Santa Anita 4
4-year-old Doubly Smart, February 22, Parx 3
3-year-old Hurricane Turn, February 22, Parx 3 (euthanized February 28)
1-year-old Over the Fence, February 22, Sunland, training
3-year-old Exquisite Monarch, February 22, Tampa Bay, training
3-year-old Dylbug, February 22, Turf 5
4-year-old Aerial Dancer, February 23, Turf 4
3-year-old Fuzz, February 25, Charles Town 4
3-year-old Heretodaygonetmrow, February 25, Penn, training
3-year-old Seeking Sallie, February 25, Tampa Bay, training
2-year-old Lovin It, February 26, Charles Town 4
2-year-old Indict, February 26, Fair Grounds 7
4-year-old Mullers Canyon, February 27, Fonner 6
3-year-old Inspeightofthings, February 27, Gulfstream W, training
2-year-old Hostile Nation, February 27, Mahoning, training
3-year-old Let’s Dance, February 27, Sunland, training
4-year-old Derby Hat, February 27, Sunland 7
3-year-old Macho Mia, February 28, Louisiana 5
2-year-old King Arien, February 28, Mahoning 2 (euthanized March 11)
2-year-old Supreme Sissy, February 28, Sam Houston 1
7-year-old Bracket Buster, March 1, Parx 1
4-year-old Stormy Dan, March 1, Parx 2
4-year-old Take It Out Back, March 2, Louisiana 3
2-year-old Heza Fast Lajolla, March 2, Louisiana 5
4-year-old Hecky Dorn, March 2, Mahoning 8
2-year-old Wise Option, March 2, Sunland, training
8-year-old Golden Fizz, March 3, Clendining Farms (NJ), training
4-year-old Sweet Gem, March 6, Fonner, training
5-year-old Zenaro, March 6, Oaklawn 2
2-year-old Moonshine Express, March 6, Penn, training
She’s a Cowgirl, March 6, Saratoga Raceway
3-year-old Caton’s Cruise, March 7, Gulfstream, training
3-year-old Mm Paul Revere, March 7, Louisiana 7
5-year-old Mr Weaver, March 7, Mountaineer 9 (euthanized March 8)
2-year-old Splitterr, March 7, Remington 9
4-year-old Dandy Guy, March 7, Sunland, training
3-year-old Texas Rapper, March 7, Sunland 8
5-year-old Happy Harvey, March 8, Gulfstream 2
4-year-old Diabolic Diva, March 9, Sunland 3
5-year-old Lady Angel, March 10, Hawthorne, training
3-year-old Noble Metal, March 10, Turf, training
2-year-old Lovin It, March 11, Charles Town 3
3-year-old Fuzz, March 11, Charles Town 3
Head of the Barn, March 11, Meadows (pre-race)
3-year-old Risk the Moon, March 12, Aqueduct 5
3-year-old Leo the Lion Tamer, March 12, Delta 1
7-year-old Mr. Flexible, March 13, Laurel 7
7-year-old Shes Got to Run, March 13, Mountaineer, training
3-year-old Irish Jones, March 13, Parx, training
3-year-old Sovereign Desire, March 13, Sunland, training
3-year-old Hot Dom, March 13, Sunland (pre-race)
6-year-old Rollthediceagain, March 13, Tampa Bay 9
3-year-old Lookin At Daisy, March 14, Fair Grounds 4
3-year-old Sheezflippinsexy, March 14, Fair Grounds 11
2-year-old No One Is Like Me, March 14, Gulfstream 2
3-year-old Polish Justice, March 14, Sunland 10
8-year-old Varsity, March 14, Tampa Bay 4
5-year-old Who Dat Fans, March 15, Fair Grounds 3
2-year-old Jess Roses, March 15, Remington 8
2-year-old Libertyville, March 15, Tampa Bay, training
2-year-old Big Bad Max, March 17, Charles Town, training
4-year-old Golden Friendships, March 17, Gulfstream 3
4-year-old Quietly Prim, March 17, Parx, training
3-year-old Cowgirl Star, March 17, Will Rogers, training
3-year-old Irish Media, March 18, Gulfstream 8
5-year-old Elena’s Dreamboy, March 18, Mountaineer 9
3-year-old Miss Siphon, March 18, Penn, training
2-year-old Summer Hawk, March 19, Belmont, training
8-year-old Riding the River, March 19, Gulfstream 7
4-year-old Second Round, March 19, Laurel 9 (euthanized March 23)
3-year-old Saratoga Sundae, March 19, Parx, training
2-year-old Afleet Monster, March 20, Charles Town 9 (euthanized March 21)
2-year-old Jake, March 20, Gulfstream, training
8-year-old El Commodore, March 20, Santa Anita 4
12-year-old That’s Justice, March 21, Freehold 8
6-year-old Eltham, March 21, Laurel 9 (euthanized March 26)
5-year-old Wild Kiss, March 21, Tampa Bay 6
3-year-old Iron Media, March 21, Tampa Bay 6
3-year-old Mizzo’s Gold, March 21, Turf, training
4-year-old Macho Mio, March 22, Laurel 4
2-year-old Letshaveacocktail, March 23, Gulfstream W, training
4-year-old Ciao Valentina, March 24, Fonner, training
5-year-old Take Heart, March 24, Hawthorne, training
3-year-old Mdt Backstreet Bully, March 24, Louisiana 3
1-year-old Jetrunaway, March 24, Louisiana 4
2-year-old Sir Santino, March 25, Remington, training
5-year-old Soft Shoulders, March 25, Turf 1
3-year-old Homeward Calling, March 26, Charles Town 9 (euthanized March 28)
3-year-old Dancing Lo, March 26, Fonner, training
3-year-old I Forget, March 26, Penn 7
4-year-old Developer, March 26, Tampa Bay, training
3-year-old Cheers for Sidney, March 27, Gulfstream 5
3-year-old Albert P., March 27, Penn 4 (euthanized March 30)
4-year-old New Splash, March 27, Sam Houston 11
6-year-old Quiet Title, March 28, Penn, training
2-year-old Stolis Bud, March 28, Sunland 5
5-year-old Carson City Brew, March 29, Gulfstream, training
3-year-old Undercover Kitten, March 29, Gulfstream 12
10-year-old Lisasfinishline, March 29, Rillito 5
4-year-old Only Josie Knows, March 29, Santa Anita 7
4-year-old Criminal Element, March 29, Sunland 7
5-year-old Axle, March 30, Sunland, training
4-year-old There’s a Dream, March 30, Sunland 7 (euthanized April 3)
6-year-old Had to Happen, April 1, Mahoning 5
4-year-old Starstruck Slew, April 1, Tampa Bay 6
3-year-old Emmett, April 2, Lone Star, training
4-year-old Toolatetotwostep, April 2, Mahoning, training
5-year-old Landry Jack, April 3, Penn 2
2-year-old I’ll Be Dom, April 3, Sunland 7
5-year-old Lucy’s Tacos, April 3, Sunland 10
5-year-old Gentleman’s Kitten, April 4, Gulfstream, training
5-year-old Ellies Tattle Tale, April 4, Pimlico 1
3-year-old Two Times Flashy, April 4, Remington 1
2-year-old Rekindle, April 4, Remington 2
4-year-old Conquest Two Step, April 4, Santa Anita, training (euthanized April 6)
2-year-old Tres Seis Luvbug, April 4, Sam Houston 2
7-year-old Cherokee Empire, April 6, Laurel, training
3-year-old Formal Call, April 6, Parx, training
4-year-old Mr. Giovanna, April 6, Parx 1
3-year-old Holy Quill, April 8, Charles Town 8
1-year-old Off Looks Alone, April 9, Golden Gate, training
2-year-old Good Year for a Rose, April 9, Remington, training
On The Brink, April 9, Yonkers 1
Fashion Shark, April 9, Yonkers 3
3-year-old Starrific Is Ours, April 10, Evangeline 6
3-year-old My Sweet Ellierose, April 10, Pimlico 5
3-year-old Dans Pot of Gold, April 10, Sunland, training
2-year-old Empire’s Court, April 10, Tampa Bay 10
7-year-old Sweet Elation, April 11, Hawthorne 9
5-year-old Cyclone Warrior, April 11, Laurel, training
3-year-old Mytrack Marie, April 11, Laurel, training
3-year-old Ziddle, April 11, Lone Star, training
2-year-old Cowboy Con, April 11, Oaklawn 3
Bubs Desire, April 11, Pocono 13
4-year-old Weekendwithbernie, April 11, Santa Anita 3
4-year-old Subtle Humor, April 12, Aqueduct 3
2-year-old Con Sneaky, April 12, Aqueduct 4
2-year-old Flashyoursix, April 12, Remington 4
4-year-old Crowned Heart, April 13, Gulfstream W, training
3-year-old Charm City Dancer, April 13, Parx 7
5-year-old Daybreak Dreamer, April 13, Will Rogers 9
4-year-old Wise Remark, April 14, Parx 6
3-year-old Mo’s a Wine Snob, April 14, Turf 5
5-year-old South Floyd, April 15, Gulfstream, training
Oakley Sydney, April 15, Pompano Park
2-year-old Zenstone, April 16, Aqueduct 1
5-year-old Diamond Flush, April 16, Golden Gate 1
2-year-old Devils Splash, April 16, Lone Star, training
Make a Friend, April 17, Buffalo 8
5-year-old Snub, April 17, Charles Town 7 (euthanized April 29)
6-year-old Dreaming of Danny, April 17, Gulfstream 4
4-year-old Circular Drive, April 17, Penn 7
8-year-old Down Town Allen, April 18, Charles Town 5
4-year-old Diversy Harbor, April 18, Santa Anita 7
2-year-old Uninfluenced, April 19, Belmont, training
2-year-old Ms Bricker, April 19, Pimlico, training
Gogetembrady, April 20, Northfield 2
5-year-old Dirty Diamond Jim, April 20, Turf 3
9-year-old GW Gizmo, April 21, Gales Way Farm (NJ), training
6-year-old Wakeup N Dash, April 22, Delta 4
6-year-old Awesome Bandit, April 23, Evangeline 8
5-year-old Revelation Song, April 23, Fonner, training
4-year-old Elda, April 23, Penn 2
3-year-old Tiz B the One, April 23, Pimlico 1
5-year-old Wildwood Perfect, April 24, Hawthorne 2
7-year-old E. Espee, April 24, Penn, training
7-year-old Above The Stars, April 24, Penn, training
3-year-old Eddie’sinthewoods, April 24, Penn 1
2-year-old Muniz, April 24, Pimlico 3
3-year-old Sab Vision, April 24, Prairie 3
3-year-old Katies Little Corona, April 24, Remington 1
3-year-old To the River, April 24, Tampa Bay 8
4-year-old Duneside Matt, April 25, Balmoral 2
4-year-old American Hero, April 25, Belmont, training
4-year-old Lia’s Miracle, April 25, Mahoning 9
6-year-old Who Dat Boy, April 25, Pimlico 5
3-year-old Gabis Fortune (probably sic), April 25, Ruidoso, training
5-year-old Lunar Tales, April 26, Belmont, training
2-year-old Cash in the Wagon, April 27, Ruidoso, training
unidentified, April 28, Indiana, training
4-year-old Devlins Flash Dance, April 29, Albuquerque 1
5-year-old Spider Bride, April 29, Finger Lakes, training
4-year-old Hooked On the Lady, April 29, Penn 7
5-year-old Kylie’s Cozy Kid, April 30, Pimlico 4
9-year-old Project Mayhem, May 1, Charles Town 8
6-year-old Sweet Silica, May 1, Golden Gate 8
3-year-old Delightful Molly, May 1, Los Alamitos 4
2-year-old Jess an Appeal, May 1, Remington 5 (euthanized May 2)
3-year-old You Gotta Believe, May 1, Saratoga, training
3-year-old Tres Coronas Please, May 2, Delta 8
9-year-old Chicka Wow Wow, May 2, Fonner, training
2-year-old Quincy Anne, May 2, Les Bois, training
3-year-old Sousaytherzachance, May 2, Lone Star 4
4-year-old Moonlight Blaze, May 2, Monmouth, training
2-year-old Maratik, May 2, Mountaineer 6
3-year-old Nasdaq Princess, May 2, Penn 8 (euthanized September 14)
5-year-old Fly Okie, May 2, Will Rogers, training
3-year-old Super Service, May 3, Arlington, training
6-year-old So So Worth It, May 3, Arlington 1
8-year-old Prince Ludovic, May 3, Winterthur 1
unnamed, May 4, Gulfstream, training
3-year-old Prayer Cloth, May 5, Laurel, training
2-year-old James Bordeaux, May 5, Ruidoso, training
2-year-old Jay Bird, May 5, Saratoga, training
3-year-old Jess Special Baby, May 6, Albuquerque 1
7-year-old Third Wish, May 7, Belterra, training
2-year-old Big Chestnut, May 7, Evangeline 1
4-year-old Otoy, May 8, Aqueduct, training
6-year-old Someday On Sunday, May 8, Penn 9 (euthanized May 9)
3-year-old Slynninberg, May 9, Gulfstream, training
4-year-old Afleet’s Hot Copy, May 10, Prairie 7
3-year-old Southern Rogue, May 11, Mountaineer 4
Osborne’s Yankee, May 11, Northfield 6
2-year-old One Sweet Marie, May 11, Remington 8
unidentified (probably 3-year-old Temple Fever), May 12, Indiana 2
3-year-old Slinkys Toast, May 12, Lone Star, training
8-year-old Kid Galahad, May 12, Mountaineer 7 (euthanized May 18)
2-year-old Short Fused Corona, May 12, Remington 8
4-year-old Red Mills, May 12, Ruidoso, training
4-year-old Red October, May 13, Thistledown 1
4-year-old In a Dispute, May 14, Delta 7
2-year-old Cool Vista, May 15, Les Bois, training
5-year-old Fire I Am, May 15, Parx, training
6-year-old Caviar N Champagne, May 15, Thistledown, training
5-year-old Good Tickled, May 16, Canterbury 4
4-year-old Prime Time City, May 16, Finger Lakes 4 (euthanized May 22)
5-year-old Ally Hawk, May 16, Mountaineer 9 (euthanized June 12)
8-year-old Streaks in the Dirt, May 16, Sam Houston 2
5-year-old Mr. O’Leary, May 17, Aqueduct, training
6-year-old Mr. Top Kat, May 17, Emerald 8
5-year-old Bluecam, May 17, Parx 6
4-year-old Sunshine Bliss, May 18, Finger Lakes 7 (euthanized May 19)
Wilco Willy, May 18, Scioto
unidentified (probably 7-year-old Najaseehimnajadont), May 19, Indiana 1
7-year-old Starlits Touch, May 19, Mountaineer 7
6-year-old Shoplift, May 19, Parx, training
4-year-old Zzaj, May 21, Saratoga, training
6-year-old Trenton Street, May 22, Belterra 2
2-year-old Hot Advice, May 22, Remington 9
3-year-old Dash of Class, May 23, Charles Town, training
4-year-old Moonlit Stroll, May 23, Churchill, training
7-year-old Tauphine Pass, May 23, Evangeline 2
2-year-old Elite Corona, May 23, Les Bois 1
8-year-old Winning Touch, May 23, Mountaineer, training
3-year-old Fancy Pancy, May 24, Finger Lakes, training
3-year-old Exceedingly, May 24, Monmouth 6
2-year-old Bossy Betty Lou, May 24, Presque Isle, training
3-year-old Fast Down the Track, May 24, Ruidoso 7
3-year-old My Lesson Learned, May 25, Lone Star 10
4-year-old It’s Charlie, May 25, Parx 2
4-year-old Yesterday Sings, May 25, Pimlico 1
5-year-old Bella Afleet, May 25, Presque Isle 7
4-year-old Phyilming, May 25, Ruidoso, training
6-year-old Hello Frankie, May 25, Santa Anita 4
4-year-old Wild Faith, May 26, Monmouth, training
7-year-old I Cee’s a Tiger, May 26, Mountaineer 2
4-year-old Pop’s Cajun Gold, May 27, Evangeline 9
5-year-old Global Risk, May 27, Penn, training
3-year-old Gabbole, May 28, Belmont, training
9-year-old Konowoc Pass, May 28, Emerald, training
4-year-old Mark’s Wings, May 28, Evangeline 5
Big Sky Paradise, May 28, Monticello
5-year-old Icprideicpower, May 29, Finger Lakes, training
3-year-old Centerville Slew, May 29, Lone Star 1
5-year-old Pickup Man, May 29, Louisiana 7
5-year-old Player to Be Named, May 29, Penn 8
4-year-old Thou Art Mary, May 29, Penn 8
5-year-old Soul House, May 30, Belmont 6
4-year-old Sharp Razor, May 30, Charles Town 2 (euthanized June 15)
3-year-old Ekatitude, May 30, Golden Gate 7 (euthanized June 3)
4-year-old Witt’s Demon, May 30, Lone Star 8
6-year-old Ladywood, May 30, Monmouth 12 (euthanized May 31)
4-year-old Thunder Bonnet, May 30, Mountaineer 3 (pre-race)
6-year-old Whiskey Rebellion, May 30, Thistledown 4
4-year-old Thebiddingisclosed, May 31, Albuquerque 8
2-year-old Wollemi, May 31, Arlington, training
4-year-old Yagouti, May 31, Lone Star, training
8-year-old [illegible name], May 31, Monmouth, training
5-year-old Wild Flash, May 31, Monmouth 11
6-year-old Widow’s Jewel, May 31, Penn, training
2-year-old Cowabunga, May 31, Presque Isle 2 (pre-race)
3-year-old Sweeping Tale, June 1, Mountaineer, training
8-year-old Vision of Romance, June 1, Presque Isle, training
5-year-old Try a Lemon Drop, June 2, Fairmount 5
4-year-old More Honey, June 2, Fairmount 7
5-year-old Pitch N Roll, June 2, Presque Isle 4
7-year-old Tiedandtrue, June 3, Charles Town 2
2-year-old Sir Tres Seis, June 3, Fair Meadows, training
4-year-old Ole Pete, June 3, Louisiana 5
2-year-old Also Mighty, June 4, Fair Meadows 7
3-year-old Iona Ivory, June 4, Fair Meadows 8
7-year-old Hughes Next, June 4, Finger Lakes 6
6-year-old Lewkodonia, June 4, Golden Gate 2
4-year-old US Scout, June 4, Prairie 9
4-year-old Affirmed Once More, June 5, Arlington, training
5-year-old Cajun Cosino, June 5, Delta 3
3-year-old Foggazzo, June 5, Retama 2 (euthanized June 6)
4-year-old Jedi Mind Trick, June 5, Santa Anita 1
3-year-old Jess One Kiss, June 6, Arapahoe 8
4-year-old Helwan, June 6, Belmont 4
unidentified, June 6, Indiana, training
3-year-old Kt Turtle Moves, June 6, Les Bois 3
5-year-old Sixteen Stone, June 6, Penn 7
Digital Z Tam, June 6, Pocono 3
3-year-old Lucie Brown, June 7, Gulfstream 7 (died June 10 from post-surgery stroke)
3-year-old Bye Bye Creek, June 7, Lone Star 4
4-year-old Pay the Debt, June 7, Santa Anita 7
4-year-old Total Talent, June 8, Parx, training
6-year-old Zenon’s Star, June 8, Ruidoso 2
3-year-old Veva Lightning, June 9, Charles Town, training
unidentified (probably 5-year-old Far Away Moon), June 9, Indiana 3
2-year-old Must See, June 10, Arapahoe, training
5-year-old I Got a Headache, June 10, Charles Town 4 (pre-race)
4-year-old Shayenut’ntonobody, June 10, Delaware 1
3-year-old Forestry’s Majesty, June 10, Delaware 6
4-year-old Doc’s Son, June 10, Evangeline 4
5-year-old This Kat of Mine, June 10, Parx, training
5-year-old Bijoulinn, June 11, Lone Star, training
4-year-old Propulsion, June 11, Prairie 9
4-year-old Lamar Special, June 12, Albuquerque 5
3-year-old Mariano Intheninth, June 12, Churchill 6
5-year-old Irish Villian, June 12, Mountaineer, training
3-year-old Penny’s Maeham, June 12, Oregon Livestock 2
4-year-old Jamisonsjester, June 12, Prairie 7
4-year-old Kicking Bear, June 12, Ruidoso 8
7-year-old Sea John’s Spirit, June 12, Santa Anita 4
4-year-old Hugh Knew, June 13, Santa Anita 3
5-year-old Might Be a Eagle, June 14, Ruidoso 5
4-year-old Dipping Diamonds, June 15, Delaware 2
Chiki, June 15, Gulfstream, training
4-year-old Aces Are Wild, June 15, Parx 3
5-year-old Light Weight, June 15, Parx 7
5-year-old Betty Mc, June 17, Louisiana 4
6-year-old Pepe’s Valentine, June 17, Mountaineer 5
6-year-old Pistoria, June 17, Penn 2
4-year-old Spasella, June 18, Charles Town 2 (euthanized June 25)
6-year-old Bluegrass Dan, June 19, Arlington 6
4-year-old My Sweet Tooth, June 19, Charles Town 1 (euthanized June 20)
7-year-old Umbraggio, June 19, Monmouth 5
4-year-old Double Jock Mount, June 19, Penn 7
8-year-old Bully Bullette, June 19, Prairie, training
2-year-old Smiling Seen (probably sic), June 19, Ruidoso, training
5-year-old Ace Away, June 20, Arapahoe 3
3-year-old Animal Kracker, June 20, Belmont 5
7-year-old Schilling, June 20, Oak Tree, training
8-year-old Im Royal Quick, June 20, Ruidoso 7
10-year-old Fire Chief, June 20, Thistledown 9
3-year-old Leader of the Pack, June 21, Belterra 8
3-year-old Run Like a Million, June 21, Oak Tree, training
2-year-old Coast of Carolina, June 22, Finger Lakes, training
2-year-old Amphipolis, June 22, Gulfstream, training
4-year-old Eneff’s Neff, June 24, Les Bois, training
2-year-old She Sings Along, June 25, Santa Anita 5
6-year-old Distinctive Yolie, June 26, Oak Tree 4
5-year-old Black Lagoon, June 26, Parx, training
3-year-old Stop the Nonsense, June 26, Penn 7 (euthanized June 30)
3-year-old Jaye’s Moondust, June 27, Arlington, training
5-year-old Oh So Proud, June 27, Charles Town 3
4-year-old Sir Riley, June 27, Emerald 2
6-year-old Show Me the Power, June 27, Fair Meadows 7
4-year-old Kriscraft, June 27, Oak Tree 7
3-year-old Willful, June 27, Parx 5
4-year-old Matted in Gold, June 28, Canterbury 5
2-year-old Flying Sapphire, June 28, Gulfstream, training
5-year-old Meleager, June 28, Gulfstream 1
3-year-old Havana Juile, June 28, Monmouth 1
5-year-old Face the Race, June 28, Monmouth 8
8-year-old Looks R Deceiving, June 28, Vernon
2-year-old State Scholar, June 29, Arlington, training
2-year-old Pass On the Locks, June 30, Arapahoe, training
unidentified, June 30, Hoosier, training
unidentified (probably 6-year-old Comotion Nda Ocean), June 30, Indiana 4
2-year-old Decisive Choice, June 30, Oak Tree, training
3-year-old Defined, June 30, Saratoga, training
3-year-old Broken In, July 3, Arlington 6
3-year-old River Lute, July 4, Belterra 4
5-year-old Test Program, July 4, Fair Meadows 7
4-year-old All Lucky Lynn, July 4, Gillespie 2
4-year-old Fiery Fast Dash, July 4, Gillespie 2
4-year-old Patty and Nooche, July 4, Gulfstream, training
3-year-old Soal, July 4, Gulfstream 10 (euthanized July 13)
4-year-old Evelyn’s Colors, July 4, Laurel, training
2-year-old Swinging Zealous, July 4, Monmouth, training
2-year-old Mo Valiant, July 4, Ruidoso 11
5-year-old Cut to the Front, July 4, Sunray 2
2-year-old DD Twist N Shout, July 4, Wyoming Downs 7
4-year-old Makin Babes Hot, July 5, Arapahoe 4
5-year-old Fonz, July 5, Los Alamitos 7
4-year-old Dr. Buffum, July 5, Oak Tree 7
2-year-old Lethal Sham Bo, July 5, Sunray 1
7-year-old Katmai Unleashed, July 6, Finger Lakes 5
5-year-old Cruz’n West, July 7, Arapahoe, training
6-year-old Awesome Life, July 8, Charles Town 3
5-year-old Dos Oro, July 8, Charles Town 7
2-year-old Patchouli, July 9, Presque Isle 1 (euthanized July 11)
3-year-old La Camorra, July 10, Gulfstream W, training
2-year-old Jessa Smoocher, July 10, Ruidoso 10
4-year-old Lord Cashel, July 11, Belmont 3
2-year-old One Fast Jet, July 11, Delta 10
2-year-old Blazen a Fire, July 11, Fair Meadows 10
4-year-old Retaking, July 11, Finger Lakes 6 (euthanized July 16)
5-year-old Thaaats Right, July 11, Mountaineer 5
2-year-old Wave Diamond, July 11, Retama 4
5-year-old Berts Carchy, July 12, Emerald 2
4-year-old Nevada City, July 12, Los Alamitos 9
4-year-old Grace Victoria, July 12, Ruidoso 2
3-year-old Leverage, July 13, Finger Lakes, training
2-year-old Arch/Orinoquia (probably sic), July 13, Gulfstream, training
7-year-old Cortado, July 13, Parx 3
4-year-old JB Concern, July 13, Ruidoso 6
8-year-old Zhivago, July 13, Thistledown, training
4-year-old U So Wild, July 14, Delaware 1
8-year-old Cherokee Mate, July 14, Fairmount 8
unidentified (probably 3-year-old Fixated), July 14, Indiana 4
6-year-old Slot Machine, July 14, Mountaineer 6
3-year-old Miss Lucky Lauren, July 15, Belmont, training
5-year-old Parrain, July 15, Mountaineer 5 (euthanized July 16)
9-year-old Hostile Waters, July 15, Sacramento, training
unidentified (probably 4-year-old Cowgirl Rose), July 16, Indiana 9
5-year-old Main Entrance, July 16, Parx, training
3-year-old Tiz Fee, July 16, Prairie, training
7-year-old Holy Royal, July 16, Presque Isle 5
5-year-old Lloyd Harbor, July 17, Gulfstream 9
5-year-old Shes a Evilwarrior, July 17, Hazel 6
5-year-old Gallant Version, July 17, Ruidoso 1
5-year-old Italian Harmony, July 17, Sacramento 7
4-year-old Decatur Princess, July 18, Emerald 8
3-year-old The Knight Arrival, July 18, Gillespie 11
9-year-old Bettors Curse, July 18, Saratoga Raceway 1
6-year-old Isadella, July 19, Belterra 7
4-year-old Echo Zulu, July 19, Emerald 8
4-year-old World Class Kitten, July 19, Gulfstream 10
4-year-old Imposing Figure, July 20, Finger Lakes 8
Little Prince, July 20, Northfield 12
2-year-old Hardly Sweet, July 20, Thistledown, training
4-year-old Miss Woodburn, July 21, Delaware 3 (euthanized August 4)
2-year-old Lady Krew, July 21, Monmouth, training
5-year-old Our Day in Court, July 22, Mountaineer, training
10-year-old Out Drinkin’, July 22, Mountaineer 4 (euthanized July 23)
7-year-old Wicket Ewok, July 22, Penn 3
6-year-old Saidit Meanit, July 23, Belterra 2
3-year-old Glitternglory, July 24, Fair Meadows 5
unidentified, July 24, Indiana, training
5-year-old Single Handed, July 24, Monmouth 2
2-year-old Summer Mesa, July 24, Penn 1
4-year-old Stormy Stepper, July 24, Penn 2
3-year-old Inseperable Holland, July 24, Retama 5
3-year-old Wizards Clip, July 25, Charles Town 1
6-year-old Fit to Rule, July 25, Del Mar 2
4-year-old Have a Good Laugh, July 25, Monmouth 7
3-year-old Top Dead Center, July 25, Penn, training
5-year-old Rush In, July 26, Del Mar 4
10-year-old Dream Maestro, July 26, Parx 3
Rainin Fire, July 28, Monticello, training
6-year-old Mojo Workin, July 28, Mountaineer 1
3-year-old Image of Luck, July 28, Yonkers 2
5-year-old Manzutti, July 29, Delaware 4
7-year-old Strong and Tough, July 29, Evangeline 6
4-year-old Tribute to Buddy, July 29, Louisiana 5
3-year-old Birthday Girl, July 29, Monmouth, training
4-year-old To Erin Again, July 30, Charles Town 2
3-year-old Successful Diva, July 30, Gulfstream 4
3-year-old Queen Tracy Afleet, July 30, Louisiana 5
4-year-old Sleepy Jean, July 30, Penn 7
7-year-old Mr. Candy Bar, July 30, Santa Rosa 2
6-year-old Fast Moka Too, July 31, Los Alamitos 2
3-year-old So Trusty, July 31, Parx, training
2-year-old Kama Corona, July 31, Ruidoso 3
2-year-old Hello Johnny, August 1, Arapahoe 7 (euthanized August 2)
5-year-old Token of Dreams, August 1, Mountaineer, training
5-year-old Happy My Way, August 1, Mountaineer 2 (euthanized August 4)
3-year-old Jackson N Leonard, August 1, Saratoga, training
3-year-old Kathy’s Reward, August 1, Saratoga, training
4-year-old Innovation Economy, August 1, Saratoga 9
5-year-old Mach Truck, August 2, Emerald, training
4-year-old Neutron, August 2, Gulfstream, training
2-year-old Ritzi Go Go, August 2, Remington, training
2-year-old Vf Corona N Fire, August 2, Ruidoso 1 (died next day)
6-year-old Flashy Finish, August 3, Mountaineer 5
3-year-old Jn Takethehardcash, August 3, Ruidoso 3
5-year-old Passionate Concern, August 4, Laurel, training (euthanized August 5)
2-year-old [illegible name], August 4, Monmouth, training
5-year-old Jay Eye See, August 4, Parx 7 (euthanized August 5)
2-year-old Arranmore Girl, August 6, Del Mar, training
4-year-old Fake Charm, August 6, Monmouth, training
2-year-old Nichols Hillbilly, August 6, Remington, training
3-year-old Urloveneverfails, August 7, Del Mar 4
3-year-old North Lake Tahoe, August 7, Los Alamitos 5
4-year-old Duck Duck Goose, August 7, Penn 8
5-year-old Beyond Compare, August 8, Canterbury 6
4-year-old Dead Ringer, August 8, Charles Town 5
6-year-old Charlie in Charge, August 8, Gulfstream 6
6-year-old Minescape, August 8, Laurel 2 (euthanized August 11)
9-year-old Au Moon, August 8, Monmouth 9 (euthanized later in month)
5-year-old It’s All Your Fault, August 9, Batavia, training
6-year-old Peppy Bolly, August 9, Del Mar 9
4-year-old Hertzalot, August 9, Laurel 8 (euthanized August 12)
7-year-old Flyin Fish, August 9, Ruidoso 8
4-year-old Silver Reward, August 10, Presque Isle 8
2-year-old Hot Royal in Rio (probably sic), August 10, Ruidoso, training
7-year-old R Seeker, August 11, Golden Gate, training
unidentified (probably 5-year-old Summer Secret), August 11, Indiana 4
5-year-old Bow Street Runner, August 11, Mountaineer 9
4-year-old Judo, August 14, Emerald 5 (euthanized August 20)
5-year-old Sharp Richard, August 14, Laurel 5
5-year-old Empire Star, August 14, Parx, training
7-year-old Espresso Royale, August 14, Penn 8
4-year-old On a Snowy Evening, August 14, Saratoga 8
6-year-old Song Ahead, August 15, Mountaineer 1 (euthanized August 18)
2-year-old Rinks Last Rodeo, August 15, Sunray 5
2-year-old Spooky Ghost, August 16, Ellis 7
3-year-old Jetslegacy, August 16, Los Alamitos 5
3-year-old Conference, August 16, Mountaineer 2
8-year-old Big Looie, August 16, Saratoga, training
3-year-old Dr. Suer, August 17, Delaware 5 (euthanized at Parx next day)
3-year-old Kismet, August 17, Gulfstream, training
4-year-old Mabee Able, August 18, Fairmount 2
unidentified (probably 6-year-old Punch the Bookie), August 18, Indiana 2
3-year-old Helton, August 19, Charles Town 6
4-year-old Last Kid, August 19, Charles Town 8 (euthanized August 26)
7-year-old Its Champagne Time, August 19, Evangeline 2
4-year-old Little Scoot, August 19, Thistledown 9
4-year-old Added Reward, August 20, Charles Town 8
3-year-old Mondor, August 20, Finger Lakes 1
3-year-old Stephanie’s Dream, August 21, Gulfstream 5
3-year-old Storming Sixty, August 21, Laurel, training
4-year-old Lainy’s Sweetness, August 21, Remington 9
2-year-old Listalicious, August 21, Ruidoso 7
Warranee Prince, August 21, Tioga
2-year-old DB, August 22, Balmoral 6
3-year-old Get the Sensation, August 22, Charles Town 7
4-year-old Jrs Special Feature, August 22, Fair Grounds 3
3-year-old Steady Azshegoes, August 22, Golden Gate 1
2-year-old One Lucky Shot, August 22, Gulfstream, training
3-year-old Docs My Friend, August 22, Prairie 3
6-year-old Pure Tactics, August 23, Del Mar 8
2-year-old Hawkeye Cartel, August 23, Prairie, training
unidentified (probably 4-year-old Hope On the Rocks), August 25, Indiana 2
6-year-old Knock Rock, August 25, Mountaineer 4
4-year-old The Mooche, August 25, Presque Isle 7
5-year-old King’s Fortune, August 27, Arlington 5
12-year-old Divine Fortune, August 27, Saratoga 1
6-year-old Acceptance Letter, August 28, Charles Town 4
unidentified (probably 5-year-old Michael With Us), August 28, Indiana 3
4-year-old Boss Cat, August 28, Parx, training
5-year-old Circus Train, August 28, Remington 5
2-year-old Mystic Star, August 29, Remington 6
5-year-old Lagi Lagi, August 29, Timonium 3
5-year-old Divine Tale, August 30, Del Mar 10
3-year-old Michelle Noelle, August 30, Ferndale 9
2-year-old Country Muse, August 30, Saratoga, training
2-year-old Sicilia Nino, August 31, Belmont, training
5-year-old Wild Hardships, August 31, Finger Lakes 7
unidentified (3-year-old Thunder Deville), September 1, Indiana 5
5-year-old Walk the Tango, September 2, Louisiana 1
Four Starz Skate, September 2, Plainridge
3-year-old Mary’s Mercedes, September 5, Emerald 9 (euthanized September 18)
3-year-old Jls Alyssas Story, September 5, Fair Grounds 2
unidentified, September 5, Indiana, training
3-year-old Action Tonight, September 5, Monmouth 2 (euthanized September 8)
3-year-old Dash, September 5, Parx 1
3-year-old Love On the Road, September 6, Del Mar 5
2-year-old Lookin for Luck, September 6, Emerald 6
5-year-old Bigreds Thrillshow, September 6, Golden Gate 1
6-year-old Gar, September 7, Belterra 6
6-year-old Dark Brahms, September 7, Columbus 7
3-year-old Tirpitz, September 7, Del Mar 3
unidentified (probably 4-year-old Lilmissrita), September 8, Indiana 1
8-year-old Mr Hempens Feature, September 11, Prairie 7
7-year-old Lloyd’s Baby, September 12, Clendining Farms (NJ), training
2-year-old Sugar Bou Peep, September 12, Emerald 2
5-year-old Blue Deep, September 12, Laurel, training
4-year-old Aunt Ellipsis, September 12, Parx 7 (pre-race)
5-year-old Zuma Moon, September 12, Penn, training
5-year-old He’s Not Bluffin, September 13, Laurel 4
2-year-old Shinefortheprimetime, September 13, Will Rogers 10
2-year-old Winners Vision, September 13, Zia 3
2-year-old Bold Talkin Victor, September 14, Emerald, training
5-year-old Kathy’s Limit, September 16, Charles Town 6
4-year-old Harvey’s Bear, September 16, Presque Isle 1
3-year-old Contangold, September 17, Louisiana 5
3-year-old Starry Madelyn, September 17, Louisiana 7
3-year-old Silver Or Gold, September 18, Charles Town 5
4-year-old Boccaccio, September 18, Charles Town 8
2-year-old La Victoria Light, September 18, Los Alamitos 2
2-year-old Disappear Here, September 19, Belmont, training
3-year-old Trending Topic, September 19, Gulfstream 2
7-year-old Love Bunny, September 19, Thistledown 1
8-year-old Al’s Best Boy, September 19, Zia 6
7-year-old Leisurely Stroll, September 20, Belterra 7
4-year-old Steel N Pack, September 20, Monmouth, training
5-year-old Swift Nettles, September 20, Presque Isle 2 (euthanized September 22)
5-year-old Boardwalk Baron, September 21, Thistledown 7
4-year-old Flashy Brass, September 22, Mountaineer 7
3-year-old Elite Flyer, September 23, Gulfstream, training
10-year-old Rough Road Ahead, September 23, Presque Isle, training
2-year-old She’s a City Girl, September 24-27, Golden Gate, training
4-year-old Windsor’s Graduate, September 25, Charles Town 4 (euthanized Sep 26)
3-year-old Red Ridge, September 25, Emerald 5
7-year-old Taras Ruler, September 25, Energy Downs 1
unidentified (probably 2-year-old A Oh K), September 25, Indiana 6
5-year-old Shesalilbitcountry, September 25, Thistledown 6 (euthanized Sep 26)
4-year-old Coolington, September 26, Emerald 11 (euthanized September 27)
8-year-old Victor Waco, September 26, Energy Downs 3
3-year-old The One We Stole, September 26, Los Alamitos 6
4-year-old Mr. Reattatude, September 26, Mountaineer 9 (pre-race)
3-year-old Blue Saphire, September 27, Gulfstream 1 (euthanized September 30)
4-year-old Katie’s Parade, September 27, Remington, training
3-year-old Irish Nuggets, September 30, Indiana 8
5-year-old Outhaul, September 30, Penn 3
3-year-old Charitable Star, October 1, Charles Town 4
4-year-old Chase the Giant, October 1, Finger Lakes 6
2-year-old Iron in the Fire, October 1, Gulfstream, training
9-year-old Nine Innings, October 2, Batavia 7
unidentified (probably 4-year-old Jukebox Johnny), October 3, Indiana 7
5-year-old Shore Runner, October 3, Keeneland 5
6-year-old Skyring, October 3, Keeneland 9
4-year-old Fleur de Savill, October 3, Mountaineer 5 (euthanized October 6)
6-year-old Gold Mantis, October 3, Penn 6
4-year-old Tacticus, October 4, Keeneland, training
2-year-old Candy Skirt, October 4, Parx, training
4-year-old Armani the Won, October 4, Parx 3
4-year-old Tizjohn, October 4, Parx 6
2-year-old Carson City Zip, October 4, Turf, training
2-year-old A Sweet Heart Deal, October 4, Will Rogers 8
5-year-old Morning Cigar, October 5, Parx, training
3-year-old Face, October 5, Presque Isle 2 (euthanized October 6)
3-year-old Great Smile, October 6, Laurel, training
3-year-old O’ Jackie, October 6, Mountaineer, training
5-year-old Unbridled’s Score, October 7, Remington 2
3-year-old Wild, October 8, Santa Anita 1
4-year-old Dashful, October 9, Hawthorne 6
5-year-old Crafty Chick, October 9, Monmouth, training
4-year-old Crossing, October 9, Parx, training
3-year-old Shadow Mountain, October 9, Turf, training
5-year-old Wildly Beautiful, October 10, Charles Town, training (euthanized Oct 13)
4-year-old Bogelia, October 10, Delaware 4
2-year-old Kodiak Kate, October 10, Gulfstream, training
3-year-old Mr. Kasdan, October 10, Hawthorne, training
4-year-old Give It to Mikey, October 10, Hawthorne 6
4-year-old Rock Fall, October 10, Keeneland, training
6-year-old Doyouseemecoming, October 10, Thistledown 1
2-year-old Cassie Lou, October 10, Thistledown 6
2-year-old Marked Bills, October 11, Belmont, training
2-year-old Man in Black, October 11, Belterra, training
2-year-old Ijudge, October 11, Fresno, training
4-year-old Oh Carter Go, October 11, Lone Star 4
2-year-old Duanes Little Frog, October 11, Will Rogers 4
5-year-old Margaret High, October 12, Laurel, training
4-year-old Holistic Remedy, October 13, Mountaineer 1
4-year-old Rebellious Dreamer, October 13, Mountaineer 7
3-year-old Dakota Fox, October 13, Parx, training
3-year-old California Storm, October 14, Fresno, training
3-year-old Gone Forever, October 14, Turf, training
6-year-old Jade Run, October 15, Finger Lakes, prior to race 5
3-year-old Dilly Magilly, October 16, Belmont, training
7-year-old Destiny Joy, October 16, Penn 8
4-year-old Spring Song, October 16, Thistledown 3
2-year-old Sky Devil, October 17, Finger Lakes 5
2-year-old Denali Teller Now, October 17, Will Rogers, training
4-year-old Smoke Police, October 18, Gulfstream W 1
4-year-old Heavenly Girl, October 18, Parx, training
5-year-old Surfcup, October 18, Santa Anita 4
2-year-old Pyc Miss Bama, October 18, Will Rogers 12
2-year-old Flynn Bug, October 19, Belmont, training
3-year-old One Em, October 19, Hawthorne, training
8-year-old Giopi, October 19, Parx 9
8-year-old Huff’n Hughes, October 20, Parx, training
4-year-old Capitano Storm, October 21, Charles Town 6
2-year-old Resident Nurse, October 22, Charles Town 1 (euthanized October 31)
4-year-old Pferd, October 23, Hawthorne 8
3-year-old Wl Mr Goodtime, October 23, Lone Star 5
Tamala, October 23, Northville
3-year-old Tee Tan Stan, October 24, Evangeline 7
3-year-old Me Darlin Jackie, October 24, Laurel, training
3-year-old Runnin Renee, October 24, Meadowlands 1 (euthanized October 25)
3-year-old Venture Capitalist, October 25, Santa Anita 8
7-year-old Blue Sixty Four, October 26, Belmont, training
2-year-old Once and Again, October 28, Remington, training
6-year-old Diamond Okie, October 28, Remington 2
4-year-old Miss Celeb, October 29, Delta 7
3-year-old Aut’s Maria, October 29, Delta 8
3-year-old Love That Eagle, October 29, Lone Star 4 (euthanized November 1)
5-year-old In Haste, October 30, Belmont, training
4-year-old Bam Bam, October 30, Belmont 4
5-year-old Tabled With Gold, October 30, Golden Gate 8
unidentified (probably 4-year-old Apple Moonshine), October 30, Indiana 2
3-year-old Star Actor, October 30, Parx 3
3-year-old Valdez Rare Corona, October 30, Will Rogers 7
3-year-old Classey Cash, November 1, Zia 7
2-year-old Wholelotanews, November 2, Gulfstream, training
3-year-old Bold N Grey, November 3, Hawthorne 9 (euthanized November 7)
6-year-old Captain Buddy L, November 3, Mahoning 7
4-year-old Surprise Success, November 3, Parx, training
3-year-old Gimme Da Lute, November 3, Santa Anita, training (euthanized Nov 4)
2-year-old Reyana an Reya Act, November 4, Aqueduct, training
3-year-old Hempin Strut, November 4, Evangeline 2
7-year-old Awesome Indy, November 4, Penn 8 (euthanized November 6)
3-year-old Beil Beil, November 5, Charles Town 8
6-year-old Bonnie Parker, November 5, Remington 1
2-year-old Road Cat, November 7, Gulfstream, training
3-year-old Rare Scheme, November 7, Lone Star 7
8-year-old Royal Looker, November 7, Turf 2
3-year-old Tygra, November 9, Laurel, training
2-year-old Squad Girl, November 9, Parx, training
Kiss My Cruiser, November 9, Plainridge
4-year-old Shakahari, November 9, Turf, training
6-year-old Quotable, November 10, Parx 4
3-year-old Fit to Keep, November 11, Penn 4 (euthanized November 12 at Parx)
5-year-old Jb Magnik, November 12, Evangeline 8
3-year-old Empty Backfield, November 14, Parx 9
4-year-old Thrill Show, November 14, Penn, training
2-year-old The Heisman Kid, November 15, Los Alamitos 3
6-year-old Keystone Wyatt, November 16, Pompano
4-year-old Norastone, November 17, Gulfstream, training
3-year-old Tip Toe Joe, November 17, Penn, training
3-year-old Stormin Angel, November 17, Portland 5
Super Yacht, November 18, Turf, training
4-year-old Fiddlers Elbow, November 19, Charles Town 7
3-year-old Beauregard Sopo, November 19, Delta 8
4-year-old Cuban Divide, November 19, Delta 10
3-year-old Gem of a Gal, November 19, Golden Gate 4
4-year-old Top Gold, November 19, Remington, training
8-year-old Explosive War, November 20, Charles Town 5 (euthanized November 21)
4-year-old Richter Con Jar, November 20, Delta 3
5-year-old Sweet Baby Gaines, November 21, Fair Grounds 6
3-year-old Second Prediction, November 24, Tampa Bay, training
7-year-old Awesome Arceno, November 25, Charles Town 7
4-year-old Hengist, November 25, Gulfstream, training
3-year-old Chide, November 26, Churchill 11
5-year-old R Free Roll, November 27, Belmont, training
4-year-old Kantina Kowgirl, November 27, Del Mar 5
2-year-old Skip the Romance, November 27, Gulfstream W, training
5-year-old Pro Gold, November 27, Gulfstream W 10
5-year-old Do It for Fun, November 27, Laurel 4
3-year-old Hooked On Track, November 28, Delta 6
2-year-old Carta Magna, November 28, Gulfstream W 11
6-year-old D Terminata, November 28, Saratoga Raceway 2
3-year-old Jo Jo Cool, November 28, Tampa Bay 3
2-year-old Film Juror, November 29, Del Mar 7
3-year-old Bounty On the Run, November 29, Golden Gate 3
2-year-old Frankie’s Kitten, November 29, Gulfstream, training
3-year-old Banker’s Boss, November 30, Belmont, training
5-year-old Dr Action, November 30, Hawthorne, training
3-year-old Tsunami Kidd, November 30, Portland 3
3-year-old Papa’s Angels, November 30, Portland 7
4-year-old Thick as Thieves, December 1, Penn, training
6-year-old Oursecretsparadise, December 2, Charles Town 8
4-year-old Christy’s Vow, December 2, Delta 6
3-year-old Silver Sundara, December 3, Charles Town 6
2-year-old Silver Tassel, December 3, Los Alamitos 3
9-year-old Diamond Dozen, December 4, Charles Town 3
3-year-old Forged in Gold, December 4, Charles Town 8
4-year-old El Tarto, December 4, Delta 10
5-year-old Sweet Ruby Kate, December 4, Remington 5
3-year-old Gabby’s Warrior, December 4, Tampa Bay 4
8-year-old Bettor Again, December 5, Batavia 4
4-year-old Democracy Rules, December 5, Golden Gate, training
5-year-old Freakin Rocket, December 5, Hawthorne 8
2-year-old Eagles Fly, December 5, Los Alamitos 9
3-year-old Cinderella Lady, December 5, Turf, training
3-year-old Hara Dasher, December 6, Los Alamitos 2
4-year-old Who’s Z Daddy, December 6, Parx 9 (euthanized December 16)
3-year-old Lucky Larry, December 6, Turf 1
6-year-old Cu At Sunup, December 7, Portland 6
4-year-old Zippin On By, December 10, Charles Town, training
4-year-old Supersizer, December 10, Charles Town 3
6-year-old Pigeon Chris, December 10, Charles Town 8
3-year-old Giant’s Lexis, December 11, Los Alamitos 7
6-year-old Zealevo, December 11, Penn 5
2-year-old Bayou Banker, December 12, Fair Grounds 11
4-year-old Onemoreatwilsons, December 12, Golden Gate 9
3-year-old Can’thandletheheat, December 12, Mahoning 9
4-year-old Saratoga Woods, December 12, Parx 4
3-year-old The Red Baron, December 14, Parx 8
4-year-old Oh Suzanna, December 15, Hawthorne 1
3-year-old Mine Forever, December 15, Hawthorne 3
3-year-old Zip’s Moondance, December 15, Hawthorne 7 (euthanized December 18)
3-year-old Little Love, December 17, Aqueduct 5
4-year-old Commander Seul, December 18, Delta 10
4-year-old Schuylercountyline, December 18, Hawthorne 8
6-year-old Sir Cypress Bend, December 18, Pompano, training
3-year-old Souper Social, December 19, Charles Town 5
Rocky Mountain Guy, December 19, Dayton 4
5-year-old Otoole Hero, December 19, Hialeah, training
2-year-old Getting Acquainted, December 19, Los Alamitos 1
4-year-old Redneck Lazy, December 19, Mahoning 4
3-year-old My Dutchess Kate, December 19, Parx, training
3-year-old Gangstress of Love, December 19, Parx 8
6-year-old Lady Now, December 20, Los Alamitos 4
4-year-old Dreaming of Andy A, December 20, Tampa Bay 3
2-year-old Kandy Andy, December 21, Parx, training (euthanized post-surgery)
3-year-old Lake Ouachita, December 21, Parx 3
2-year-old unnamed, December 21, Tampa Bay, training
3-year-old Joanie’s Ticket, December 22, Portland 6
4-year-old No Exclusion, December 23, Mahoning 8
5-year-old Carefully Worded, December 26, Delta 7
3-year-old Urtheoneeyelove, December 26, Fair Grounds 6
3-year-old Seaward Cottage, December 26, Golden Gate, training
4-year-old Lexham, December 26, Hawthorne 6 (euthanized December 27)
4-year-old Blooper, December 27, Aqueduct 1
4-year-old Successful Sweep, December 27, Aqueduct 1
3-year-old On Time Cat, December 27, Golden Gate 3
6-year-old Loverbil, December 27, Gulfstream W, training
3-year-old Red Phone, December 27, Turf 8
2-year-old Kind of Silver, December 29, Laurel, training
5-year-old Cowboy Clyde, December 29, Portland 3
5-year-old El Bandito, December 30, Hawthorne 6
2-year-old Susies Yankee Girl, December 31, Gulfstream, training
unidentified, Canterbury, racing or training
unidentified, Canterbury, racing or training
unidentified, Canterbury, racing or training
unidentified, Canterbury, racing or training
unidentified, Canterbury, racing or training
Please don’t support animal cruelty today – don’t bet, don’t watch. Remember, what we do (or don’t do, in this case) defines us.
Amen. And remember what the industry does to nurse mares & their discarded foals, some a day old. If you don’t know what this is, search it or contact me. TY Patrick & have a Happy Non-Kentucky Derby Day ;)
I hope that all horse racing will be abolished or outlawed.
And all the HOT SHOTS and celeb’s that participate in this. Money – it’s all about money. So many people don’t have a clue about this.
I was hoping Patrick would have a post today exposing the everyday reality of life as a racehorse. It’s a life of ongoing doping, needles in – needles out, lameness/soreness, pushed beyond their natural talent often, beating/whipping excessively when tired, maiming, killing, and/or dumping.
For those racehorses who have the most unfortunate fate of being dumped into their disposal system called the “claiming ranks” the above factors are necessary to fill races, keep them running, and to “earn their keep.”
As we have seen on this blog, time and time again, the ongoing abuse and cruelty is harrowing, despicable, and unacceptable.
There are racehorses being allowed to enter and run when their PP’s clearly demonstrate that their days on the track should be long over. Instead, they are (more or less) sent to their death such as Tejano Trouble. Sad story, but one of many.
Just as the “good” folks of horse racing are nowhere to be found when their racehorses are dumped by them running for their lives in the claiming ranks – they are nowhere to be found when many of them are standing at a kill auction moments away from the perilous journey to the slaughterhouse.
As most of you know, I grew up in this industry. Later, my late husband and I invested lots of money, and time in our pursuit of the Kentucky Derby dream.
We knew that this dream is almost impossible to obtain, but it took us time to realize that daily doping, ongoing cruelty to racehorses, heartlessness, entitlement, fiscal irresponsibility, and dumping is all part of this antiquated business model.
While this industry generates billions in profit per year, off the bones/backs/maiming/deaths of racehorses, very little or nothing (relative to profit) is set aside for racehorse aftercare.
Recently, the industry boasts about their aftercare programs getting money, but I can tell you that many horses are being either turned away from these aftercare programs due to unreasonable and impossible caveats, placed on waiting lists, and turned away.
There are hundreds of racehorses without homes, and there simply are not enough homes to go around no matter how good the intentions are.
The industry breeds anywhere from, on average, 30,000 foals or more per year to grease the wagering wheels. Just think about that for a moment – mind boggling. So that’s 30,000 horses (minus the deaths) that will be needing homes during the course of their lifetime. There are not enough homes to go around now. This is insanity.
Essentially, the racehorse industry breeds to run, and they are (on average) fiscally responsible for this living being for 3 years! I use the 3 year mark simply because most connections of racehorses know by the time a horse is 3 whether it’s got talent or not.
When about 90% (Jockey Club figures) are determined to not be an outstanding profit making machine then the dumping begins.
A horse lives, on average, about 20 years so for 17 of those years, the breeders and connections of that horse, washes their hands of their fiscal responsibility to the sentiment being that they brought into this world.
Consequently, thousands of unwanted racehorses (OTTB’s) end up running for their lives in claiming, dumped at kill auctions, and die in slaughterhouses.
It doesn’t matter if good people have good intentions – the math is not in the racehorse’s favor.
This industry leaves a trail of broken dreams, and broken racehorses. The grassy paddocks are far and few between, and certainly not enough to accommodate this irresponsible breeding.
In fact, many of the people who rescue OTTB’s out of the kill auctions had nothing to do with their exploitation. When we are calling multi million dollar farms in Kentucky begging for just $500 to get the horse out of a kill buyers hands, off the kill truck, and to a farm – they swat us away like a bug.
Recently, one of the biggest breeders in Kentucky referred us to their website webmaster while one of their racehorses, whom they brought into the world and made them lots of money, was standing at a kill auction moments away from being loaded onto the kill truck.
There are plenty of these stories to go around.
So for the 20 racehorses loaded into the gate for the Kentucky Derby today there are thousands who are running for their lives, being whipped/beaten to perform, standing at kill auctions, sold into neglectful situations, and the ultimate betrayal: a captive bolt to the head.
Ask yourself just one question: is it really worth it?
Is our society at a point, in the 21st century, where we allow, and endorse this slavery trade?
I certainly won’t.
Excellent Gina…as always, you are spot on. And I want to reiterate something you touched on a couple of times in your accurate comment – the sheer numbers of horses BRED for this industry just sets them up for failure! It is ludicrous to think that there will be that many loving, safe and forever homes for all of these horses! – not to mention, homes/individuals willing to take on the time and expense of an injured racehorse! All one has to do is look at horses from the track listed for sale (so many of them listed as “CHEAP” or “FREE TO GOOD HOME – OWNER NEEDS THE STALL”) and you’ll see things like; “knee chips so trail only” or “slab fracture so no jumping” or “needs stall rest for bowed tendon”, etc, etc. I see these racing supporters/insiders – slash – “advocates” trying to place these horses (either their friends’ horses from the track or their own), read the descriptions of these racing-injured horses and just shake my head…in frustration, in desperation, and in pure disgust that a reasonably intelligent individual (at least I think they have some intelligence!) can possibly think all of these compromised horses are going to find that great home! Their delusion or denial is crystal clear…and they merely look like the fools that they are.
Now why don’t you report the other side , 100,000 plus horses did not break down , report how many horses are retired in pasture or second careers , yes sometimes horses fall through the cracks , as do many dogs , cats and other animals .
And then how about child abuse , maybe you should give that as much attention , where it is needed more .
First off, the burden falls to you, as a representative of the industry, to provide numbers. Do tell, how many horses are “retired in pasture” or enjoying (laughable, of course) “second careers”? How many, exactly, do not break down? Please account for every single American racehorse, because if you can’t – and you can’t – you have zero standing on this. As for that nonsense about more deserving objects of our compassion, please. One can – and should – fight for all vulnerable members of our society; advocating for one does not preclude advocating for many, for all. That’s an argument for someone who has no argument.
Horses do not have a voice like people do. We do not bet or support a sport that involves children to be abused. You’re not understanding how huge this mistake is. The only way for the abuse to stop is to inform the ignorant..
debraolivas78, as well as the breakdowns that we know of there many more injuries we do not hear about and you can bet on that. In a way the ones that are euthanized are the lucky ones because it is better than joining the thousands that suffer in the slaughter pipeline on their way to a horrific end. And that is where the majority of these discarded racers end their miserable lives. There is no denying this. The numbers are there for all to see.
And you say sometimes horses “fall through the cracks”. Thousands going to slaughter is not because there are “cracks” in the system it is how racing disposes of the unwanted and you know that.
According to your logic, it must be ok to murder 1,000 people, because look at all the people who are NOT murdered!
Reblogged this on "OUR WORLD".
I won’t lie, I have worked in the racehorse industry, it is not always a pretty thing. But just for the record, they are not all bad. I have worked for trainers who run the horse into the ground and then I have worked with trainers that just push the horse to its limits and if it is too much, they back off. Saying that, I, myself, own a 2 year old thoroughbred, we broke her, and we are the ones training her. She is fat from mistreated. She LOVES to run, there is no pushing her limits because she is pushing ours with how much we can handle. There are horses that DO NOT have what it takes to be a racehorse, and if someone can not see that when they are training, then the horse end up suffering. I have an 11 year old gelding that was trained for racing but he injured his shoulder when he was in training so he was given away. To this day, 8 years later, and that horse still has the heart to run, and his shoulder doesn’t bother him one bit. I’m not saying it is not flawed, when it comes to the farms that have hundreds of horses racing, yes, there will be issued because the horses are just pawns to them. But not every aspect of it is bad, and not every horse goes through hell for racing. A jockey can tell when a horse enjoys what it is doing. And some horses LOVE to run and LOVE to race. It’s that simple. Not watching the derby doesn’t change anything.
No Toni, they don’t like being beaten/whipped, made lame, made to run sore, made to run until they are maimed, dying on racetracks or in the slaughterhouse almost every day. No Toni, I can assure you, they don’t like it one bit.
If they loved it so much then why do you have to beat them, whip them excessively in order to perform? That is not a willing gesture Toni. That’s blatant animal cruelty.
Every single Trainer, every one of them, at some point in their career, sends out a sore horse either during training hours and/or for racing. I witnessed it every day, and so does anybody involved in this business. Sadly, people like you support the ongoing abuse of a racehorse by advocating for this cruelty circus just like you have here.
Daily injections into the joints, veins, muscles, and subcutaneous tissue is common operating procedures in order to keep a sore horse training and/or running. In fact, the excessive use of doping is permissible in order to fill races, and increase profits.
Again Toni, I can assure you that racehorses don’t love needles go in and out of them on a regular basis. No sentiment being would. Indeed Toni, in case you haven’t noticed, racehorses do have feelings.
You state that you “wouldn’t lie.” There’s no doubt in my mind that you are suffering from a deliberate delusional psychosis like anybody else who participates and/or supports horse racing.
I suppose you just completely ignored the extensive Death List stated at the beginning of this blog.
If you think that racehorses LOVE to be killed you are sadly mistaken, but the deliberate delusional psychosis does these things to people like you.
“state-of-the-art” equine ambulances? Says it all folks – AMBULANCES required to collect all the smashed up horses that this so called “sport” uses, abuses, mistreats, injures, maims, destroys and kills! The staggering list of all these voiceless non-consenting horses that were killed for entertainment and $2 bets in 2015, is nauseating – it is utterly abhorrent.
Thank you Patrick for your unfailing commitment to the plight of the racehorse and thank your for the amazing work that you do.
It’s horrible. The life my boy led before he was even six was a whirlwind. He was bred in Great Britain and raced in Spain before being shipped to the states. He has matching scars on both hips because he was fractious at the gate.
I am quite sure, that there are many good owners that take care of their animals and do the right thing, however sadly the majority don’t and it is just a money making machine fueled by greed.
I don’t think it is just racing that suffers from this mentality. Look at the showing world as well.
My Thoroughbred who had such potential when he was born, being from great bloodlines, was cast aside when he was no longer valuable. He is twenty now, and will be cared for and never know that horror again. I only wish I could save them all.
Thank you for sharing.
Thank you Patrick & the righteous advocates for the voiceless, our beloved horses. Yes there are many other issues and causes in our world today. However, this site is about the cruelties, suffering and abuse inflicted on race horses. I used to (naively) or delusional wanted to believe that some “good” owners or trainers existed in the brutal world of horse racing. Now I realize that such thing does not exist. The suffering endured by the the horses is nothing but horrific sadistic pain inflicted by greed for the mighty dollar. The posturing of owners who claim to “adore” their A.T.M on four legs is disgraceful, disgusting and sickening. If you love your mare so much why has she been turned into a foal factory?
I cannot abide the fact that Zenyatta was bred again after her 4th foal died. She wasn’t healed from birthing yet but since mares go on heat 7 to 10 days after giving birth she is made to mate once again with no respite in between pregnancies. Horse racing has no place in our society. Yes a horse may like to run free at his/her own pace, not made to run, drugged, beaten, abused, their poor bodies broken and shattered as babies. 2 years old running for their lives, when their bones aren’t knitted or fully developed yet. It is a savage death machine that creates destruction and slaughter of a sentient, feeling being deserving our respect and care considering the services giving to making over the centuries. Once again thank you Patrick, Gina and Joy for having the fortitude to speak for our horses. They deserve so much yet in the end their reward is endless suffering and slaughter at the hands of two legged monsters who shall be in prison for this never ending brutality so called “horse racing or sport of kings”. Kings of hell on earth. Close down every single race track and slaughter house.
Thank you Sibilyne for your post. I’m absolutely disgusted that Zenyatta has been bred again by the “good” folks in horse racing: Jerry and Ann Moss.
There’s not one thing good about them, as far as I’m concerned, because in the end they are just like all the others: exploiting a voiceless sentiment being for profit.
Zenyatta made millions, perhaps billions, for Jerry and Ann Moss, but it still isn’t enough to give her a decent retirement.
Let me clarify. By retirement I mean a grassy paddock without probes and probably hormones going into her vagina in order to manipulate and capitalize on her reproduction system.
By retirement I mean perhaps another career as a pleasure riding horse not a breeding machine.
Has anybody ever weened a foal from its mother – horrible. They cry for days.
Zenyatta now has foal after foal being taken away from her as part of her breeding machine duties.
Is this the thanks she gets for giving so much to this industry?
I don’t know how Jerry and Ann Moss can wake up every morning and look themselves in the mirror? If they had any compassion or caring for Zenyatta then they would immediately cease her breeding machine duties, and give her a decent retirement and life.
This, folks, is horse racing.
Sibilyne, Gina you guys are absolutely right! Retirement means grassy paddocks and the freedom to run and lay in the sun without the burden of carrying foal after foal. Zenyatta just lost her foal last month and now she’s being bred again. It’s all about greed. Her colts aren’t doing well on the track and her last two foals died before they could start training so they need to produce a foal that will make them money. I recently read that Tapit’s dam Tap Your Heels died because of complications of early foaling. She was 20 years old. In horse age 20 is old. She was enslaved her whole life first racing and then forced into a life of breeding. She never got the chance to live out the rest of her life free from the pains of pregnancy. Her owners are heartless for breeding her at this age and they have no one but themselves.
Right, Tracy.
I think the problem for me is that arguing if horse racing should or should not exist solves nothing. Hoping the industry will eventually fall apart and be no more does not help the horses that are still involved in racing. At most, you might convince a few fans here and there to stop supporting the industry but chances are those are people that are hardly supportive to begin with and to the racing industry, it’s no big loss. For many years groups like PETA have argued to get rid of horse racing but it is obviously going no where. I personally would like to see those that are against racing put their efforts more into finding solutions to help the horses that will be bred and raced no matter what. Otherwise, it is kind of pointless.
While I still continue to be a fan of the horses in the sport of racing, I do find myself less and less a fan of this sport due to the bad people involved in the sport and in horse rescue. While I do know of many people that are involved in racing and the sport that do care and will always care about their horses, for me, there are far too many still don’t. Not only do we have racing at times that do the wrong thing for the horses by sending them off to slaughter for example, but now we have rescues that only care about how they can profit from this disgusting practice. But again, hoping it will all go away and change, does pretty much nothing at all to help the horses that are lost only a daily basis.
You are so very wrong. Racing will go; it’s but a matter of time.
I guess time will tell but every year there are more and more attending races and betting. Like any sport there are some lows but it is hard for me to believe it will eventually be completely gone. I could almost see the lower end of racing going but the rich people that want to keep it around will continue no matter what. Maybe that is the change that is needed, I don’t know.
Again, you are wrong: Except for the TC races, the numbers – handle, attendance, racedays, races, fields, “foal crops” – are down across the board, and significantly. Racing is in a slow-death phase.
Patrick, there was just a report (I believe it was in Paulick but I’m not 100% sure) that attendance at the Derby was the second largest in history but wagering was down by 10%. Wagering, as we all know, is what keeps racing humming along and a 10% decline is significant if you understand basic math. Also, I spoke with a contact last week based at Mountaineer and we got into a lively conversation about the “decoupling” issue. Gaming companies have contracts with the tracks associated with their casinos and those contracts have a termination date. Once that date is reached, the gaming company can “decouple” and that will be the death knell for racing, especially at the low level tracks. My contact actually shared with me how many years are left on the Mountaineer contract. As I have repeated time and time again, the gaming companies do not want the tracks….they want the slots….because the slots are much more profitable.
Agreed, there are “some lows” for the equine in the horseracing industry, just to name a few –
pumped with drugs both legal and illegal
beaten with whips
boxed for about 23 hours a day
overworked
overraced
raced as 2 year olds
worked when their bodies are sore
racing/training when carrying pre-existing injuries/conditions
pushed beyond their limits
injected with drugs to mask their joint and other pains
forced to race
forced to gallop at high speed (when the horse’s central nervous system is telling them to slow down which is nature’s way of preventing the horse from suffering an injury)
whipped to the post when fatigued and simply cannot go any faster
many suffer career ending injuries, catastrophic injuries and dying in the dirt
some are kept alive whilst in pain for insurance reasons, then finally euthanased
The above list is, of course, not exhaustive.
What’s in it for the HORSE? Nothing but suffering miserable lives and for the great majority, the ultimate betrayal – the horrific death in the slaughterhouse.
Mary, throughout your comment you place the ownus of breeding, and dumping racehorses on people who don’t support it? Are you kidding me?
It seems obvious to most that the fiscal responsibility, and the responsibility as a whole should be on the pro-horse racing people who brought the horse into this world for the sole purpose of running.
Right to the end of your comment – very last sentence you are blaming people who not only had nothing to do with breeding or dumping the horse, but for “the horses that are lost on a daily basis.”
The horse racing industry is collectively responsible for the breeding, dumping, maiming, and killing of racehorses on a daily basis.
Since your so concerned about the racehorses then go approach the people who bred them, and/or dumped them. See if they give you one dime to rescue and rehome them since they alone are the ones who are responsible for them.
Let us know how it goes.
In the meantime, place the blame on where it belongs not on people like myself who don’t support this industry one iota because I don’t support the ongoing doping, dumping, whipping, maiming and/or killing.
In fact, most people I know that rescue OTTB’s had nothing to do with the exploitation in the first place – a sad reflection on a modern day slavery ring called horse racing.
Thank you for this article. I have always been amazed by the fact that 2 year olds are not only being ridden, but running flat out at these distances. I have been taught all my life that horses should not be ridden at that age, because their knees may not be closed, which I guess explains the breakdowns that we see all the time at the track. This also explains the amount of OTTBs that I am seeing going to slaughter.
I run two horse adoption groups on FaceBook, the Bolero Gaited Horse Adoption Network, and the Bolero Appaloosa and Spotted Horse Adoption Network. The groups are called Bolero for a purebred Paso Fino that I personally knew as a young colt, who ended up in a kill lot and heading for slaughter in PA.
I almost fell off my chair when I saw a photo of this horse that I recognized! The photo was taken by one of the rescues that saves horses from going to slaughter. I networked this horse in every Paso FIno group I am a member of, and Bolero was saved from a grisly death. The next day I started the Bolero Gaited Horse Adoption Network in his name.
Our members network horses for rescues and horses that are being given away or have really low prices on Craigslist and are in danger of going to slaughter. Sadly, we also will network purebred gaited horses, like Paso Finos, Peruvian Pasos, Fox Trotters from the emotional blackmailer Facebook Kill Buyers, because there are not that many of those horses in the United States, and some of them are considered rare breeds. It SICKENS me to do this, but I also know that the real kill buyers have a quota to meet, and when a load is not full they will put the horses they buy to resell on the truck to fill it.
In February we saw over 100 purebred Fox Trotters dumped at an auction. All of the adults went to slaughter, and their colts and fillies, 20 of them, some just 4 months old, were left to fend for themselves at the kill lot. Another buyer bought the bunch for $20.00 each:
20 Fox Trotters X $20.00 = $400.00
These young horses sold for over $300.00 each to a group of people on Facebook who love that breed:
20 Fox Trotters X $300.00 = $6,000.00
With that kind of profit margin, it is quite obvious why this type of thing keeps going on, and I really don’t see it ending anytime soon.
Two of the foals had holes in their skulls under their forelocks–both died from infection–one died before it was picked up at the kill lot, and the other one made it to her new home but died a few days later.
We are seeing this kind of thing ALL THE TIME–purebred horses dumped at auctions, bought by kill buyers, and sold for meat for human consumption in Europe and Japan. The horror they face in Mexican slaughter houses is the worst thing I have ever read, and many of these horses have been given drugs that are not supposed to be given to any animal who may be slaughtered for human consumption. The thing that haunts me the most about all of this is the piles of halters that are left after they are loaded onto the trailers; many have their names on them. One horse had a halter with I LOVE MY HORSE on the nose band! That terrified horse was bought out of the kill lot by a rescue in Pa.
Many of these horses are our companion horses that TRUST US, and yet so many unknowing owners sell them at auctions, or in Free To Good home ads, and many of them end up in the slaughter pipeline. Some of the horses who are bought by the Facebook Kill Buyers for resale to “bleeding hearts” are so stressed that their immune systems are compromised and have contagious diseases like strangles
From what we are seeing, there would be no reason for all of this misery if more people knew what could happen to their horses when sold cheaply at auctions or given away on Craig’s list ads. I think the biggest thing that needs to happen is EDUCATION of the American public on what is happening to over 130,000 – 160,000 horses a year. Over 70% are Sport Horses: and in that group are registered Quarter Horses, Standardbreds and Thoroughbreds.
Right now our Bolero members are working on educating horse owners concerning the safest way to sell their horses so that they do not end up on a death ride to Mexico. We are going to clinics to talk about this situation, and handing out brochures with simple instructions on the best way to safely sell your horse.
I do believe that many of us are on the front lines of change, but it saddens me how many horses will suffer a horrible death before that change actually comes….
Tracy Stevens
Bolero Gaited Horse Adoption Network
https://www.facebook.com/groups/bolerogaitedhorseadoptionnetwork/
Bolero Appaloosa and Spotted Horse Adoption Network
https://www.facebook.com/groups/BoleroAppaloosaHorseAdoptionNetwork
The derby winner’s sire, Uncle Mo, was retired at 3yrs. old because of liver damage/disease called cholangiohepatitis. His owner was Repole and trainer was Todd Pletcher. When the colt first became ill Pletcher said in a prepared statement that blood work revealed he was suffering from gastrointestinal infection. However, it was not that simple and the colt had to be retired because his liver was so compromised. What is so telling is a liver biopsy ruled out any viruses, bacteria, and cancer, so what caused it ?
Doug Byars, D.V.M., Byars Equine Advisory in Georgetown, KY, cautioned owners and trainers to take a hard look at “supplements” they are using because there are more “supplements” going into horses today and if a product can build up and become toxic the liver is the organ that becomes involved. He went on to say the” herbal product” that provides EPO to increase red blood cells can cause toxic iron buildup in the liver.
Actually, Uncle Mo is lucky to be alive because this could have progressed to full blown liver failure. We know about this situation and it was diagnosed via multible tests only because of Uncle Mo’s fame. I wonder how many lesser known horses die from the junk that is fed and pushed into them.
An article in the WSJ a few days ago titled “The Vindication of Uncle Mo” because of the derby win and his many other winners from his “first crop” mentioned he was retired but just said it was because of an “illness” There was no mention of the severe liver problem or who his trainer was. The deceit and cover up in this business extends to journalism and the media!
Rose, thank you for your excellent post – as always. And I’m in full agreement regarding UM…his elite status bought him life – for a time, at least.
Rose , why are you owned all the medical information on this horse ? Are you planning on buying him ?
Rose is stating facts. It’s an excellent post.
Recent information came to light about the excessive use, and abuse of Thyroid meds in Steve Asmussen’s, and Bob Baffert’s barn.
The point is once these racehorses are in a stall it seems that most Trainers will do just about anything to get a competitive edge with little consideration to the fall out of using certain meds and/or supplements.
Therefore, it should be mandatory that every single Trainer keeps meticulous records on all meds, and supplements given to racehorses in their care. The records should be “on hand” in their stable office for spontaneous/unannounced reviews by the USADA – a neutral oversight body.
Plus, the private vets should have to release their vet records to the USADA so that checks, and balances are in the system to protect both equine, and human athlete.
Instead, this industry continues business as usual and racehorses continue to die as a result of this self-governing.
The fact that this business generates their profit from the wagering public, and is covered under the criminal act – it’s everybody’s business to know what is being given to these racehorses.
It’s not only a matter of medical information, protection of the racehorse, but a matter of potential corruption as well.
Based on Doug O’Neill’s drug rap sheet, Nyquist may be running, and winning on dope. Talk about carrying on the tradition of Uncle Mo. From one dope to the next it seems. What a joke. This industry is laughable, and anybody who invests in it needs a psychiatric assessment.
Absolutely Gina…on each count. Thank you for your informative posts – I’m certain there are a good number of readers learning a great deal because of what you share from your inside knowledge of this industry.
With respect to the financial figures of the horse racing industry – I must say this. I don’t believe one statistical figure coming from this sleezy business because the industry manages itself with no oversight whatsoever. I don’t put it past them to smear figures in their favor in order to make it appear that the industry is doing well – it’s not doing well.
There’s unequivocally no doubt that this industry is on the way out. It will be greatly downsized in the near future. It will become like the greyhound racing industry has become, and it will be on the verge of collapse just like the GH industry.
I don’t know if it will happen in my lifetime. I sure hope it does, but I have seen this industry downgrade considerably in the last 20 years.
This is what needs to happen: 1. Support decoupling. The industry requires casino money in order to carry on its operations. The casinos, as Mary Johnson stated, no longer want to support this dying industry. They shouldn’t have to support it. Decoupling will ensure that this happens. 2. Cut all taxpayers funding and/or tax breaks which the industry gets to the tune of billions every year in every state while infrastructure, health care, and education suffers. Tell your politicians, write them, make them stop this wastage of precious taxpayers money. 3. Enforce a mandatory financial disclosure form in order to confirm whether a person has the financial means to own, train, and race a horse. I can assure you that about 90% of people in this industry are struggling to pay their mortgages/rent or even food for themselves let alone a racehorse. This financial disclosure would eliminate about 90% of horse owners, and it should. It’s this financial vulnerability that sets the racehorse up for a dumping and/or free fall crisis. 4. Cancel the Interstate Horse Racing Act which is heavily controlled by the HBPA throughout North America. This Act was supposed to be only temporary and was supposed to be cancelled 20 years ago. This is their main source of, allegedly, unreported or inaccurate wagering income to the tune of BILLIONS. Talk about double dipping. One one hand their getting handouts from either taxpayers and/or casinos while on the other hand getting billions via the Interstate Horse Wagering Act. It’s time to rein in this industry and bring them into line with all other businesses in this country who struggle every day to open their doors without hand outs plus they collectively employ more people than the horse racing industry ever has or ever will.
The same trainer, Doug O’Neill, along with the same owner, Reddam, and same jockey won the KY Derby and Preekness with I’ll Have Another in 2012. There were unprecedented security measures put in place for the Belmont. And as we know, the horse was scratched due to an injury. However, within a very short time the horse was sold to Japan. And loaded for that grueling trip , injury and all !!!
The trainer, Doug O’Neill, was granted a stay on his suspension for his drug violations until after the Triple Crown. Tell me what other business is so lienient with cheaters !!! ?
Further, the talk of drugs in this game and doing something about it has been going on for years but nothing ever changes and never will. The so called “”recommendations” that are announced from time to time are a joke, they have no teeth, just like those that were made by the special panel following an outrageous number of breakdowns at Aqueduuct one year. However the most glaring issue for safety , horses racong in winter in NY,was never mentioned!! Nothing ever changes and all this talk is just window dressing.
The only serious change would be a national commission with uniform rules to protect the horse from drug abuse, over work and serious consequences for ALL violators, big and small. We know that will never happen and even if it did it would not help much because the very foundation of racing is horse abuse and deceit; right from the breeding farms to the sales; to starting 2 yr. olds; to whipping; to; claiming; ; to breakdowns; to the slaughter trucks……,
Ah Rose…how I LOVE to read intelligent comments wrapped in a healthy dose of common sense!
Thank you Rose, and Joy for your informative comments.
I want this cruelty circus, and death camp to end. The sooner the better. Lives will be saved as a result of this.
When it does end, there will be about 30,000 less per year horses looking for homes because they won’t be bred for this despicable industry.
In the meantime, I want this industry held accountable via neutral oversight such as the USADA.
I find it appalling that 1. this industry is basically legalizing the ongoing abuse, and deaths of thousands of racehorses. 2. the ongoing doping and cheating is rewarded as clearly demonstrated in the Kentucky Derby with a multiple drug violating Trainer and an Owner whom, allegedly, was under investigation for unsavory business dealings. 3. the entitlement to a living being to use and abuse (endorsed by this industry), and then the fiscal irresponsibility of dumping is business as usual.
4. the total lack of oversight by government agencies while doping, cheating, corruption is blatant and nothing is ever done about it. Like Rose said “window dressing.” 5. the ongoing financial support from taxpayers (Ontario Canada 100 million per year) and/or casinos is repulsive to say the least. 6. the journalists (Ray Paulick & Staff;Daily Racing Form & Staff) whom praise multiple drug violating Trainers essentially making their position clear: horses being doped, and dying in these multiple drug violating barns is perfectly alright to them.
Instead, they should be calling them out for what they are.
Like Abraham Lincoln said: “Slavery is founded on the selfishness of man’s nature; opposition to it on his love of justice.” “Whenever I hear anyone arguing for slavery, I feel a strong impulse to see it tried on him personally.” (how would these turf writers like to bend over and get excessively beaten with a whip – see how you like it?)
Everybody involved in this industry is directly or indirectly responsible for the thousands of dying racehorses on tracks throughout North America because the only way that this is going to stop is when this cruelty circus, and death camp fails to exist.
I have decided, once again, to address the “crazy babies” (and, yes, there are now more
than one “crazy baby”) but, unfortunately, I won’t be able to get to it tonight. However, I will address it over the weekend. Sometimes you have to let the filth rise to the top before you put the story out there for public scrutiny.
About a month ago, Joy Aten wrote a Shedrow Secrets story…”The Vile Betrayal of Financial Mogul.” It seemed to hit a nerve with some racing, and non-racing, folks and the comments on the blog exceeded one hundred. Kelly Smith took a ton of grief because of her decision to euthanize FM. In fact, she experienced more grief than a pro-slaughter/pro-racing gal that is hell bent on posting on Patrick’s blog. Kelly did share the vet report with me and FM was diagnosed with severe end stage osteoarthritis and, yes, racing supporters, that was caused by an industry that exploits horses and Mr. Rick Violette was part of that exploitation.
Shortly thereafter, I began to receive screenshots posted by those who are out to discredit this blog….Horseracing Wrongs…and those who support it. One individual that the racing exploiters are trying to discredit is Jo Anne Normile. One of the “crazy babies” (Curtis-Olivas ) decided to post a derogatory comment about Jo Anne and another “crazy baby” (Adkins-Matthews) allowed her wall to be used as a platform for Olivas to insult Jo Anne. Now, I am going to be very, very clear just in case this is a “slow” day for one of the “crazy babies.” Jo Anne Normile gave up her job and started CANTER many years ago in order to help the horses (hundreds of them) at Michigan tracks. She LEFT racing because racing killed one of her horses. Now, since the “crazy babies” seem unhappy with Jo Anne, I would like to share with them what they can do to help the horses in the industry THEY support. Get up off your asses, work long hours, save up your nickels and dimes, quit your job (if you even have one) and start a rescue just like CANTER. It will mean lots of hard work but I know you girls can do it. Jo Anne got up off her ass and started a rescue that now has a national presence but you two just sit on your asses and criticize.
Sometimes we have to let the filth rise to the top before we put a story out in the public domain. A screenshot was sent to me with this link and Curtis-Olivas actually posted the link (and the story) on a pro-horseracing site. This is a quote by Olivas…”I will get grief for posting this, but I must post it. This is wrote [sic] by an author and horse lover.” She “must” post it? Was someone holding a gun to her head? Nope, but Olivas had five “likes” on her post and one “like” was from Laura Kemling-Mohr, another “crazy baby”. It sounds as if Kemling-Mohr supports slaughter, too. Reprehensible…
http://therail.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/01/why-horse-slaughter-is-necessary/?_r=0
The title of the article is “Why Horse Slaughter is Necessary.” One could surmise that, if someone posts a link as to why horse slaughter is necessary, that person would support it. Now, things get even uglier. Curtis-Olivas is a member of a closed FB group called United Horsemen. One of the administrators is Dave Duquette who was Sue Wallis’s sidekick. Thank goodness Wallis is now dead but good ole Duquette is still kicking, unfortunately for the horses. The description for United Horsemen on their FB page states…
“We support the restoration of humane and regulated processing of horses in the United States, and advocate for the control of wild and feral horse populations on federal, state, tribal, and private lands. This group is for people who SUPPORT the restoration of humane processing of horses, and who SUPPORT the responsible management of overpopulated wild and feral horses on federal, state, tribal and private lands. IT IS NOT A FORUM FOR DEBATE IF YOU DISAGREE WITH THESE POSTIONS.”
Curtis-Olivas is not only pro-racing but she is pro-slaughter yet she comes to the HR blog whining that some of her comments have been extricated from the blog. However, she belongs to a group that will NOT allow any debate when it comes to our beloved horses. She is pure filth, in my opinion, and just like so many others, she talks out of both sides of her mouth. If I was Patrick, I would block her ass so fast it would make her head spin just like Linda Blair’s head in The Exorcist.
I knew that Curtis-Olivas was pro-slaughter back in 2012 when she suggested that I go to a pro-slaughter site so that I could learn more. Nope, Curtis-Olivas, I don’t need to learn more about slaughter since I’m not as “slow” as you. I know all I need to know just like I don’t need to fight in a war to criticize the effects of war as bodies are blown to bits. Patrick doesn’t need to have horse experience to write about the breakdowns and deaths, and, anyone with minimal intelligence knows that you don’t have to breed puppies in a puppy mill to know about the horrors of that industry. Oh, and if anyone wants to read the jackass comments made by Curtis-Olivas, here is the link to the DRF story from 2012.
http://www.drf.com/news/banned-trainer-pleads-his-case-anti-slaughter-policy
People like Curtis-Olivas disgust me. She has no trouble supporting slaughter but criticizes us for speaking out for the racehorses and her “sidekicks” (Kemling-Mohr and Adkins-Matthews) are right there with her. However, with that being said, we know that slaughter is the disposal system for unwanted TB’s so perhaps none of us should be surprised if Curtis-Olivas supports both since they go together like a “hand in a glove.”
Moving on to another “crazy baby”…Adkins-Matthews. Adkins-Matthews states “…they (meaning anti-racing folks) are very unfair.” Really? How are we, “crazy ass anti-racing people”, according to Matthews, unfair? Are we “unfair” when Patrick posts his KIA lists? Is it “unfair” to speak the truth? I believe that Adkins-Matthews has been allowed to post her racing propaganda on the blog. Oh, but true to form, she says that “Deb Curtis Olivas has been fighting with them for some time now” and “they are so extreme and will not even let you make many comments unless you are anti-racing.” That is a monstrous lie from someone who professes to NEVER tell a lie. Then she has the audacity to say that she would “personally like to see those that are against racing put their efforts more into finding solutions to help the horses.” What the hell does she think Jo Anne Normile did? Jo Anne got up off her ass and started CANTER. This is what I would like to see Adkins-Matthews do…put her money where her mouth is and help the horses that racing dumps DAILY. In my opinion, an even better idea is to not break them down in the first place. Let racing become extinct just like the dinosaurs. Let it die in the dirt.
I have asked this question many times before but the answer seems elusive. Why are pro-racing and pro-slaughter people on a pro-horse site called Horseracing Wrongs?
Thank You Mary Johnson.
I completely agree with your post.
Why are pro-racing and pro-slaughter people on a pro-horse site called Horseracing Wrongs?
Reply
I have learned so much from reading your posts. “Saving Baby” began my quest for truth, and now I speak it to anyone who will listen. One post here was from a lady who said, in essence, there’s nothing we can do to stop this run-away train, this abuse. I disagree. One by one, we’ll get it done. Inch by inch, everything’s a cinch! All of us doing our small part, is all of us working together!
Thank you, Donalyn – and, yes, we absolutely will get there.
Thank you, Donalyn! I know I can speak for others here…we so appreciate your voice and willingness to speak up for the HORSES!
Wow…Really had no idea# Incredibly sad.
:(
And it is not just tbreds. AQHA and its ridiculous quarter horse futurities encourages rampant breeding. At least half the horses going to slaughter are quarter horses
Hi, my name is Kathy, and Ive never owned a horse, just did some recreational riding in my youth, and also loved to watch the KD, P, and Belmont, because I love to see the horses run. (never involved in betting) But after reading your article, I think you have changed my mind about the racing sport, in light of the reality of the lives of these horses. It does make sense- $$$ is nearly always the driver behind such motivation. How very sad.All animal cruelty is unacceptable!
what really tears me up is how these animals and others have been used in war! (on that note, did you know that their is coming a day when the wolf will lie down with the lamb, and wars will cease. (Isaiah 11:6). Someday justice will reign and wars will cease, when Messiah Yeshua reigns. Unfortunately before that happens things will get much worse.
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I love this sport.
I grew up on the backstretch of NY racetracks. I was practically born in the hay.
It pains me more than anyone else to click this link and scroll and scroll and scroll through those names. And that is because I adore these amazing animals. Just like everyone else who works with them on the backstretch. From owners and trainers to exercise riders and grooms. They all have a love for horses.
So, while it may SEEM that horseracing qualifies as “animal cruelty,” the opposite actually holds true. These animals. Hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of thoroughbreds at each track across our nation, are each treated like gold. They get the best, most nutritious food. Proper exercise. The best medical care. And they are shown affection by the many individuals they interact with throughout their day. A TINY percentage of these horses become Derby contenders. But they are all treated equally well.
And there’s one thing these horses are given that may mean the most – to them – that they wouldn’t otherwise get. THE OPPORTUNITY TO RUN. Thoroughbreds were born to run. It is their greatest joy.
Breakdowns are just as devastating, if not more, to those who work in the industry as to any other animal lover. But the truth is that horses, all horses, are vulnerable creatures. It is just the way they are built. That their legs, lower legs specifically, are the most vulnerable part of their body. Yet it is the part that carries their greatest burden. Their legs are vulnerable both on and off the track. Running or walking. All it takes is one bad step.
Sadly, a broken leg is – more often than not – a death sentence for a horse. There’s no putting a cast on it and allowing it to heal. There are plenty of leg injuries that are not as devastating, but a break? It would be crueler to attempt to keep the animal alive. Almost akin to something that happened to a good friend last week. Their dog suddenly stopped eating and was lethargic. They learned his body was riddled with tumors. Sadly chemo would only extend his life by 6 months and he’d still be in pain. So my friend had to make that heart breaking decision that many other pet owners face daily. To put his dog down. You would not call that animal cruelty.
I wish the people who wrote articles like these, and sensational headlines like these, could spend some time on the backstretch with all the people who make the track come alive for fans. And even if they could, they wouldn’t see what I’ve seen my entire life. Which is why I’ve put such time into this reply. To maybe help enlighten someone who just doesn’t know what goes on on the backside.
You are delusional.
Yet another pathetic attempt to defend the indefensible by a racing apologist. Joy, Mary, Gina and myself (and I’ve probably forgotten someone) know exactly what goes on with these horses in the racing industry, having had extensive experience on the racetracks and the racing industry generally. I was born into a racing family that has been racing horses since the early 1800s. I worked in the industry at the coalface and saw for myself the inexcusable animal cruelty which resulted in my family walking away from racing.
Patrick’s list of deaths is indisputable evidence of the shocking animal cruelty in horseracing.
Treated like gold cmon really you of all people being involved you know thats simply not the case. I got 240 pages of reports from here in pa that say otherwise including a horse that fell over a broke down horse, now she walked back to the barn under her own power and had a vet exam before returning to her stall she was found dead in stall the next morning she had a broken back and two broke ribs one that punctured her plural cavity and one that punctured her stomach and she bled out internally best care treated like gold huh there’s more another horse same incident here’s her report six weeks ago , this horse had a corneal ulcer and almost lost the eye but recovered and started to workout.on 10/25 she had a swollen face. An examination revealed weight loss temp of 103 and some difficulty breathing. On 10/26 the horse was down depressed had labored breathing and a very swollen face with a bad odor and some nasal discharge the horse died before a tracheotomy could be performed she was diagnosed with what I mentioned above along with severe gastric ulcers cmments to diagnosis says the origin of the cellulititis cannot be definitively determined however the location suggests either prior perforating or severe blunt trauma to the oropharyngeal region squamous gastric ulcers and renal papillary necrosis are consistent with phenylbutazone Toxicity the race that she fell was on 3/5 and she was raced 10 Times after until her last on 9/13 now you being involved should be able to do the math and put two and two together and as far as horses love to run their bred to run just stop stop with that nonsense you know it’s not reality it’s like saying I’m a man I’m only here to reproduce and you a women only here to bear children of the 30 or so retired horses around my house I don’t see any of them just running their paddock or field horses are kind enough to do what’s asked of them and people are irresponsible enough to ask for what they want best quote I ever read ” a horse will give you his life if your dumb enough to ask for it” open your eyes to the reality of what’s going on that’s all I ask
Jennifer, I shouldn’t waste my time on someone as delusional as you but there may be some “clueless” people out there who will actually believe your nonsense. I spent years on the backside of a low level track, and most are low level, and the atrocities I saw would fill the Empire State Building. Thin horses with NO hay in their stalls…no bedding in their stalls….ankles the size of grapefruits…backs and legs with bare patches and rain rot. Yep, dear girl, I would call that animal neglect and neglect, as we know, is animal cruelty.
Are there people at the track who “love” horses? Yes, there are, with one caveat…they “love” them when the horse is winning. Eric Mitchell of the Bloodhorse told me in 2011 that 5% of the horses running will win a stakes race. Not good odds, right, Jennifer? What happens to the rest of the horses? They are injected and drugged in order to squeeze every last drop of blood out of them and then many are handed off, or “sold”, into the underground slaughter pipeline.
Now, you continue to babble that the horses get the “best” medical care. Really? Why was Anita Vacation running with ankles the size of grapefruits with NO flexion in either front ankle? Her current prognosis…pasture pet! Why was Redneck Margarita running 200 pounds underweight and, in his last race, he finished 45 lengths behind?, When he drinks, water comes out his nose due to what we think is a bad tie back surgery. Sounds like his owner really “loved” him, right? Oh, and let’s not forget that approximately two weeks after his last race, he was with a dealer who collects horses to send to auctions. Why was Ruby Red Breast running with a slab fracture? Oh, and let’s not forget Bionic Brine…another slab fracture, but you have the balls to come on this blog and state that these horses were “loved” by the freaks who exploited them? Anyone who says that is either incredibly stupid or delusional, perhaps a bit of both.
Since you were practically born in the hay, perhaps you have heard of Arthur Hancock. Mr. Hancock has publicly stated that the racing industry is PERMEATED with those who have no regard for the horses….PERMEATED. Strong word, wouldn’t you agree? Now, let’s not stop with Hancock. Here is a quote from Dr. Rick Arthur, the equine medical director for the California Racing Board and I quote…”In humans you never see someone snap their leg off running in the Olympics but you see it in horse racing.” Why? Because whenever you mix gambling with animals, the animals always end of losing. It has been that way for years and it continues to be that way. It is troubling that you, who were practically born in the hay, haven’t been able to see the light but people’s delusions run deep.
Now, if you are even somewhat intelligent, you know that horses aren’t skeletally developed until they are six and some experts have suggested seven but let’s not split hairs. TB’s are broken to ride and put into training between 15 and 18 months of age because it is imperative to get them to the track as quickly as possible. A horse standing in a pasture or stall can’t produce revenue and racing is an industry (it isn’t a “sport”) based on gambling. When I think of gambling, I think of money but perhaps you think of peppermints and kisses on the horses’ noses.
I used to follow racing and I, too, was practically “born in the hay” since I started riding at the age of seven and got my first OTTB in 1963. However, even as a teenager I felt that something wasn’t right when it came to racing. Why did people pray when the gates flew open? Why did people express relief when all the horses finished in one piece? It didn’t make sense then and it doesn’t make sense now. I questioned, I learned and then I turned against an industry that uses horses up and then throws them in the trash like an empty soda can. I will continue to speak out against an industry that maims, and kills, DAILY and I do it because I love the horses.
Hey Jennifer, you know that hay that you were born in?
Could you send some of that hay to the 3 starving racehorses that we rescued from the kill auction recently.
Nobody, not one person, involved with their exploitation would agree to send some money or pay for some hay directly to the feed store.
One is a stallion who never made it to the track, he was 200 pounds underweight, ribs showing and all.
The other, a chestnut gelding, was found with blood, and pus coming out of the shoulder.
The third racehorse is a prior multiple stakes placed broodmare that was dumped when her foals didn’t perform.
She’s at least 200 pounds underweight, and is an Ontario-bred.
The other 5 racehorses we simply couldn’t save due to lack of funds.
They boarded the slaughter bound truck.
I promised the owner of the farm that I wouldn’t disclose their names, and I must honor that.
However, a steady supply of hay would be really nice.
I do have pictures of these racehorses in their neglected state.
These are just 3 racehorses saved by every day financially struggling people like me while the industry you support brags about the 200 million they made yesterday!
So if you can go get that hay that you slept on, and send a few flakes that would be amazing.
What a waste of so many beautiful horses just for people again.
PATCH: trained by multiple drug violator Todd Pletcher.
The supreme royal breeding by Calumet farm ensured that Patch was born with both eyes.
Enter Todd Pletcher.
Evidently, this is what happened to Patch:
“We found him in his stall with the eye swollen, almost shut, heavy tearing,” Pletcher told ESPN. “There was no indication he had been cast, no scratches around the eye. We called the vet and treated him right away. They decided they couldn’t save the eye. [The vet] said it looked like there was inflammation in the globe of the eye.”
Lovely.
So a million dollar horse with royal breeding loses his fu**ing eye in Pletcher’s racing stable, more specifically, in his stall.
How “royal” is that?
Wonder if they named the horse Patch before he lost his eye or if they made sure his condition matched his name? Anything is possible in this business.
Of course no outside entity can review the situation, medical condition and/or meds administered.
After all, this is horse racing where egregious acts of violence, even dying, can take place with no repercussions or investigations whatsoever.
While most normal, loving, caring horse people would retire a horse like Patch – this didn’t happen
Instead they did what most delusional pieces of crap (looking to capitalize on their product) would do: they continue training, and running him!
Wonder if Pletcher’s private vets came up with a hallucinogenic drug that produced double vision so that Patch could restore 50% of his vision?
Anything is possible – nobody will ever know.
Furthermore, to make him load into a gate with 19 other horses coming at him, to not being able to see the whip come at in, and then feel the sting of getting beaten – for heaven’s sake is there anything sacred to these supporters/participants/apologists?
Please name me one – there is NONE.
It doesn’t surprise me that poor Patch finished in the bottom sect of the Derby – poor dude.
Perhaps he was just another number to set-up the race?
Seems very plausible when you look at the field dominated by doping, cheating trainers who have multiple racehorses DIE under their direct training methods with no repercussions whatsoever!
Incidentally, the industry was quick to brag that they smashed all previous wagering records:
“With wagering above $200 million for the first time and a top-10 crowd on Kentucky Derby Day, Louisville-based Churchill Downs Inc. expects to add between $4-6 million in increased profitability, the company announced May 6.” Bloodhorse. (I don’t for a moment believe these figures because they are self-governed)
So tell me – why is it that people (who have nothing to do with this exploitation) find their dumped horses standing at kill auctions, have trouble getting funding to get them out of harms way?
Why is it, with these staggering yearly profits, that the racehorse industry does little or nothing to take care of their profit machines?
I’ll tell you why: because they don’t give a DAMN after they are done filling races, and their wagering coiffures.
They are only numbers, disposable commodities – there to be maimed and/or killed.
That, in a nutshell, is horse racing.
I randomly selected 20 racehorses who died at Gulfstream Park that are on this list.
Some startling patterns emerged.
3 of 20 racehorses who died were owned by Stronach Stables, the OWNER of Gulfstream Park.
He runs under the racing stable name: ADENA SPRINGS.
So between Magna Entertainment (racetrack holdings), Adena Springs (racehorse holdings) it can get rather complicated, but it’s all from the same guy: Frank Stronach of Stronach Stables.
So HUMBLE HERO, RITSO RIZZO, LEROY ROSE all died on this owners racetrack with, more than likely, insurance policies in place.
2 of these racehorses were trained by Canadian-based Trainer family the “Attards.”
Their Italian routes go far back with Stronach.
A weird transaction took place with a racehorse called NEUTRON. This royally bred horse was bred by Adena Springs who sold the horse, via auction, for $105,000.
Then Neutron was flipped again to “Run Hard Stables,” it was virtually impossible to find out who Run Hard Stables was or is, but here’s where it gets funky.
Run Hard Stables bought Neutron for $475,000 – no doubt there was an insurance policy on this horse.
Nobody will ever know just what happened to Neutron before he died in the dirt at Gulfstream Park.
So many scenarios could have been possible from an injury that they kept secret to a non-performing individual that needed to be cashed in on to the tune of $475,000 – possible.
The secrecy, lack of transparency in this industry is sickening.
We will never know the name of the vet who actively treated this horse, nor we will know what medications were given to this horse just before he died.
That’s just the way they want it especially when a $475,000 insurance policy was most likely in place.
Enter Edward Plesa Jr, Trainer, who had at least 2 racehorses die on this list.
These racehorses were all purchased at sales auctions so, most likely, insured.
CROWNED HEART purchased for $500,000 died at Gulfstream Park.
CH had 2 starts, didn’t show anything so now was a liability with a $500,000 insurance policy most likely in place.
However, if the connections continued to run her with no performance then the insurance policy would be downgraded.
So was it time to knock-off Crowned Heart for $500,000?
There are some dark, deep secrets going on in the world of horse racing, and the apologists protect these unsettling transactions.
If they have nothing to hide, then be transparent!
Any necropsy performed on a dead racehorse is the private property of the insurance company who pays for the necropsy in order to pay out on the policy.
The killing of racehorses for insurance money has been allegedly going on for a long time.
They are getting more cunning about it, and IF there is a racetrack owner who is in on the deal, then any investigation is doomed unless high level authorities step in and investigate.
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Interesting indeed, Gina. As the saying goes, follow the money and it will lead you to what’s going on.
Neutron goes from $105,000 to $475,000?