About six hours after we finished another successful protest – 75 strong – at Saratoga Race Course, another victim was entered into the ’17 Death Log. In the final race of the day, says the Gaming Commission, 4-year-old Unbroken Chain “suffered a fatal musculoskeletal injury and was euthanized.” Said injury, notes the chartwriter, was the result of some “bad steps.” Incidentally, in this same race, Thirsty Donnerstag “…swung four wide onto the backstretch in apparent distress, heading [sic?] cocked to the right, bore out before being pulled up…” No word on the 3-year-old’s condition. (Curiously, this race, and this race alone, is inaccessible on NYRA’s replay page.)
To date, 11 animals have been sacrificed at Saratoga this season. 11.
Lakalas, May 28, “collapsed and died after breezing”
Queen B, July 6, “fractured leg while breezing…ambulanced to clinic – euthanized”
Wanztbwicked, July 22, “suffered an injury while breezing – euthanized on the track”
Angels Seven, July 28, “pulled up, injury to LF leg – euthanized on the track”
Howard Beach, July 29, “suffered a fracture to RF leg breezing and was euthanized”
Positive Waves, July 29, “suffered a fracture to his RF leg breezing – euthanized”
Brooklyn Major, July 31, “collapsed and died after the finish of the race”
Marshall Plan, August 2, “fractured condylar bone while training – euthanized”
Fall Colors, August 3, “horse fell at second fence, died on track”
Munjaz, August 3, “was pulled up…vanned off – euthanized”
Unbroken Chain, August 6, “suffered a fatal musculoskeletal injury – euthanized”
Patrick,
Shutting down racing is not realistic. It won’t happen, due the millions at stake and the powerful interests aligned against. Sure, one can las out in anger at horse deaths now and again, but to what end? Let’s be realistic. Direct people’s energy and fury towards tougher regulation of the industry and changing the breeding standards and rules! Legislation can be drafted to save horses lives. You know that’s true. People will get behind you. I understand your anger and angst, I’m there with you but, we have to be real. Channel it productively my friend!
They are not done, “Mel” – we are very aware of what’s “going on” as both SD and I (and others commenting in support of the horses here) have spent hours, days, weeks, months and years on the backside.
Obviously you don’t know what is going on if you never heard of pre-race soundness inspections.
Gina, I have been around horses my whole life…on and off the track. Horses on the track are well taken care of for the most part and are well nourished and groomed. There are exceptions to every rule. Mot of the cruelty happens on private farms in the pasture where the animals suffer from malnutrition. Horses running and taking bad steps causing fatal injuries happens all the time…not only on the track but also in pastures and in the wild. They are herding animals and love to run. Your comments tell me you know very little about horses, their care, and their living habits.
There are no changes short of a final shuttering that will save horses from this vile business.
I hope some major changes will be made for the safety of these horses. There is something wrong going on here. It is quite obvious. It’s all about money and these poor horses are suffering the consequences!
Why don’t we start racing the owners, trainers, and jockeys in the same way horses are raced. Bet there’d be some complaining then.
Wonderfully stated. All animals deserve protection from abusers to those being used for their own personal gain.
Abby, if fixing the track surface was the magic solution then racehorses would have stopped dying years ago.
Fixing the track is a “go to” excuse for this industry, and it has never nor will it ever stop the dying.
Dying is inherent in horse racing, and the increase of deaths are mainly attributable to the liberal use of doping cocktails which are necessary to keep sore/painful horses with chronic conditions running in order to increase wagering profits.
When the drugs are starting to wear off in the stretch then the whipping/beating ensues to keep them going.
It’s a despicable display of animal cruelty that must go, and it will go.
Religion should NEVER justify pain, suffering, and cruelty to any living being – period.
Furthermore, we don’t need to eat animals to live.
In fact, we need animals in order to survive.
For example, bees are the pollinators and without them we would not have any food.
2000 racehorses DYING IN THE DIRT per year – FACT.
So you need to get your facts straight Loretta, and in the meantime stick your head in some manure maybe that will help generate some rational thought.
Football players get PAID, and get retirement money not sent to the slaughterhouse when they are done hurting them.
There is no comparison between racehorses and football players – laughable.
What has “….country living” got to do with recognizing the cruelty that is racing ?
Just because something that is fundamentally wrong has being going on for years is in no way an excuse for it to continue.
Think about what you are saying.
P.S. I live in the country with my horses now. But when I lived in the city I still knew racing was very wrong.
Hmm…sounds like somebody is killing the competition…smh
And they get paid millions to do their job. What do racehorses get?
Lynn, football players are fully autonomous, eyes-wide-open human beings. Your comparison is offensive.
Don’t agree with your language, but yes, animals can’t say no, I don’t like that. They have no choice. However, another”human” industry that is also cruel to the players, sending them out when they are still injured and in pain is pro football. And probably many other pro sports. But football especially. There is such pressure to keep your position, play injured, ultimately ruining themselves permanently for life after football. Sad state of affairs.
American horse racing is a sham, but the footing at this track has to be the culprit as well. Shame on them,
it is fixable but expensive.
I will not watch horse racing ever.
“God put these animals on earth for a reason” – obscene. As for “getting my facts straight” – that’s all I report. And you and your entire vile industry are running scared.
horse racing has been going on for years. so now why all of a sudden. is there this big deal about it. in other countrys they eat horse meat. and life goes on. these are the same people that say oh that farmer is no good he raises his own beef and pork to eat and that is not right . people wake up God put these animals on earth for a reason. and some of the reason is so we can live. I know many of race horse owners and they are very upset when something like this happens to one of their horses so. please before you start running your mouths about people get your facts straight. because I bet most of you are city people that no nothing about country living.
Daisy- she was euthanized back at the barn. Broke both sesamoids in a front leg.
Ban horse racing. It is for gamblers anyway. Let them find something else to waist money on. Horses are beautiful creatures to graze in fields, not to race to their death. People suck.
8/11/17 race #1. Horse #3 Sweetneida throws rider – live video stops – instant replay is not available. Seems to be the case as cited here in another race. NYRA – no video replay as of 1:20. Post time was 1pm
Coursesforhorses, perhaps you could focus your efforts and protests towards the breeders. I agree with you that breeders are in this industry with the hope of reaping financial rewards down the road. However, with that being said, the bettors keep this industry limping along. It is imperative that we “target” that group with the intention of educating them about the horrors of this industry….an industry that maims, and kills, daily.
What you are doing is So necessary…i am thankful that you are trying to stop this horror!….i do not live anywhere near a race track nor have i never been involved with horses or racing…. i had no idea that these beautiful beasts were being subjected to such cruelty…thank you for all your good efforts!
Very good point, Gina. I feel like I’m the one who is usually checking in on the horses I’ve helped rehome. I very rarely hear (in fact – iirc, twice out of approximately 25 horses I’ve helped rehome ) from former owners/trainers to see how their horses are doing nowadays. They washed their hands of the ones that aren’t productive anymore and they walked away from them. So much love for their horses?
Horrifyingly disgusting
Very good analogy Mary.
There are so many horses that we could list here that were DUMPED by their connections, but it would fill a book.
That said, out of all the horrific situations I have experienced, and seen there is no other better example to support this comment then DR DRIP – a multiple stakes winner of 62 races!!
Ran his ass-off for his owners, and when he could no longer bring in the bucks for them, when his feed/operating expenses began to exceed his revenue – DUMPED into the claiming ranks, up for sale.
Heartless bastards like they all are.
If this is isn’t worse enough, when he didn’t “sell” on the track they brought him back home in their paddock.
In less than 3 months he was DUMPED like most.
NOBODY not ONE PERSON who made money off of Dr Drip checked up on his well being for almost 3 years.
He ended up with a monster, and the pics are such egregious acts of inhumane treatment on a racehorse I can’t bear to look at the pics – I do, but I just can’t stand it.
However, it’s important to note that the connections of Dr Drip, Anthony AREY, was the sole person responsible for Dr Drip’s decline, then the jockey, then the others, but the owners, and even the breeder never looked back, never checked-up on his well-being.
This is COMMON and TYPICAL racetrack operating procedure.
They had no trouble finding their way into the winners circle to collect their big fat check, but Dr Drip was anything, but fat when they found him.
Covered in maggots eating him alive, battery acid poured on him, entire gaps of unhealed saddle sores, and as recent as 2 days before the seizure this skeleton of a horse was ridden!!
Like a commodity that no longer makes money – DUMPED.
In closing, the rescue that took care of Dr Drip in his final hours supposedly never received ONE DIME or very little from the people who “care” and “love” racehorses.
Like most racehorse rescues it was people who had NOTHING to do with the exploitation that stepped up with $20 or more to provide feed for this fallen hero – another victim of this despicable business.
Mike you are the biggest hypocrite I have yet to encounter. Your ignorance and uneducation is truly unbelievable. You are telling people to educate themselves when you clearly have to be one of the most uneducated people to comment on this post. Do you own horses, have you even been to race stables (not just a spectator on race day either) horse auctions, sale barns, feed lots, slaughter houses, visited rescue organizations that try to save and rehabilitate ex-race horses??? As a horse owner and someone who has assisted with rescuing and rehabilitation of ex-race horses I have seen some of the worst of humanity..The damage that is done to these animals is not only physically but mentally as well. It is one of the cruelest things to encounter. You have not been at a track when a horse has had to be euthanized due to an injury or has been so abused that it is dangerous and has to be euthanized. Thousands of race horses are sent to slaughter in the U.S. alone every year. And when the bill was passed to close a majority of the slaughter houses in the U.S. it actually made it even worse for these poor horses who have endured years of abuse to then be loaded up (50-60) and sometimes more, at a time into semi trucks with injuries and illnesses driven for three to four days straight to Canada and Mexico without being given food or water or care for their injuries. Imagine the distress these poor animals undergo to arrive at the feed lots where there are hundreds in one paddock trying to fight over what little food and water (if it is even offered). Not to mention the condition and practices of the slaughter house themselves – it is so inhumane and inconceivable. All because they either didn’t make money on the tracks or are injured. You don’t have a clue about the practice of “nurse mare foals” – unvalued brood mares are bred at the same time as valuable mares so that when they both foal, the unvalued mare’s foal is literally thrown to the side left to die and replaced with valuable mare’s foal, so that she is able to be sent out to be rebred or return to racing. Thousands of foals die every year because of this practice alone. These horses don’t live in acceptable conditions. Starting horses to race at 1-1.5 years old their bones, joints, tendons and ligaments are not even close to being developed. Horses joints don’t fuse until they are between 7-9 years old depending on the breed. Have you even wondered why so many race horses break their legs running on the track. Especially the 2-3-4 year olds… that’s why. Not to mention the fact that many of these horses never see a paddock or turn out. They go from being in a stall anywhere from 20 hours a day to then being hooked up to an exercise machine, then to the track to be beaten on to run then back to a stall. They are a herd animal, they need turn out and interaction with other horses. The sport is not only physically cruel but mentally as well. The abuse is way more prevalent than not. I have seen these things fist hand… but just do yourself a favor and be the keyboard warrior that you are and do some basic google searches on horse slaughter, feed lots, nurse mare foals, race horse abuse cases, soaring, horse development, race horse rescue leagues, well I could sit here listing plenty of sources of information for you to educate yourself with but I am sure this would just be a waste of time – just responding to your stupidity was probably a waste of time as well but maybe just maybe you could at the least try and respond with some form of intelligent response…
Youre protesting the wrong people. Breeders who use surgury to straighten legs caused tgese injuries. But TRAINERS dont want injuries. I think you need to direct the protests to people who breed tge horses incorrectly and surgically alter them
EUTHANIZE THE TRAINERS- WE CAN INSURE.THEM TO THE MAX. SPIT
Amen, Mary. Well said
Charlotte, I have heard, ad nauseum, over the years that the TB is bred to run/race. The vast majority of the time, the TB is PURPOSEFULLY bred to generate revenue for the horse’s owner. To say it succinctly….the TB is bred to produce revenue. The horse is, therefore, a revenue generator (hopefully). If the horse can’t produce enough revenue/money, it is discarded, just like a stock is eliminated from one’s portfolio. I realize this is a very simplistic explanation, but that is racing’s business model.
Yes, horses need to have time to grow and mature before they are put into a high stress situation where they are required to run at top speeds. However, that will NEVER happen in racing. Remember…the horse exists to produce revenue and a horse standing in a stall, or grazing in a field with the herd, is NOT producing revenue. In fact, that horse is consuming revenue and that does not fit well into racing’s business model. The goal, in most cases, is to get the horse into the starting gate because, unless the horse races, there is no hope of “hitting the board.”
Racing’s business model is one that is followed by every single company in existence. Remember….racing is a business to most of those immersed in this corrupt, and sinister, industry. Even Ms. Maggi Moss has publicly stated that racing is a business to her and the horses in her racing portfolio need to make money (win) or she unloads them. Companies must make money or they simply go belly up. If a product in the company’s portfolio doesn’t produce the required revenue, the company “sells” or “unloads” the product just as horses are “sold” or “unloaded” in racing via claiming races. Now, I have no trouble selling a stock or mutual fund in my investment portfolio that isn’t performing up to my expectations but horses, or any animal for that matter, are living, breathing sentient beings. They aren’t “products” to be bartered like a bar of soap or tube of toothpaste, at least in my eyes. Horses have been a part of my life for well over 50 years and I would rather stick needles in my eyes than to let one end up in a bad situation. Mine aren’t revenue generators. They are revenue consumers and I will do everything in my power to provide them with a good home. Unfortunately, most people don’t feel that way.
S.A- what happened to all those mares and stallions at the breeding farms when they were no longer lucrative breeding machines?
And then they sell them and leave them wide open to the risks of being owned and raced by those “bad folks” you just admitted exist in this unnecessary industry, right S.A. Hazard? In fact, Bill Casner stated the industry is PERMEATED with those who care nothing about the horses’ welfare.
It’s all about making money – of course the horses get good “care” on those breeding farms you speak of! – those animals are “made” like automobiles on assembly lines to be SOLD.
“Love”?…please.
Bill, you trolling scumbag. Your grammar tells us all we need to know about you.
Kathy- you are a blithering fool because clearly you don’t know racing. There is no “room and board” – you don’t pay for stalls at most tracks – they are given to you with the understanding you will enter horses to race. And “entry fees” ? There are none unless you are entering a stakes race. Most American racehorses aren’t stakes racers. So maybe take your angry name- calling hatred and go somewhere else where what you say will actually be pertinent and make sense.
And while we are discussing racehorses that hate racing, Kathy – maybe you should research a horse named “Halos and Angels”. I’m fairly certain she is telling her connections she hates racing. And honestly, she sucks at her job. And yet- there she is at the tracks, most recently at a shithole named Mountaineer. Is she getting a choice in whether she is there or not?
SEE GINA POWELL’S POST ABOVE – ENOUGH SAID
Kathy- “sweetcakes”- as far as racehorses “if they don’t like what they are doing- they won’t do it”- and if a horse “Hates racing- they won’t be seen on the track”- how many are whipped by the starter and jerked around by assistant starters and forcefully loaded by 3 or 4 of them and beaten by the jockey to get into the starting gate??? How many of the racing charts say “balked at loading”, “hesitated into the gate”? I have a horse who hates getting his ears touched because he was ear twisted often to get into a gate! I’ve seen them blindfolded to go in to the gate. Don’t you think maybe this is their way of saying they hate their job?? I’ve seen many gate scratched by the vet because they loaded into the gate then flipped or sat down! Would a horse that loves it’s job need all that to coerce it into the gate?? And as far as the whip- my state and 4 around me with tracks do NOT have whip rules! One of my horses had the crap beat out of him in his last race – getting hit both on the rump and the shoulder- I watched it first hand- and the jockey pulled him up right after the finish line and had him vanned ” because he was sore”!! So the jockey knowingly beat the crap out of a sore horse! In reality – the horse rebowed a tendon. Can you imagine the searing pain of a tendon tearing in your leg as your running, and yet someone is beating you to run more?? And a former jockey I knew used to brag about how he ” had a strong whip hand” and would whip his horses bloody in a race!
And finally – a “horse that hates racing will never be seen on the track”? I’ve never known one that actually had a choice in the matter. I know all mine prefer the pasture.
Also, Bill- those 90% of trainers that “love” their horses? 90% of the ones I was around – their favorite “term of endearment” for their horses? “That horse is a common piece of shit donkey- fuck him- he needs to go!” I’m feeling the warm and fuzzy from all that “love” for the horse. If I had even the $2 bet money every time I heard that – I’d be a rich person now
Bill…you just said these horses are LOVED – so WHY would all of those loving owners send their beloved horses to the “KILLERS”?!?
Very true, Dan.
The race industry ONLY TEST for specifics in the bloodstream of racehorses. The vets who prerace for the big stables in both sports (harness and thorobred) know the latest concoctions to administer and how many “cc’s ” to give,, so it will take full affect and not be detected at post race tests..
Anyone who has ever held a license to train racehorses know the “juice guys”. The only ones denying it, are the ones practicing these deeds,or are making money off of it in other ways.
Thousands are sent to slaughter now, Bill. But these people “love” the horses they send to slaughter? We had a trainer/ breeder near me who knowingly sent his own horses, that he bred, raised, trained to slaughter! Just because they were injured and broken – and he didn’t want to bother to try to find them homes!
Bill – what are you talking about?? Pass pre- race soundness inspections and drug tests??? I’ve raced at 4 tracks in 3 states and NONE had prerace inspections and drug tests ! And horse racing is legal today and yet thousands of the race horses are STILL sent to slaughter!
Bill – you are wrong. Few racing jurisdictions have precrace exams. Also – there are some drugs that aren’t showing up on post- race tests. And – a lot of trainers gave been dinged drug positives- in fact, for class 1’s even – and are still racing.
Kathy, So I suppose the horses verbally told you that they love it right you moron.
You need to speed your way right off this blog, and take your daughter with you.
To BILL – the delusional apologist.
1. Many people commenting on this blog are ex-horse racing people who have worked on the track in many different capacities. So they know what they are talking about.
2. For those people who have not worked on the track they have more compassion in their baby finger than anybody who upholds this legitimized animal cruelty. You don’t have to get involved with dog fighting to see and know that it’s morally wrong, Same goes for horse racing.
3. Not everybody on this blog are Liberals. In fact, some people commenting here are conservatives, but it’s not about politics. It’s about racehorses DYING for $2 bets and that’ why it needs to shut down.
4. “Royal treatment.” You would have to check your mental state Bill to refer to DYING IN THE DIRT as “royal treatment” or you would have to redefine the word exploitation,.
5. ANYBODY who supports/participates in this business doesn’t “love” racehorses. They love what they can get from them which is nothing more than exploiting a non-consenting sentient being for financial gain.
6. “Love” you say Bill? “Care”???? You can’t possibly “love” or “care” for a racehorse when you are subjecting them to the daily operating procedures of this business and EVERY SINGLE trainer partakes or enables the ongoing doping, whipping/beating, running with chronic issues, confinement, DUMPING, and/or dying.
There is no trainer that doesn’t do one, some or all of the above to their racehorses.
Ex-insider, who used to be an exercise rider for the top trainers in this country often comments on this blog, and I’ve verified that he was indeed an ER on the track for years.
He posted that EVERY SINGLE TRAINER, at some point, has sent a SORE horse out to the track that is in pain, and suffering.
This is certainly not “caring,” this is trying to get every single drop of juice out of them, squeezing them for their own gain, and it’s despicable, unacceptable, and it will be shut down.
Furthermore, you can’t continue to uphold this animal cruelty PLUS know that you will be DUMPING that horse at some point either into the claiming ranks or at the kill auctions.
Every single trainer has DUMPED at least 1 of their horses at some point into the claiming ranks to further subject them to abuse knowing that they are handed them over to someone who will risk their life and limbs,
This is not “caring” or “loving” this is inhumane treatment of a racehorse.
So I suggest your family looks into some other business where it doesn’t involve animal cruelty, abuse, suffering and/or DYING in the dirt for $2 bets.
NO STOP NOW , MONEY GRABBING BUGGERS
You should worry more about the heroin addicts in up-
state New York than horses….If you cared as much about humans as animals the world would be a better place…..
Bred to race but raced too young. They need to wait till they’re 4 before putting a rider on them.
Most people are too stupid to know this Suzanne. They think the horses are bred to race so they should be racing as soon as they’re two.
STUPID SPORT!!! THEY START THE HORSES TOO DAMNED YOUNG!!! THEY SHOULD WAIT TILL THEY’RE FOUR BEFORE EVEN PUTTING A RIDER ON THEM.
Take your head out of your ass Mike..no babies are killed…..zygotes are stopped from developing. .HUGE difference…besides wrong topic for cruelty to horses….go back to your conservative web site.
You are incorrect about the knees. All horses are x-ray’d to see when they are closed. I don’t know 1 person /trainer who doesn’t X-ray and I know a lot. you will completely ruin a horse .. any horse.. if you don’t know if they are closed or not.
Bravo….Well Said!!!! And Very True!! It’s all about the money., fancy hats, a ribbon around their neck. It doesn’t take a highly skilled person to hang on to a thousand pound running horse while in motion. A Monkey could do it. And That would be abuse too!!! It’s truly about That dollar or Millions of Dollars. I personally know a few disgusting people who applaud racing and horse sports of all kinds. They are pure STUPID. Id love to put 120lbs on their back make them jump over 6ft objects n whip them for a few miles. Im sick of all this. My heart goes out to all the ponys. Im against any animal sport.
Agreed
It is not about how well they are looked after, hell Greyhounds are also until they can’t win, but how those horses are bred.
yes! time to end the egomaniacal barbarism!
Not athletes. Commodities, pieces of property being exploited for selfish human ends.
Love your comment
They race them at too young an age. Bones are not strong enough for the work effort. Leave them till they are 4 before racing.
How about triple crown winner American Pharoah? Secretariat and Zenyatta? You probably have no clue who these athletes are
Horseracing is not a sport and cannot be made better. It must – it will – go the way of the circus and SeaWorld.
Save a horse,ride a cowboy. I am not making light of this in anyway.This is outrageous. Why isn’t this considered animal cruelty,just like all the other things people do to animals for their entertainment? Fighting dogs,roosters,and then there is ,just,plain abuse,neglect,etc. This kind of stuff makes me sick. How about the Romans and putting people in the lion’s den. Not only animals do humans destroy,but,even,their own kind!!!!! Our Lord and Savoir was crucified for loving us. This human race is screwed up,big time.No respect for life,which is a miracle ,in itself….
I Agree any horses dying is awful, however instead of banning the sport why don’t we try to make it better Don’ t allow them to race until they Are older, breed them strongerlegged not so skinny so they fracture easit! I owned a horse and she was taken care of. better then I was . I lost lots of money but I loved that horse and she was pampered as many of them are! If we get rid of another of horses jobs we are making.them obsolete , then what , extinction or dinner no thanks! They love to run it’s part of their nature.
Deanna Jerge
Our wild horses are being murdered and butchered. Our race horses are killed by drugs and the young ones are run into the ground. We must stop this crazy destruction before our most precious of icons – the horse is no longer on this earth.
All for the sake of entertainment & financial gain at the expense of these animals. Why can’t they do what is right, have a conscience to make sure the animal is mature & ready to perform. If they must do it, do it right! I am just against any form of animal abuse, and prefer to not participate.
Regarding the “bad” trainers, “people know who they are” – and THEN what? What happens? Are their stalls taken? – obviously not because you just acknowledged they are there! Are they not allowed to claim your horses? – nope!
Nothing about putting non-consenting horses at an increased risk of injury and death for betting entertainment is justifiable. Not one thing.
Not everyone in racing is bad, but all are in it for selfish reasons (money, ego). In other words, they’re not racing horses for horses. So spare us the “not me/not mine” garbage. Horseracing, when all the impassioned rhetoric is stripped away, kills horses. Lots of them. And for nothing more than lousy $2 bets.
For everyone on here who is saying “it’s all about money” or “it’s all trainers” or any all encompassing statements like those, it’s false. Not everyone who has horses treats them poorly. Not all race track trainers start them super young, not all owners care only about money. I have very spoiled horses who live the best life. I don’t start my horses till they are 3 or 4 and then only lightly. I work as an Equine Body Worker and do massage, accupressure and osteopathy on horses. Don’t go telling me that all horse people are bad and don’t care about the welfare of their horses. Sure, some trainers are bad, but at the tracks, people know who they are in the backstretch. I worked for 3 seasons on horses there making sure that they were able to run at their best on a physiological level. Some injuries are unavoidable though and they are always tragic to everyone who knows that horse or who has worked with or on them. Implying that all people in these industries are corrupt is blatantly self-serviing.
Many race horses are already suffering from former injuries that makes their legs weak and prone to further and worse injury, and these cases, resulting in non-use. The investors have the horses insured so if the horses are no longer able to “do their job,” they can be put down and they receive their “mortality” insurance payoff. There are not enough regulations because it is a big money-making industry.
Agreed
Agreed
It’s all about money. nobody gives a shit about the animals.
In total agreement
This is a very ignorant and broad response. I have competed my entire life in the sport of Eventing and have worked with top trainers all around the world and I have not seen one of their horses that didn’t love what they do, were completely spoiled, and were extremely happy. I think there are good and bad people in every sport whether they are associated with animals or not. I think you should do more research before making these offensive comments.
Stop supporting these horrible events. Stop going! Eventually., they’ll be shut down if people stop paying. Think of what the animal endures and the pain it goes through.
Yup. I support, i agree with you.
Its a animal cruality. Stop it. Its shamefull.
They train and run these babies to early not waiting till bones are mature
Stop the animal abuse in the name of the almighty dollar!! These horses are still babies !!
No, they most certainly are NOT the “whole story”, Bridget Hofler – the whole story includes the countless low-level claimers who run with nagging injuries, who stand in urine-soaked stalls for hours and hours, who are passed from barn to barn and trainer to trainer as they drop down the claiming system, who endure intra-articular corticosteroid injections into failing joints, who WILL – as nearly 100% of all racehorses will – find themselves no longer wanted by their racing connections before they even reach an equine’s prime age…and if they could, PRAYING their racing owner can find a loving, forever home or a rescue that isn’t over-loaded and under-funded…because it IS inevitable that nearly every single racehorse (and I’m being generous to racing by saying “nearly”) WLL find themselves without a home. And the majority? – with some soundness issue.
I don’t care what horses have brought to your life or to my own, for that matter – not if they endured what was cruel or unnecessary in the process. And horse racing IS unnecessary – it holds an incredibly increased risk of injury and death for the horses that never gave consent for their bodies and very lives to be used for entertainment purposes…nor for those who make their living off their labors.
They are amazing, amazing beings…even after nearly three decades of sharing my heart and home with my own equine family members – including ex-racehorses – I never tire of just observing them and being in their presence. To acknowledge what an unnecessary gambling industry does to so many who are damaged, crippled, killed and slaughtered – all in the name of sport – literally brings me to my knees on too many days.
It. Is. Animal. Abuse.
Shut this freaking place down!
I am a 57 year old event rider. I galloped race horses in my youth, and have trained, raised and competed horses literally for 52 years. The racing industry does in fact have its flaws-as does every industry. However, to state that ALL trainers and EVERYONE involved in it are abusers etc is uninformed and simply uneducated.
I have a 21 year old horse who has now retired with me-sound-after a lengthy career as an eventer. When he competed he had barometric oxygen treatments, a chiropractor, acupuncture, an internist vet and a sports medicine vet. He never took a lame step in his life and never colicked. He was made to have as enjoyable life as any horse could. I can honestly say he loved his job, and when he retired became depressed. His new “job” is going for long walks under saddle 6 days a week and enjoying his life. He will die in my care, and he will die sound and happy. I know many race trainers who give their horses turn out, time off when sore and who go to great lengths to ensure that if they don’t make it to the track or aren’t successful, they end up in good show homes, or simply as a family pet for a young girl. Here in Lexington Ky we have several rescues that work with trainers and owners to ensure that these horses have a soft place to land when they don’t make it. Sheik Mohammed himself, who owns several farms here and abroad, will spend money on his “throw aways” to get them sound and happy and then donate them to a rescue or finds them homes as show horses. These are multi million dollar horses that become priceless to a young rider.
Please do not condemn everyone who races or shows horses. We, like every other section of society- have our good and responsible members, as well as our bad apples. I know out of my friends who I grew up with, I am the only one who rode. I am also the only one who graduated, went to law school and made something of themselves. I attribute that to horses and what they have taught me. The 11 deaths at Saratoga and the 2000 equine deaths world wide are tragic, and maybe even unnecessary – but they are not the whole story.
This is too sad for words .i will never go to a horse race again! If people stopped going maybe it would send a message to the greedy owners . These beautiful horses deserve better. I don’t think God is happy about what man is doing to his animals and I’m not either😢
Close it down!!!!! Not worth it. Terrible!
Thank you for the emphasis on this horrible sport it’s cause nothing but destruction even in homes I remember my mother being upset that my father would go off to play the horses even though he didn’t spend much ,It caused division in my family .
Well, I hope all u owners and jokes are happy! Now you all can collect your big insurance money for running these beautiful animals to their death! That’s way too many that have died! It needs to stop! Dog races too! Your all a bunch of idiots!
You are absolutely right Oscar! Especially these horses! It is a lot of stress on them! There should be no horse or dog races!
Can we stop assuming that PETA gives a shit about animals? Their form of Ethical treatment is “euthanasia”. They run an animal shelter here in VA Beach and it may as well be a damn slaughter house – kill rate sitting 80-90% + per year (thousands of Animals slaughtered).
Racing horses doesn’t seem cruel; pumping them full of drugs to race is horrible (and cruel).
They have to start way too young.
They cannot grow up and live on pastures what strengthens muscle, tendon, ligaments
Obstacles in horse racses are not save as horses run in a pulk and if distances are not fitting they get down or injured – no welfare!!!!
A horse should not be raced befor 5 years old. This way there’s time to grow up healthy and become stronger for races.
No more obstacles in races
Racehordes should kept on pastures or huge paddocks between the races it strenghtens their ligsments and tendons as well muscles
Racehorses should be awarded higher for many race km in a saint state than winning in just one race and make a lot of money
Race tracks with death of horses has to reduce the risk and if more than 2 death in a year this track has to become forbidden.
Horse races are a sport. In a sport the welfare of the athlete comes always first.
In horse races the sport became unsaint andf the money is on a higher level than the athlet – this is totally wrong – life is not just about money – first – life is about living and money is coming secondary.
This is how the world should become and the sports too – here explicit the race sport -3- day eventer shows that under the right circumstances a high level horse athlet can life a long healthy life.
Good point.,Too much emphasis on speed. Their is no logical reason for it.
That is a crazy and stupid statement. Stupid and you have no idea what you are talking about.
If you’re not a vegetarian then you’re a hypocrite.
Well said Brenda brown !
Money (jobs) has no place in a question of morality. And to be clear, as a rule when a horse is euthanized after breaking down it is necessary – the right thing to do for the animal. This goes to the anatomy of a horse; they are not good candidates for surgery/rehabilitation on broken legs.
Please take the time to read this, Lynda – https://horseracingwrongs.com/the-inevitability-of-dead-racehorses/
So sad. There is no value in life but the purse.
Totally agree Oscar. The problem isn’t just with domestic animals like dogs and horses, but also with wildlife like elephants, big cats, and bears who have only known life in the circus arena. ❤️😢❤️
I truly am against animal crulity and racing all together on the other hand we have to look at the economy what this bring to the town in Saratoga spring it’s the only time of year we actually bank in the restaurant industry also bring thousands of track jobs and people to the area with out the racing it would just be another town Aeneid the money to support our family’s and town but on the other hand they need to stop putting the hourse to sleep and give the a chance to be adopted and rehabilitated properly I’d even adopt a few it’s bull shit they never get that opportunity and are put down at the track that should be completely illegal and be no different than murder because that’s what it is but do we need the racing and the fans absolutely or it would put thousands out of work and on the street !
It is and has always been about the money. The cost to raise, train and eventually race an animal is astronomical. It is only for the very rich. And, for owners, it is their hobby, not their livelihood The return, if at all, is minimal compared to the investment and so the motivation has become financial, and at any risk to the animal, because insurance will cover the price of the dead horse . Horses are pushed beyond physical ability and capability and limits at a very young age. They are not given the time to mature and grow as they should. If injured they are not given appropriate recovery time. They are Injected with synthetic drugs to accelerate healing and cover physical flaws and ailments. And so the animal breaks down. And when they can no longer run they end up in rescues, if they’re lucky.
Next time you go to the track, think about that. How would you like to run at three years old with 100 pounds strapped to your back, having your ass whipped in 100 degree heat.?
There needs to be an investigation as to why the beautiful horses are dying in almost the same manner and reason. It sounds like they are selfishly being expected to do as far as a horse can make these maneuvers. I say close the damn racetrack down and have the Humane Society and the racing commission find out what is the cause of the similarities in injuries.
Mr. Thomas, your lack of education is quite evident in your “little repulsive paragraph.” Better treatment than those who protest? Either you are delusional or incredibly ignorant. By the way, protesting is part of our culture and it is a peaceful way to stand for what we believe in. I have protested against puppy mills because the mill dogs do NOT get better treatment than I do. If you think they do, then you desperately need to grow up.
And? Asians have always eaten dog…it’s dinner. Spaniards have always tortured bulls…it’s sport. Just because it’s always been done doesn’t make it right.
Where do we send our letters of outrage?
I am not a member of PETA, I happen to have one of these throw away ponies in my back yard, horse has the biggest heart, he happened to belong to a good trainer/owner, but unfortunately wasn’t making them money, due to an injury caused by a cruel act……allowing under developed bones to run, and run……so I say a BIG F you, to YOU……you are clueless redlobo, or whoever you are
These horses are still babies. We know and they all know. It’s breaking my heart🤧
Animal cruelty is hitting and miss yes of animals. So why is wiping a animal that is doing its best not abuse? They may live to race but they sure don’t get any credit for it , just more beatings. Cruelty!!!! Any thing for money, the route to all evil.
I agree with another person who has commented. Take the damn whips away from the jockeys. Let the horses run on their own merit. I hope “authorities” will investigate this as animal abuse. If we hit other animals like that we would be in jail.
Extreme positions are only hurting the attempts to win the support of horse lovers who are in the sports, but kindly. There are many horse sports in which the horses are happy family members. Lots of horse sports pros and fans want to see minimum age limits on racing. These babies should not yet be backed, let alone raced. Don’t guarantee failure with absolutes.
Very mature.
If you knew any thing. You would also know P.ETA was corrupt and pretended to love animals.
I will agree, not all trainers. But 90% of the industry is about the all mighty Dollar.
Horse racing is, and always has been, corrupt. You suckers can’t wait to part with your money for the excitement of watching your horse lose by a nose to the one that’s meant to win, who had been held back til the very last second to make it seem like an actual race. Obviously, it’s considered a stroke of luck if said horse breaks down before that happens. That being said, it’s beginning to look like the odds of your winning under these circumstances are improving. Don’t be too proud…….genius.
People have raced horses for many many years ,it has always been a sport
Thank You for educating some on here that are not equine savvy.I start my colts as three year olds just to ride and start the barrel training when they show me they are mentally and physically mature enough.I’m not in to futurities as I feel the animal can’t take the rigors of training and continue on for a long future of it.This is my own personal preference
Sadly this “sport” is now totally by $ and seems to be becoming a blood sport.
Too many unnecessary deaths due to broken legs on babies. Yes babies. Let these horses mature and develop bone mass and maybe, just maybe, the numbers would go down if not be eliminated. Racing industry is all about money not the horses.
The sooner the entire corrupt web of Illinois racing shuts down the sooner I can celebrate on behalf of the horses.
Furthermore, the government has finally figured out that they can run casinos, make tons of money to divert into the taxpayers coffers NOT the cruel, and abusive horse racing business.
Neither the government, the taxpayers and most sane, compassionate people need or want horse racing.
It’s on the way out, and it will be greatly reduced in the near future, and subsequently shut down.
Moreover, it’s only a matter of time before racetrack owner/operators in conjunction with pro-horse entities get SUED into the ground for violation of First Amendment Rights and for defrauding the public with their claims that horses just “love to run.”
Jockeys and/or stable workers should sue the connections of racehorses when they get hurt, and subpoena the medical records to finally hold these assholes accountable.
This will all come to fruition, and the racehorses will have their day.
Horse racing has finally lost their social license for their cruel, abusive, and inhumane treatment of racehorses for the sole purpose of generating billions in profit.
I’m all for profit, and being successful, but not at the expense of a non-consenting sentient being.
In the meantime, we will be a watchdog and a voice for these racehorses who are dying in the dirt.
RedLobo – whatever your name is.
Not all people who support this site are members of PETA.
The mandatory operating procedures of doping, whipping/beating, confining, maiming, dumping, and/or dying is what every single trainer takes part in – to what extent depends on the trainer.
Every single horse is subjected to this abusive treatment, and this is most definitely harmful especially when it most often results in DYING to the tune of 2000 racehorses per year.
This is despicable, and I can guarantee you that if the horses could talk they would be saying fuck you to all the people in the horse racing business including you RedLobo.
The problem is where the big payout is. They put the big purses on 2 and 3 year olds. A horse grows and developes their bones until they are they are 5. Put the bigger payout stakes races on the 5 and 6 year olds and let the younger ones grow and mature. These horses DO get the best of care, they just are not mature enough to run like this that young.
That is beyond very sad.I haven’t been to Saratoga racing for sometime lost interest in racing horses. I felt some of the jockeys held their horses back which I noticed .so they wouldn’t win it was Rigged for sure 😠
You have blinders on like the horses. What is good about cruelty? This is a bullshit sport for the wealthy. Lots of animals suffer. All about the money.
Good let it end. Cruelty and all. Go back to growing corn for money.
So true. Same for the workers and jockeys, really. Definitely not all fancy hats and mint juleps…
2,000 dead horses a year on American tracks. Defend that.
2,000 dead horses a year on American tracks. Defend that.
You don’t do anything with animals do you? Do you realize the showing prospects that keep our kids off the streets and help the disabled are labeled sports. Do yourself a favor before you open mouth go and do with animals and then let me hear what you have to say!
You people need to grow up and educate yourselves on how well these horses are treated and looked after. They get better treatment than people like you who protest. I have zero tolerance for ignorance. Furthermore, the lack of education reflected in this small little paragraph is repulsive.
Agreed
It does not surprise me at all that these deaths have happened. It has been ungodly hot much of this summer and they run those poor horses anyway. The horse is running as fast as it can and they are still whipping it to go faster! It is nothing but animal cruelty as far as I am concerned. What can they expect but that horses are going to die. They are living, breathing creatures with limitations, but that doesn’t seem to matter. MONEY MONEY MONEY !!! That is all it is all about. To hell with the horses and their health.
Horseracing will not “all of a sudden be banned.” It will be a gradual process; with that, will come less breeding, making the final population manageable (i.e., able to be adopted out).
EXACTLY !!!
Absolutely heartbreaking. This needs to stop. It’s all about the almighty dollar. Leave these animals alone.
Couldn’t agree with you anymore,Oscar! And very well spoken! I don’t know much about horse racing, and while reading this article, I was wondering how many people actually knows what these horses go through, if more people knew, then there’s a better chance that it would stop.
People get hit by buses all the time…….
Wow.
Greg – they would be sold for slaughter, you say? What loving, responsible individuals who treat these horses like family members or kings and queens would send their beloveds to be BUTCHERED?!?! And not enough homes? – well, that’s what all racehorses when they’re done being raced need even now – with the racing industry still cranking out more horses, injuring them and using them up. Isn’t that right?
Yes, you’re right that racehorses are sent to slaughter – the BS that they’re beloved family members is a lie.
I would Like to See this Headline At Every Racetrack in the Country
ILLINOIS RACING: ON THE BRINK OF DESTRUCTION
8/7/2017
Rozner: Illinois bumbles while horse racing crumbles
What was once a billion-dollar industry in Illinois — encompassing the tracks, breeders, horsemen and agribusiness that supports racing in so many ways — is shrinking by the day as neighboring states take advantage of the disaster that is Illinois politics.
“We’re very concerned about horse racing in this state. It’s very, very fragile right now,” said Arlington Park general manager Tony Petrillo. “It’s on the brink of destruction.”
It took decades to create a gambling bill, and when the state managed to get a pair of bills passed, former Governor Pat Quinn inexplicably vetoed both.
Already in significant trouble because surrounding states have casinos at their racetracks, Illinois horse racing quickly began to collapse.
“The states that have gaming are taking advantage of us,” Petrillo said. “Owners, breeders and trainers are leaving Illinois in droves.
“We have a historic low number of horses on the backstretch as all those folks leave for the states that have slots and table games at their facilities.
So while horse racing crumbles, Illinois bumbles and neighboring states steal revenue and jobs.
A game that was once so great is nearing the end, and if something isn’t done soon it will most certainly come to an end.
https://www.dailyherald.com/sports/20170807/rozner-illinois-bumbles-while-horse-racing-crumbles
I think is time ALL sports that involve animals should be banned for life, is complete cruelty and ignorance and disgust what these people Put these animals thru, we should use humans instead because we are the true animals that invented these bullshit “sports”, so, to anyone that owns an animal that is involved in a sport, go fuck yourself!
Not only are these horses insured to the max..the breeders churn out thousands that never make it to the races..the rescues are full of these animals that are headed to slaughter…I’m a former trainer .the whole industry is corrupt. Only dollars matter to the owners.
That’s a bit harsh, and your thought on this is NO BETTER, and perhaps WORSE than the ones you “accuse” of this stuff; ” athe only difference is that you WANT these people to die. You should be ASHAMED!
you are correct Donna. Their Kneeds haven’t even closed. They (the industry) should make them WAIT at least 3 years to race. 2 yo is ABUSE.
What actions can we as pubic can take to stop this tragedy
Joy Aten, many or most would be sold for slaughter. There aren’t enough homes for the retired ones now. Banning racing would be signing their death warrant.
Give this man the Cupie doll!!! He gets it!!
I believe it’s what you don’t see in where the problem exists. Preracing of these animals is the main culprit. Behind closed stall doors of the horses, where trainers and vets do their dastardly deeds.
Hope horse racing stops. It won’t stop instantly but breeding race horses will diminish. It seems that 20 – 30 years ago, breakdowns didn’t happen in such high volume. No doubt this is because of all the current medications etc., that are given these poor, young animals that causes them. It is brutal, cruel and should stop.
Exactly, SD. TY.
Unfortunately, it’s this apathetic mindset that enables the continued abuse of all defenseless and voiceless living beings. There are many worthy causes – a single individual cannot battle them all. So CHOOSE your cause, speak up, educate, make a difference and help to stop the senseless abuse of those who simply want to live!
I’ve been around many race tracks and riding horse farms. The race horses are taken much better care of. The neglect most riding horses get is sad.
What do YOU think would happen to them Greg? – if it was banned “over night”?
The occupation of training and racing horses is a talent that has been given to certain individuals, just like any other God given talent in other areas of an individuals expertise.
These horses were put on this earth to compete, they are athletes! The problem is that it’s always the greed of mankind that allows and brings about the decay of everything that is good in society..
The racing and wagering boards MUST be held responsible!!!! They are the ones that are supposed to govern and oversee this injustice that has been ever so prevelent since the early 1980’s!!
The abuse of administered enhance performance drugs along with pain killers is the prime reason we are seeing these career ending injuries and euthanizations..
Racing horses at 2 and three, when they are not physically mature enough aggravates the problem that much more..
The industry MUST invest the time and money to strictly start testing for these drugs that will inevitably cause the horses to break down and/or be euthanized..
Leading trainers with the biggest barns of horses need to be targeted firstly. Track vetenerians who are administering these drugs to these trainers need to be strictly fined and or have their license revoked!!
Here lies the main issue in dealing and taking care of the problem!
What do you think would happen to all the horses if horse racing was all of a sudden banned?
As a horse owner for over 30, I do understand both sides of many comments. Horses do run have you ever turned a horse out in a pasture, they tear ass with joy, bucking, rearing having a blast! They are 1k+/- pound animal they may hit the ground unevenly which can put strain on bones and muscles. I personally have been to Saratoga not for horse racing, other equine activity but the race track was resurfaced this spring! The excercise track was not! Most of these race horse I feel are to young and have not fully developed causing to much stress on their young bones. Most horses that are uthenised are for the humane outlook on quality of its future. Does anyone know what the follow up for a broken bone in on a horse? Over a year of stall rest providing they make it thru surgery where many horses injury themselves in post op! Even after a year of recovery the horse maybe in pain still. In any discipline of equine actives injuries can happen! A ranch horse could break its leg chasing a cow, a hunter or jumper can land wrong from a jump and break something. Should we stop dog agilities because dogs tear tendons running and jumping at crazy speeds? Do we stop 4h kids from showing their prized chicken it could get a leg stuck in cage and break it? I’m not trying to start more argument over this. I feel horse racing is part of our American history in the horse world I just feel that there should be a minimum age that they can step foot into the gates or be able to breeze! Do people know a thoroughbred born in August is a year old come January 1st so it could be training as little as 1 1/2 old! Bones aren’t strong! Let them grown strong on their own in a pasture playing at their own risk, run them as 4 year olds.
Shut them down. These horses are dead because of greed money.
Yea, Stephanie- they are so “loved”. At the low level claiming track I worked at – once many trainers found out I was trying to rehome as many of the tb’s as I could – I would get harassed and threatened by them to “hurry up and find a home” for the injured cast-offs- or “they would be gone”. And if I couldn’t, they would disappear. That’s just so much “love” right there!
Nick -in what other “sport” are athletes followed during the “sport” by a doctor with a drug cocktail to kill them after they are injured? Because at most tracks – the state vet does follow the racers in a truck during the race to put them to death right away when they break down! And in what other “sport” are the athletes followed with an ambulance- as racehorses are in each race -to pick up the injured/ killed jockey when the horse falls out from under them doing 45mph? Yea so beautiful and glamorous “sport”, huh?
Thank You Madam for your honest straightforward comments. It’s nice to see rational comments with constructive suggestions.
Wow! The ignorance on here is astounding! “These people should die the same way these horses die!” By being humanely euthanized? I agree! We should be able to euthanize humans that are suffering. I love horses, I have been in the horse industry for 30 years. Not racing though I have known many people in the racing industry and I can tell you they love their horses more than anything. Furthermore, most race horses love what they do. If they don’t love it, they don’t do it. The problem is that small breeders breed for quantity not quality because it’s too expensive to breed for quality. Stud fees on well bred, proven race horses are astronomical. However, even with excellent bloodlines, injuries do happen. Just like any other sport. And unfortunately, equine surgery is expensive (not covered by most insurances) and recovery is not the same as it is with humans. I do agree that injuries resulting in euthanasia are unfortunate, but I don’t think that that means racing should be stopped all together. We’ll never stop playing football because players get injured and some don’t ever get to play again. We can’t all just keep them as pets and wrap them in bubble wrap so they don’t ever get hurt. Unfortunatly. I as well as every other horse owner I know would love for their equine besties to never get a scratch but that is unrealistic. If you want to take all the worlds horses and give them shelter, food, vetting, farrier, dentist and everything else they need and keep them safe from all harm, go ahead and give it a try. But horses break their legs playing in pastures. They get diseases. No one is perfect. Race tracks aren’t an evil villain. Ignorance is.
That is NOT a valid point. Why does caring for animals leave no room for humans in your mind? We can do both. Unless we are idiots.
Wow, you all are really rather unrealistic about horses, animals in general, and life altogether.
You choose to focus on Horse Racing, and 2,000 deaths.
In France,people eat horses,in China they raise, not just dogs, but Golden Retrievers to eat!
99% of horses with a broken leg can not be saved. Horses must stand to live. A horse starts running the second day of it’s life, because it wants to!
I have had a baby flip in the pasture and break her neck, running for her own enjoyment, being a horse. I have had a mare, along with three pasture mates hit by lightning while grazing on grass during an unexpexcted pop up storm.
I hope you all don’t watch any sports, football (brain,injuries), car racing (crashes causing death), etc.
Go find a way to save starving animals, or children. Abused or abandoned children or animals. I hope you are all vegetarians and wear rubber shoes, or is it only horses you love, not all animals? Humans are animals too! How many die of gunshots, drug overdoses, poverty. Put your valuable time to good use, take a class in statistics, helpc the poor, the elderly, the sick. There are millions, now that is a high number.
Racehorses are in most all circumstances are treated to daily vet care, the best of food, dental care, foot care, supplements, grooming, shelter at a cost no less than $3,000.00 per month per horse. They are deeply loved and cared for by all involved, with the exception of very few, no different than other animals or people that are treated poorly by very few.
Your comments are so full of manure that you need to go stick your head in some.
Maybe that will put some sense into your moronic brain, and heartless soul.
Firstly, many supporters of this blog have worked in the industry. We are well aware of what goes on behind the security gates where their dark deep secrets are kept hidden until now.
Seondly, horses DO run in extreme heat. You are stupid if you think otherwise. For example, Gulfstream Park is run in the hottest days where temperatures exceed 100 F with the humidity factored in. This is no place for a horse to be exerting high level energy. In fact, domestic pets are kept indoors during this extreme heat let alone being pumped up with Lasix, dehydrated, and then run.
Secondly, these horses are NOT treated royally as you claim. Nor are they “born to run” as you claim. If they loved what they do so much then why do you have to beat/whip them to run? It seems obvious to a normal person that beating any living creature is not only animal cruelty, but inhumane treatment as well.
Then there is the intense confinement, the doping cocktails, the chronic lameness that is all evident on these hell holes. So this is not treated a horse good unless you are mentally deranged which you seem to be.
Finally, nobody has to be involved in order to comment. Most normal people don’t support dog racing or dog fighting all the same as horse racing only the victim is different.
People like you should be beaten to run out on that dirt in 100+ temperatures with a dose of Lasix in you – see how you like it.
Then we will see if your comments change, and I bet they would.
It’s so easy to say things when you are not the victim.
These are non-consenting sentient beings who are nothing more than profit slaves whom are DUMPED when they are finished maiming them for the most part.
This is a despicable, repulsive cruelty circus, and death camp that needs to go, and it will.
There is no amount of bullshit coming out of your mouth that will convince people otherwise.
Put your energy into the horses that you supposedly “love” and go to the nearest kill auction where you will find plenty of DUMPED standardbred and thoroughbreds there, but get our your wallet because most have special needs that translates to thousands in vet bills.
We know this all too well.
The fatality rate at Saratoga is much lower than most tracks. The breakdowns are most likely caused by poor development in early life or physical issues which are not discovered until pressure is put upon the animal. The industry is very much aware of these issues.
It is happening at Saratoga at alarming rates. Maybe the track is to hard. Lots of leg injuries. I agree with you 100 percent.
You are absolutely correct. NYRA resurfaced the track. Something is wrong. Horses rarely breakdown when they breeze.
Thank you! I’ve been waiting for someone with common sense to chime in.
Amen to that!
The breakdown rate is higher on the flat (Thoroughbred/QuarterHorse) tracks. That said, I report on all kills, including the harness variety.
I report facts here. Horseracing kills horses, lots of them – upward of 2,000 annually on American tracks alone. And for nothing more than $2 bets. Indefensible.
Good comment, Mike !!! I too am very dismayed over abortion ! It truly makes me sick !!! But my heart also goes out for these defenseless animals…all animals. To cause pain and suffering for any life is truly….UNFORGIVEABLE !!!!!!
The people that are addicted to trying to win money from their horses need to go to the same treatment clinics that drug addicts go to. It’s an addiction.
you’re high
No one runs their horse in extreme heat. These horses cost more than your house. No one is going to send their investment out there to suffer. We jog starting at 15 minutes after dawn. It’s a miracle and one of the most beautiful sites you will ever see. Do yourself a favor and go to the track around 5:45 and feel the magic.
Ruffian in the 70’s. I will never be the same after seeing that. It’s not the world. It’s one devastating moment in history. People get hit by buses all the time. There must be a horrible video of that happening somewhere out there. Doesn’t mean I should stay in the house.
Probably not. The difference is now we are aware of it.
Horses love to run. Colic kills and race horses are generally well cared for.
Amen.
Loved the pacers I groomed. I got up at 5 in the morning to care for them, groom them and jog them around the track. The 3 horses I cared for would wait for me every morning. They were like my well loved puppies..I’d spend the whole day with them. How many folks posting raging statements actually care for horses themselves? It’s a sacred honor and a true partnership. I’ve pulled carriages and hay wagons in and out of barns and around the farm. They are on wheels and move fairly easily. Note that pulling horses tend to live to be as old a 40. Nice ripe age for a horse.
Sinful sport running babies before their knees close (age 3). I love horses, train and show them, but LOATH the flats.
My ex-husband found a pile of horse insurance policies when he worked at a questionnable claims company. The owner let his two grown boys use whatever accounts they wanted to buybuybuyspendspendspend….
Have you ever spent time in the barns? Talked with the grooms? I’ve groomed for pacers. I loved my horses. I’ve worked with horses since I was 12 on the farm. I grew up in 4H, I’ve worked with warm bloods, I’ve worked in vets offices and as a naturalist. Groom love their horses. We/They may not always be perfect, just saying that the above statement is not at all accurate.
Watch the video of Ruffian. You will never be the same..
So odd. Grooms to owners love their horses. No one is more heartbroken when their hope and joy dies. Condolences to all who have suffered this year.
They may not be able to race again but is euthanizing them really the answer? Rehab them and let the enjoy being a companion horse. My daughter would love one!
many of them aren’t as loving as you think they are & will bite or kick you the first chance they get. Horses are not cuddly bunnies. Horses kill people every year just as dogs do.
Have you ever seen a pulling team? They love the sport & some of these same horses are used on farms for logging or other labor. Once a team is harnessed & see the pulling sled they get extremely excited & will prance around waiting to hear the draw bar ring clang on the hook when connected. They then dig in & pull to get the sled moving & are sometimes hard to get them to stop because they enjoy the pulling just as a weight lifter does. Carriages & buggies are very light weight & are just as easy for a horse to pull as it is for you to pull your little red wagon. Heavy wagons like the Budweiser wagon use tandem teams of two with as many as 6 or 8 teams of two connected. Draft horses are extremely powerful & pulling wagons is like child’s play to them.
oh YES many horses; NOT just Racehorses…are insured.
http://www.equineinsurancecenter.com
wrong horses love to run. My daughter had a Morgan that was used for barrel racing. As soon as she saw the barrels in the ring she got excited & was ready run the course pretty much by herself. If she had a novice rider on her back she would not run the barrels. As soon as my daughter got on her she was off running the barrels again. She loved it.
Most hunters do eat what they shoot. The meat is not wasted & usually the meat from these horses will not be wasted either. It will go into dog food as it is high in protein, low in fat.
You can’t retire a horse that is dead because their bodies were abused.
Life if life…
You don’t think production of food makes people money?
Saratoga Raceway is the Harness Track. These poor horses are dying at the Saratoga Racetrack. I rarely if ever hear of horses dying at the Harness track.
A brutal, heartless abusive indulgence by those who have no hearts for these innocent, loving animals. Stop this insanity.
Have you ever worked inside a horse track? these people have a lot of love for their horses! once a horse is hurt from a leg injury, it is very hard for them to come back on. if you ask me i find dog racing more offensive than this topic. horse racing is a beautiful sport. it’s a shame certain trainers and owners abuse the system. but until you have spent copious amounts of time within a track, you will only see this sport as face value cruel. they have a lot of love for these animals. the Vets fight tooth and nail testing horses and checking them routinely to weed out trainers and owners that abuse this system.
I understand what you are saying and I also agree that some breeds love to run and race.
I also HATE seeing horses pulling carriages and plows.
Would you agree that maybe they need to re-assess the track?
I had to google it.
“The fastest workout a horse will accomplish prior to race day is a “breeze”, when a horse will travel approx. 1 furlong in 12 seconds. “. They do this to assess and maintain the fitness of all racehorses.
and where is documentation of that statement? The equine insurance industry for race horses is elite and restricted but it does exist.
What horses love to do is graze on grass and live with their herd mates. Running usually only occurs when they are trying to get away from something.
Yes they are.. There property and worth a lot.
We are willing to protest and get riled over these horses yes they are beautiful and amazing but we have heinous acts of child abusers that go underreport and unprotested. Really
Working out on track with minimal effort.
I love horses. I traveled to Idaho when I was 5 years old. I started to ride horses at my Uncle’s ranch, I was still 5 and riding bareback, it was amazing to ride these animals. But when you ride horses, there is always a chance a horse can take a bad step and get injured. Horse racing the risk is obviously greater. The horse expends a tremendous amount of energy and force, which often results in injuries that can’t be mended, which results in horses being humanly euthanized. It’s really sad, but a part of the sport. Horses are breed to run. I wish we could compare non horse racing fatalities in all aspects, like the horse in your neighbors paddock that plows fields..etc or just people’s pets they ride. I guarantee the numbers of deaths are far more significant than horse racing. Myself or any human that works are at risk to die on the job. Same with are military. During world War 1, 8 million horses died. So if your going to protest go to breeder farms or sales. I go to track often and I hope nothing ever happens to these
horses, but it’s going to happen, unfortunately. If you want to stop horse racing, go buy every horse at track. There are sometimes between 4 thousand horses stabled at each track, buy them all, pay to house and feed them, people can’t bet if no horses to race, and that will be the end of horse racing !!!
Horses die every day turned out in fields, getting kicked by their pasture mates or falling while playing, colicking(the #1 killer of horses) while under the very best care, at every age. Racehorses are doing what horses love to do. Run. Racehorses at Saratoga are beautifully cared for and loved. Please direct your concerns to the Gaited Show Horse industry or donate money to organizations that work with retired racehorses. The ignorance in this article is stunning.
Racehorses are not insured.
Right on!!!!
Awful. I saw a video not long ago of a horse whose leg shattered on half and came apart during a race. I have nightmares about it, it was so horrific. These poor animals.
AMEN!!
Sorry to sound stupid but what is breezing?
this is heart breaking…something is going on
Racing is fine but the performance enhancing treatment is off the hook !
The race is supposed to celebrate the majestic beauty and grace that these hoses give to the world. Not just for the money. This is is just pathetic and sad. These “breeders” and the like don’t give a rats testicle about the beauty that is a thoroughbred horse. Gentleman their blood is on your hands. Karma will come back on you 100 fold.
Bred to have legs that are to thin making them subject to easily breaking
Valid point Mike.
Let’s force these greedy selfish humans to run (in extreme heat no less) and when they break a leg blow them away!! Makes me sick.ANIMAL ABUSE
Close the damn track down! This is bull.
stop killing these majestic animals for your damn fun and gambleing.
STOP THE F—–G RACING AT SARATOGA !!
UNTILL THEY GET THE PROBLEM FIXED !!
YOU STUPID, HEARTLESS B——S
A bunch of wealthy people with money to burn. And they don’t care about anyone or anything but their bank accounts.
*prerace
Again, these horses are being severely abused by their trainers and owners. The synthetic drugs along with other preface concoctions are leading to a majority of them breaking down and being euthanized. It’s not the actual racing of these horses. It is true that many are pushed to early at 2 and three. The New Zealanders are smart and more understanding with their care of starting to racie there horses at four..
Stop the madness ban horse racing
Please stop all racing. You’re just killing innocent horses to satisfy your greed at the expense of these beautiful horses.
This is disgusting. I hope one day all horse/ dog racing is banned. My husbqnds uncle is in the horse racing hall of fame and it makes me sick!
Sounds to me like they need to close that track down.
When we stop killing 30 million human babies every year then I’ll be concerned about a horse
This is getting ridiculous to see every year the poor horses gotta died because people are greedy and worry about money this madness needs to stop people go to prison for animal abuse and leaving your dog in a hot car or neglecting your animals well you people should go to jail to this should be some form of abuse as far as I am concern greedy people I am so sick of these rich people leave these horses alone and stop racing them!!!!!
so sad why hasnt anybody put a stop to this abuse
Omg another one. I am sorry but it is time to end this suffering with these poor horses.
Horse racing will be greatly reduced in the near future, and then its demise will surely follow.
It’s just a matter of time.
I sure hope it happens in my lifetime so that I can celebrate along with the horses.
Should.say rein, not rain
This is so sad. Why is it we humans can’t be entertained without an animal being in the middle of the ring. Dog fights, cock fights, horse racing, hunting, pig races . . . . I can barely begin to name them all. Animals should be used for enjoyment or the production of food. Not for making humans money!
This is so sad. I could never go and watch a race. The jockey whips the poor horse with the rain all the time that it’s racing. It will never stop though. Too much money is made
SHAME ON EVERYONE WHO HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH WHY THESE HORSES DIED!!! UNFORTUNATELY MONEY IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE LIFE OF THESE BEAUTIFUL CREATURES!!! MY BELIEF IS THAT THE OWNERS SHOULD DIE THE SAME WAY THEIR HORSES DID!!!
This is heartbreaking! Saratoga Raceway and the owners should be investigated. Something is terribly wrong!
Sounds like to me the track needs resurfaced real badly. No to say a horse cannot breakdown brezzing . Looks like a lot brake downs yo just brezzing . During a meet to have 6to 7 horse die at 1 track this way . Something reallly smells bad.
Someone needs get their act together. Investors need look in to this now!
Huns race is so messed up !
Killer’s you should be ashamed! !
Horse racing is a midevil brutal sport all race tracks should be closed!!! You should all be ashamed of yourselves! !
This is really bad, I have no words….maybe handlers, trainers, and exercise ppl need bttr qualifications..Sad, these are beautiful, intelligent creatures..!!!
This needs to stop.. Stop racing horses and killing them.. Do you have to be hit over the head to see what you are doing is WRONG!!!!!!!
Anyone know how many horses typically die each season? Are the numbers trending upward? Juat curious.
For every horse, whose owner cared more about the $$$ than the life of a horse who died because he/she was raced too early in life, I pray for Karma to even the score with the owners.
How long they going to let these greedy bastards continue this?
Money and royalty’s. Insurance. When does it stop besides the heat.
When does it stop? When do we see the end of steeplechase races which is basically animal abuse. The selfishness and carelessness these owners and trainers have is mind boggling. Plus 2 year olds are not fully developed yet we continue to race them. And many lives are ended before they ever started Shame on the horseracing industry and shame on Saratoga
Disgusting Poor horses 😡😡😡
Again all for the pleasure and wallets of humans! Stop the madness!!!!
Insurance fraud???