Del Mar Darling, according to multiple sources, is dead after breaking down in the 4th at Santa Anita yesterday. She was two; this was her third time under the whip. Equibase writes: “The stewards conducted an inquiry into the run into the far turn before ruling DEL MAR DARLING broke down on her own.” Steve Andersen of the Daily Racing Form relays: “accident mars fourth race.” To kill animals for $2 bets is bad enough; to be so casual and callous about it, even worse.
Later in the American racing day, in the 7th at Charles Town, Industry Leader “bobbled…was immediately eased and euthanized on the track” (Equibase). Industry Leader was approaching his 10th anniversary of servitude; this was his 56th race. Moral: young, old, it matters not – the racing kill-machine doesn’t discriminate.
Also, I have confirmed that Oversized was euthanized after being “vanned off” in the 7th at Mahoning January 10. ‘Twas his 49th race.
Then this: The NYS Gaming Commission has disclosed the deaths of three racehorses at that state’s tracks, all from what they term “non-racing” causes. Regardless, they are no less casualties of this vile business than the ones above.
Steve’s Image, January 7, Belmont – “horse died in stall from apparent colic.” No mention of euthanasia. Imagine that. Steve’s Image was four and had been raced 23 times, most recently December 22.
Dragon Dread, February 14, Monticello – “found deceased in barn stall this morning.” Dragon Dread’s last race came on January 25.
Ladies Day, February 16, Belmont – “filly was recumbent and could not rise – euthanized the following day.” Ladies Day was three, last race January 13.
This, folks, is horseracing.
So sorry for them – too young and too old for this unrelenting abuse that’s part of this industry.
I hope eventually that you will get your message to the masses. I think if you could get this message to all bettors, some at least would turn against horseracing.
Horse racing doesn’t really do anything for the world. it just gives uncaring people a way to get money legally. sometimes a lot of money. I do agree with your view that the bettors drive the industry. I’ll no longer support it .
This mob at Santa Anita state that a racehorse broke down on her own.
“Broke down on her own” eh?
She was in a horse race and had other horses around her, she was not on her own.
Oh, I see, you mean she caused herself to break down, in other words no humans were a factor in her death, the blame lies with her, eh? Well, we know that is not true and so do the stewards at Santa Anita who rush to wash the blood off their hands by making an absurd statement, blaming the animal! Utterly repugnant.
It’s an entire system of legitimized animal cruelty.
It’s solely this industry, and the process by which they continually abuse a racehorse by doping, and masking their injuries that inevitably lead to them dropping dead in the dirt.
Furthermore, the intense confinement, the daily needles in and out of their veins, their joints, into their feed, the stress of a racehorse anticipating the soreness, the whipping/beatings while out on the track often leads to them dropping dead in their stalls – all victims of this brutal, and vile business that needs to shut down.
So sorry for all of these racehorses who died as profit slaves for this repulsive business.
Recently there have been a rash of deaths on racetracks directly due to totally preventable viral diseases such as equine herpes, flu, and strangles.
These are all preventable via regular, annual vaccinations for the most part.
The most recent outbreak at Belmont resulted in a filly dying – name not disclosed, but was from a fairly large stable with the trainer being Tom Albertrani.
Now I can’t attest to this example, but the protocol in place at many tracks is based on an “honor system” whereby tracks accept a verbal confirmation of vaccination records upon entry to the stable area with follow-up paperwork to be provided in the race office.
The authentication of the paperwork eventually provided, via tattoo or issuing vet, is rare so switching out papers is doable, and I knew of trainers who did it, which put racehorses at risk.
I recommended microchips back in 2005 – it was met with total opposition by key players in this industry.
Microchips would quickly authenticate a racehorses vaccination and medical records, which would increase the health, welfare, and protection of racehorses and the horse population at large.
It never ceases to amaze me that a multi-billion dollar industry such as horse racing, with all the relatively cheap technology available continues to thwart any efforts to improve their operating procedures, and it’s the racehorses who continue to pay with their lives.
That said, dying is inherent in this business, and the fact that this filly didn’t die on the racetrack doesn’t preclude the fact that she was a victim of this industry.