When it comes to bad outcomes (i.e., death), the racetracks of the Bluegrass State are notoriously evasive. (In fact, this past year was the first for which I was able to secure FOIA information on Kentucky.) Yesterday at Kentucky Downs, here is the complete note for the most honestly christened racehorse in history, Chattel, in the 6th: “CHATTEL clipped heels and fell in the stretch.” But because this was a lucrative “stakes race,” BloodHorse appended this blip to its otherwise lengthy race-coverage:
“The race saw Chattel, under Kendrick Carmouche, fall in the stretch. Conscious and complaining of leg pain, Carmouche was transported to TriStar Skyline Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn. Chattel suffered a broken right shoulder and was euthanized.”
As is typical in these matters, social media was abuzz in thoughts and prayers for the jockey – the dead animal an afterthought, if a thought at all.
Chattel, dying
Racing and gambling must stop. The horses pay the price. Jockeys should not all I w a horse to go down on them.
I feel bad for all the deaths of these young horses. Forced to perform before they are matured. When will this madness stop????