How They Die

The following is a sampling of information I annually receive (via FOIA) from state racing commissions. It is, clearly, a list that should sicken all Americans of good conscience, but more important, one that should force a collective introspection: Are we not better than this? Is each of us, are the whole of us, not ultimately tasked with leaving this world a bit kinder, a measure more moral than how we found it? If so, then there is no debate to be had, no other side to the argument. The wholesale abuse and killing of intelligent, sensitive beings for gambling, for “sport,” must end. Now.

Some of the horses Killed in Action on American racetracks:

ZZ Rider: “the horse took a bad step and continued on…the horse put its head down and somersaulted on track; examination showed an open, disarticulated fetlock joint with the MCIII bone sticking out; all collateral ligaments ruptured”

Heza Fast Wagon: “RF ankle was disarticulated from the parent bone and hanging by a shred of skin”

Tempting Eyes: “horse caught reins in rail and snapped neck”

Lady Angel: “collapsed while training with copious amount of blood coming out of both nostrils”

Greatwhite Buffalo: “both front fetlocks attached by skin only, leaving the distal cannon bones exposed, covered with ground-in dirt and severe bruising; gastric ulcers quite extensive”

Goldtique: “this horse was involved in a three horse collision…broken back – death due to vertebral fracture and exsanguination” (she bled out)

Digger’s Jigger: “this horse was involved in a three horse collision [same as above]…found dead in her stall [next] morning – death due to axial musculoskeletal trauma and exsanguination” (she bled out)

Wind Warrior: “horse broke down near the 3/8 pole but continued on to the finish line…examination showed bilateral sesamoid fractures, rupture of the distal ligaments and collateral ligament, disarticulation of the fetlock joint…the bone was exposed”

Cool It: “euthanasia due to shock from large laceration with arterial bleeding”

Johannah Jo: “broke down around half mile pole then continued to run half mile; repeated trauma caused ankle to [become] dislocated and destroyed soft tissues; ran to finish line where she was put down on track”

Baytown Princess: “compound, open, complete transverse fracture of both front cannon bones just below the knees”

Gambler Five: “deep digital flexor tendon completely severed and displaced…dorsal surface of the superficial digital flexor tendon shredded…[multiple] ligaments torn…medial proximal sesamoid bone has a complete mid-body fracture…lateral proximal sesamoid bone fractured into multiple pieces”

Queen Patron: “compound fracture of fetlock…protrusion of metacarpal and sesamoid bones through the laceration…exposed bones are covered in dirt and debris; the mucosa of the stomach contains 53 erosions and ulcers”

Tres Seis Luvbug: “complete compound fracture of the left MC II,III,IV with distal limb attached to the body by soft tissues”

Tizquick: “broke from gate and rider immediately tried to pull horse up – sesamoidean fracture with subluxation of fetlock; rider was unable to pull up until middle of first turn – this may have contributed to severity of injury”

Stand by Your Man: “1/3 of left scapula shattered into multiple displaced pieces…severe damage of the surrounding skeletal muscle and soft tissue including a severed blood vessel and severe hemorrhage; chronic synovitis of the front fetlocks”

Dancing Terror: “left hind limb was swollen…with a puncture wound, through which bone was protruding…eight large pieces of bone (and numerous small pieces) present; numerous small ulcers”

Isutalkintome: “left front fetlock attached by skin only, leaving the distal cannon bones exposed, covered with ground-in dirt and severe bruising; gastric ulcers extensive”

Burst of Fire: “glenoid rim fractured…two pieces of bone pulled away; gastric ulcers extensive”

Kernel Slanders: “sesamoid fractured into three fragments…ligaments shredded; score lines and bruising in front fetlocks are suggestive of repetitive osseous stress syndrome, a common finding in fetlocks of racing Thoroughbreds”

Age of Fluffy: “spine fractured; gastric ulcers are common in horses on NSAIDs, and in training…these were extensive and may have caused the horse to be painful from them during the paddock period…this may have led to the horse rearing and flipping over backwards”

South Philly Magic: “horse had a broken neck and was dead when the veterinarian arrived”

Tyeste: “fractured skull, hemorrhaging from both nostrils and ears”

Star Cover: “upon exam it was both visually and palpably obvious that there was a complete breakdown injury to the suspensory apparatus; both sesamoids were fractured and the ankle was on the ground when attempting to bear weight”

Sierra Ancha: “compound comminuted fracture left forelimb…severe soft tissue damage with exposure of several fragments of bone”

Quiet Title: “sudden cardiac arrest; horse fell and broke neck – someone saw blood from the ears”

Must See: “tore whole chest out upon hitting the rail”

Corona Favorita: “fractured left femur, bled out, died”

Apostles Creed: “started race, broke stride, pulled up – laid down and died”

Medalquest: “complete rupture of collateral ligaments – ambulanced to designated area and humanely euthanized”

Indanameofdafather: “while racing between the 1/2 mile pole and the 3/8 pole, this horse dropped dead on the track”

Notta: “lacerated tendons with extensive degloving wound with cannon bone exposed”

Brim: “following the race while walking back to the barn, horse collapsed and, [after] 3 agonal breaths, died on track”

Ruth’s Lotus: “horse fractured both knees at 3/8 pole”

El Bandito: “while racing the horse had open comminuted fractures…the horse flipped in the ambulance, went over the partition and had to be euthanized inside the ambulance”

Shakeyogroovething: “severe injury to LH limb; tearing of the digital veins and arteries bilaterally with severe hemorrhage”

name withheld: “horse died suddenly during morning gallop – marked amounts of white, foamy fluid extend the length of the trachea and up to the pharynx and nasal passages…the lungs fail to collapse, are heavy and discolored purple-red with scattered pleural petechial hemorrhage”

name withheld: “slowed down, dropped to track, instant death – gums white; suspect heart attack or ruptured aorta”

name withheld: “fell after the wire – open fracture of the lateral condyle of the third metacarpal bone…soft tissue damage includes severe tearing of the suspensory ligament throughout the length and rupture of the medial extensor branch of the suspensory”

name withheld: “horse collapsed – severe pulmonary hemorrhage; large amount of bloody froth in the trachea, nasal cavity and within the nares…marked pulmonary hemorrhage, with the right side being more severely affected than the left…large amount of blood exudes from the lungs upon sectioning”

name withheld: “the connective tissues of the distal limb are expanded by a large amount of edema and hemorrhage…there is tearing of both the lateral and medial digital veins…fragments from the medial fracture missing…soft tissue damage is severe”

name withheld: “open fractures of the lateral condyle of the third metacarpal bone and the lateral sesamoid…extensor tendons are torn and there is bone embedded within the suspensory ligament…lateral condylar fracture is comminuted, with multiple missing fragments and spans the length of the diaphysis”

name withheld: “carpus is swollen and unstable, with the joint containing abundant bloody fluid with bony particles admixed…comminuted slab fractures of the radial, intermediate, ulnar, third and fourth carpal bones, with the slab fractures being entirely separated from the underlying bone…severe ligamentous damage, with rupture of a number of the intercarpal ligaments and the collateral ligaments”

name withheld: “multiple fractures to multiple bones; the lungs are mildly edematous and congested, suggesting increased respiratory effort terminally as the result of pain and excitation”

Anthony’s Flyer: “traumatic stifle laceration with joint penetration and patellar fracture”

Call Me an Illusion: “ran into rail; rail into pleural [lung] space”

Trisha’s Trove: “epistaxis” (bled from the nose)

Smokinisashame: “fractured hock – complete, separated”

All Lucky Lynn: “collided with another race animal and rail, severely lacerating/degloving proximal right forearm”

Royal Hard Spun: “dropped dead on main track – possible fracture of cervical spine”

He Can Run: “pelvic fracture that lacerated an artery and precipitated hypovolemic shock followed by death”

Sc Dustychampion: “fractured ankle…went airborne and landed on the entire left side – including head”

Dominant Diversion: “died on track – hemorrhage via nostrils”

Tera Inferno: “horse flipped and hit head after race due to heat stroke”

Eastern Gold: “fell down and died on [track] after race”

Giga Man: “catastrophic collision, likely neck fracture”

Finns Huckleberry: “apparent trauma/fracture of back; loss of use of hind limbs”

Yo Adrienne: “horse lethargic after training…fell and died”

Dream Player: “flipped over inside rail of training track sustaining blunt trauma”

Kibble: “pulled up lame, suspected pelvic fracture, went into shock – euthanized”

Jesse’s Story: “horse fell, sustained severe skull fracture and died”

Iwannabejustlikeu: “fractured leg, surgery; morning of August 20 found in duress, x-ray revealed leg fracture [same leg] – euthanized”

Dontevnthnkaboutit: “ran loose, impaled shoulder on rail, extensive tissue & muscle damage – euthanized”

You Gotta Believe: “unseated rider…ran loose…impaled R stifle on rail”

Blue Sixty Four: “crashed into rail and fell while training; sedated and stood up; ambulanced to barn, treated for head trauma; seized in afternoon – euthanized”

Caixa Eletronica: “suffered a fx skull and died when Six Drivers unseated rider and collided with Caixa Eletronica”

Six Drivers: “unseated rider and collided with Caixa Eletronica – Six Drivers suffered a fractured neck and died”

Boston Chief: “collapsed after workout and died from skull fractures”

Makari: “fell unseating rider after going over hurdle, died on track”

Knockher Off: “stumbled and fell after finish; horse died on the track – apparent neck trauma”

Mizz Quoted: “horse involved in head-on collision during morning training hours”

Sum Special Hum: “heat distress, picked up off racetrack and died at barn”

Zulu Echo: “multiple fractures [of pastern]…unable to bear weight; the left hock was also lacerated and the joint was exposed, most likely caused by right rear leg when horse was scrambling to recover”

Comisky’s Sister: “found deceased in stall” (after finishing second)

Roses for Romney: “clipped heels…fell; horse died of apparent neck trauma”

Saints Be Praised: “suffered fractures to both front legs”

Perfect Spot: “fractured cannon; ankle exposing bone”

Rocky Mountain Guy: “fractured cannon bone – compound, through the skin”

Mystery Taste: “complete comminuted cannon fracture…bone exposed”

Flyingpalm: “snapped leg”

TNT Party: “fractured front legs” (plural)

Tribal Journey: “pulmonary artery rupture”

You Know Juneau: “profuse hemorrhage from both nostrils”

Cali Sue Boo: “broke both knees”

Retrade: “broke both front legs”

Joe Boo Kelly: “horse became unstable during the post parade and then fell and died – no obvious cause of death; the ulceration of the stomach was severe – 90-100 erosions and ulcers”

Fors Fortis: “sesamoid bones badly comminuted…suspensory ligament completely transected and avulsed from the bones”

Rockin’ Rockstar: “comminuted, spiral fracture of humerus, with ends distracted…greater tubercle separated from parent bone; rib fractured”

Bobby McDuffie: “complete rupture of the distal sesamoidean ligaments with hemorrhage; the spleen is enlarged and filled with blood”

Digital Z Tam: “became weak and fell to the ground; horse was having trouble breathing and died naturally within two minutes”

Stef and Me: “tendon attachment ruptured causing [it] to deviate laterally”

Highly Classified: “bled out internally”

Might Be a Eagle: “broke back and neck”

This Kat of Mine: “collapsed and died on track”

Zuma Moon: “skull fracture”

Famous Attitude: “horse collapsed and died on track post-wire; horse reportedly had frothy hemorrhagic bilateral nasal discharge – no necropsy performed”

Parks Wave Dancer: “horse collapsed – spinal cord fracture”

Sendero Six: “horse began to buck before finish line…hit and flipped over inside rail…stood and attempted to jump back over but fell backwards landing hard…attempted to jump rail again but collapsed and became recumbent and went into shock”

Tres Seis Zoe: “bilateral paresis of hind legs…from spinal cord dislocation”

Fancy Zoomin: “heat stroke resulted in death”

The Lefty: “horse appears to have suffered major back injury/fracture after leaving starting gate…continued down the stretch until it stopped near finish line…showed bilateral hind leg paresis prior to stopping – euthanized” (yes, this horse tried to continue running after breaking his back)

Rango B: “catastrophic spinal cord injury with paralysis”

Yagouti: “CNS trauma (spine) – unable to rise”

Fiery Fast Dash: “collided with another horse and rail after crossing the finish line, severely lacerating/degloving right forearm”

Wave Diamond: “flipped in gate with rig…acute death in gate, suspect cervical fracture”

The Knight Arrival: “sustained severe head trauma (bled from ears and nose) from thrashing in the starting gate; collapsed on track where the horse was euthanized”

Oh Carter Go: “right forelimb sustained biaxial sesamoid fractures with rupture of supporting soft tissue structures and open disarticulation of the fetlock; left forelimb had uniaxial sesamoid fractures with rupture of the supporting soft tissues and open disarticulation of the fetlock”

Jazz Track: “fell in race, possible neck fracture”

Wizards Clip: “broken back in spill”

Conference: “collapsed and died [at] finish line – vascular accident”

Concrete Cat: “fractured ribs, punctured lung”

Guybrush: “flipped over on training track, died moments later – suspect a broken neck”

Catching Fire: “collapse – lung bleeding”

Tizfun: “collapsed – bled into lungs”

La Moneda: “exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage”

Red Phone: “complete disarticulation of fetlock – all supporting structures destroyed”

Blondie La Jolla: “compound fracture both cannons”

Genuine Windi Dash: “bled – died”

Pb El Chiltepin: “compound fracture of both fetlocks”

Thunderclap Newman: “trauma in the gate – died”

D E Trubador: “sesamoids shattered”

Lw Wired Val: “collapsed after race”

Happydazarehereagain: “head trauma due to fall when choking down”

Hard to Want: “collapsed [after] workout on the main track…dead upon [vet’s] arrival”

Glitzy: “right hind fracture of its metatarsal, left front cannon bone behind with complete destruction of its long pastern bone”

Five Point Star: “complete open fracture distal limb”

Book the Bet: “open wounds [two] fetlocks, stifle wounds”

Benny’s Diamond: “multiple comminuted carpal bone fractures”

Leucosia: “cardiac collapse”

Seminole Charlie: “sudden collapse and died”

Donna’s Dream: “flipped over and broke her shoulder – euthanized”; “her remains are now in the manure facility”

Hawks Linda Lou: “the horse flipped and fell while being saddled for racing, hitting its head on the ground; the horse was immediately rendered unconscious and shortly thereafter expired”

Wastin’ Away: “fractured head”

Zesty Perry: “backed out of gate during training – flipped and hit head – seizures, severe”

Jmf La Panchista: “broken back during race”

Mezuman: “possible heart attack/ruptured aorta…died on track”

Carlientita: “after work[out], the horse collapsed dead on the track”

Sistriot: “the horse flipped in the paddock; she had difficulty standing and fell again…taken by ambulance to a barn – found dead in the am”

You’re My Favorite: “broke down at 5/16 pole – shattered cannon bone – was euthanized at that spot”

Thirsty Girl: “trained normally, returned to barn – horse became wobbly…placed in a stall when it collapsed and died”

Vasilisa the Wise: “collapsed on track – dead”

Super Nova: “following the race, the horse got wobbly in the tunnel…treated with Delt Cortef and cold water – the horse collapsed dead”

Fitz’s Storm: “horse collapsed dead on the track…administered succinylcholine to end suffering”

Rory Monarchos: “open, comminuted condylar fracture…vet and trainer had to wait for owner to call back, so horse was euthanized [next day]”

Duneside Matt: “horse started pulling up around 1/2 mile then collapsed and died”

Mr. Kasdan: “suspensory apparatus failure both front legs”

name withheld: “flipped into a bench, hit head”

name withheld: “loose horse collision at full speed”

name withheld: “collapsed and died after race”

name withheld: “seizure, cranial trauma”

name withheld: “exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage”

name withheld: “fractured neck”

US Scout: “catastrophic hemorrhagic event”

name withheld: “massively comminuted carpal bone fractures…majority of the intercarpal ligaments are torn”

A Risky Peace: “left forelimb: complete, comminuted fracture of the first phalanx; right forelimb: partial, non-displaced fracture of the first phalanx” (that’s two broken legs)

Langtanz: “basilar fracture of the medial sesamoid, with a second fracture dividing the basilar portion into two pieces…damage to the sesamoidian ligaments is severe, with rupture of the straight, oblique and cruciate sesamoidian ligaments”

name withheld: “approximately three centimeter full-thickness laceration over the medial sesamoid…distal limb is expanded by a large amount of edema and hemorrhage and there is massive soft tissue damage, including complete rupture of the superficial and deep digital flexors and the suspensory ligament…biaxial sesamoid fractures…moderate degenerative joint disease of the carpus in both forelimbs”

name withheld: “right hind medial condylar fracture; right front lateral condylar fracture” (that’s two broken legs)

name withheld: “horse reared up leaving stall and flipped over hitting head – complete fracture of the occipital bone, with complete separation of the occipital condyles from the rest of the skull…massive amount of blood in the calvarium, the oropharynx, nasopharynx, nasal passages”

My Bright Idea: “flipped in paddock – severe concussion and bled-out; large amount of dried blood on the external nares and on the front limbs…nasal passages contain a large amount of blood and there is marked hemorrhage within the connective tissues of the head…skull is fractured in multiple places, with the largest fracture separating the occipital condyles from the calvarium…myriad fractures of the basilar part of the occipital bone and the sphenoid bone…bone fragments are embedded in the meninges and the calvarium contains clotted blood…severe ulceration of the squamous mucosa of the stomach”

name withheld: “complete fracture of the lateral condyle of the third metacarpal bone…medial sesamoid is fractured, with an apical fracture and a second fragment in the midbody…soft tissue damage is severe”

Ten City: “complete, lateral condylar fracture…soft tissue damage is severe, including rupture of the intersesamoidian ligament”

I Am Iron Max: “lateral condylar fracture…extensive soft tissue damage, including complete rupture of the medial extensor branch of the suspensory ligament and tearing of the suspensory ligament itself”

TG Julio: “all 4, hit rail, lacerated”

Museum Tour: “trauma, sudden death”

Candy Man Can: “fractured neck”

Heather Belle: “large vessel rupture”

Siberian Rush: “collapsed and died exiting the track following the race”

Eb Traffic Rock: “impact to the track caused the horse to severely injure both front shoulders”

Here’s the Moon: “shattered carpus”

De Millie: “euthanasia due to a fractured spine which occurred two months ago [at Laurel]”

Steel N Pack: “cardiovascular collapse”

Elusive Cowgirl: “catastrophic racing injury – open, comminuted fracture both sesamoids, with ruptured suspensory and complete disarticulation of left front fetlock”

Hearts n’ Diamonds: “ligaments ruptured, dislocation of fetlock joint”

Patty Del Rey: “suspected lumbosacral [spine] fracture”

Zoomin Effortlessly: “cardiovascular collapse”

Riot Act: “horse in severe pain [broken shoulder] in trailer – drew blood prior to animal being euthanized”

Bar Bandit: “flipped – head trauma”

Blue Over You: “sudden death – possible heart attack”

Wood Be a Bullet: “compound, open, displaced sesamoids; compound, open, displaced carpal; closed spine; DOA of track vet”

Pfinding Jessie: “possible stroke”

Rey Del Mar: “owner believes horse fell from heart attack”

Roll Smash Roll: “fell dead after race”

Bonita Bully: “went down…dead when D.S. arrived”

Hiclass Local: “collapsed and died”

Wise Option: “skull injury – not euthanized, died in paddock”

Hot Dom: “died after post-lasix injection”

Lucy’s Tacos: “stroke”

Gabis Fortune (probably sic): “run off track and hit pole – broken hock”

James Bordeaux: “exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage”

Phyilming: “right front knee shattered”

Zenon’s Star: “cut LH to coffin bone”

Smiling Seen (probably sic): “got loose, slid on pavement, hit rail and died”

Mo Valiant: “end of race – died in van”

Grace Victoria: “hit rail”

Gallant Version: “hit rail”

Flyin Fish: “horse collapsed [and died] after race”

Chappstick: “tumbled headfirst – died acutely, suspected CV rupture”

Jaretts Royal Dream: “sudden death prior to race”

Happy Humor: “dropped dead after race”

Felicias Prettylucky: “flipped in paddock, cracked skull and died”

Chicks Luv Roses: “shattered both [illegible] – put down on track”

Reality Cat: “flipped in saddling paddock, hit head, massive hemorrhage”

Intoxication: “busted front left leg”

Dynastys First Call: “horse died post-race – collapsed – died quickly”

Perry Point: “severe EIPH [exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage]”

A First Class: “death – immediately post race – on track!”

Eyesa Llano: “suspected severe EIPH”

Design by Who: “apparent heart attack – dropped dead during gallop”

Mac’s Posse: “fell…several attempts to stand unsuccessful; severe traumatic back/pelvic injury – euthanized on track”

Flatterfly: “fell, stood up and ran loose; fx RF leg – euthanized on track”

All Class: “flipped and fractured its back”

Mere Aglise: “horse collapsed and died on track”

Classy Chris: “ran through rail, sustained fx LR leg”

Lakalas: “collapsed and died”

Sporty Big Boy: “collision with another horse; fx RR leg”

Non Stop: “rider attempted to pull up but jumped off, horse ran loose, caught, vanned to barn; fx RF sesamoid with ligament rupture”

Ed’s Dream: “died on track after race – possible heart problem”

Fashion Delight: “shattered pastern – euthanized on track”

Brooklyn Major: “collapsed after wire…and died – suspected CV event”

Fall Colors: “horse fell at second fence and died on track from trauma sustained in fall”

Cougar Hanover: “collapsed and died after race – suspected aortic rupture”

Love You Bad: “collapsed and died in stall after racing”

Hot Cajun Sauce: “ran off track over embankment, sustained spinal injury”

Wanna Rock N Roll: “horse collapsed and died in barn after lasix administration”

Alpha Dance: “pulled up…exited track – collapsed and died”

Momma’s Moonshine: “condylar fxs both front legs”

Wild Target: “collapsed and died after breezing – suspected cardiovascular event”

Report For Duty N: “fell to the ground, chest compressions and meds administered unsuccessfully – suspected ruptured aorta”

Copper Forest: “collapsed and died while galloping out after breezing – suspected cardiovascular event”

Ideal Brandi: “collapsed and died on track, possibly bled internally or heart condition”

Hypnotist: “died on track after race – suspect cardiac event”

Tug River Dylan: “collapsed and died on track after race – possible cardiac event”

Soho Highroller A: “collapsed and died after race – possible cardiac event”

Feels Like Magic N: “shattered pastern”

Indian Nobility: “ruptured ligaments”

Prince Corredor: “collapsed and died after breezing – cardiovascular event”

Git On Bob: “collapsed and died”

Desert Trial: “collapsed and died – suspect cardiovascular”

Its Only Fair: “collapsed and died after breezing – suspect cardiovascular event”

Flaming Fever: “hard collision out of gate, fractured sesamoid”

Sinistra: “pulled up after breezing – collapsed and died”

Senso: “unseated rider and ran loose, ran into rail – possible pelvic fx”

Fashion Shark: “collapsed and died on track (artery rupture)”

Lunar Tales: “collapsed and died after breezing”

Jay Bird: “collapsed and died on the training track – sudden death, pulmonary hemorrhage”

Sunshine Bliss: “suffered injury to LR limb…non-weight bearing; overnight in obvious distress”

Fancy Pancy: “collapsed and died on track after workout”

Icprideicpower: “collapsed and died during morning workout, suffering a catastrophic cardiac event”

Soul House: “collapsed after being unsaddled, vet administered medication; horse died – cardiovascular collapse”

Marked Bills: “collapsed and died while breezing – investigation continues”

Flynn Bug: “collapsed and died after breezing – cardiovascular collapse”

In Haste: “collapsed and died after jogging on training track – cardiovascular collapse”

D Terminata: “horse fell and died on the track”

Blooper: “collapsed and died – investigation continues”

Hickory Louie: “sluggish and unsteady at the half, finished 2nd but died on backside of track after finish”

Itsagoodtendollars: “died from apparent cardiovascular collapse while breezing on training track”

Liberty Cruise: “found down in stall…after [pre-race] Lasix administration”

See the Music: “collapsed at the 3/16 pole and died – to be continued”

Lemon Sundae: “behind in race, eased up, finished race…collapsed and died enroute to test barn”

Dalglish: “crossed finish last; collapsed and died at paddock gate”

Michonne: “broke through gate and ran into rail fracturing leg”

Missy Zelliott: “collapsed and died while training”

Double Gold: “spooked unseating rider, ran loose and fell over rail suffering paralysis both hind legs due to trauma to lumbar spine”

Lavender Road: “collapsed on horse path leaving track; treated for heat exhaustion with no resolution; sent to vet hospital where xrays revealed a fx to the 7th vertebrae – euthanized next day”

Sir William Bruce: “pulled up without incident, collapsed after unsaddling and died”

Regretless: “pulled up, collapsed and died on track”

M B and Tee: “won race, collapsed after finish – died on track”

Major Battle: “fell and died while breezing – case continues”

Ego Friendly: “galloping on training track, collapsed and died”

Saint Kris (probably sic): “collapsed and died while breezing – pulmonary hemorrhage”

Zo Sophisticated: “collapsed and died while galloping”

Quick Money: “fell after clipping heels, horse died on track due to neck trauma”

Half Nelson: “fell over fallen horse [above], fx L shoulder”

Sage Valley: “fell after finish, horse died on track”

Rita’s Resort: “fractured proximal sesamoid bones, ruptured fetlock joint and flexor tendons”

Mary’s Vow: “slab fracture, multiple pieces”

Sky Kerridge: “collapsed and died”

Chick Meter: “collapse – sudden death” (after winning)

Snap To It A: “horse collapsed after the race of a heart attack”

Jailhouse Jessica: “collapsed in paddock post-race – died naturally”

Northern Rail: “heat stroke – [broke] shoulder”

Trueville: “heart failure during practice – died instantly”

Unclear: “collapsed while training on main track and died”

Olivia My Girl: “died on track”

Campeona: “horse expired in stall shortly after leaving test barn”

Exceptionalism: “acute, complete, severely comminuted sesamoid fractures with partial ligamentous tears, joint capsule disruption, and regional hemorrhage”

Have Faith Sister: “acute, complete, mildly comminuted sesamoid fracture with complete intersesamoidean ligament tear, partial suspensory ligament tear, and regional hemorrhage”

Truly Amazing: “cause of death was Exercise Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage”

Maxwell’s Hammer: “severe tendon rupture”

Notaria: “sesamoid bones fractured into multiple, displaced fragments…suspensory ligament severely frayed, with near complete fiber disruption”

Little Louella: “fractures of the third and radial carpal bones, mild to severe osteoarthritis; stomach: severe, chronic, focally extensive ulcers; spleen: severe congestion”

Surfer Chub: “shattered knee – multiple, acute carpal fractures”

Bracket Buster: “heart attack – dropped after finishing race”

Quietly Prim: “collapsed and died on track following 1/2 mile work”

Landry Jack: “horse collapsed – sudden death”

Hooked On the Lady: “horse collapsed and died just past the finish line”

Widow’s Jewel: “exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage”

Cowabunga: “traumatic head injury”

Vision of Romance: “possible aneurysm”

Huff’n Hughes: “collapsed and died on track”

Trekas: “trauma to femur leaving gate”

Perry Dash Back: “horse collapsed on track post-workout – unknown cause”

Carters Regal Eye: “horse collapsed and died”

Final Time: “sesamoid fractures [both front legs] with open luxation of fetlock”

Carving Hearts: “horse colicked and died during training”

Jump for Pie: “sudden death”

Fudge Bar: “condylar fracture – euthanized due to economic reasons”

Ziddle: “died suddenly on track…vanned for removal…no necropsy performed”

Twelfth Fan: “skull fracture”

Pretty Darn Good: “neurological”

Madam Machen: “contact with manure dumpster”

Do the Nae Nae: “collapsed and died”

Bullet Bobby: “died after involved in spill – internal injuries”

Turkey Creek: “collapsed and died”

Nofinancingneeded: “collapsed and died”

He’s a Delight: “flipped in paddock, cranial fracture – dead on arrival”

Da Big Dawg: “sudden death” (10 years old, 82nd race)

Purses Galore: “sudden death after race”

Mrs Loud Mouth: “MCIII open fracture – shattered”

Nite Thunder: “sudden death during race”

My Mans Out West: “sudden death”

No Problem Paddy: “fell, died on track – neck fracture?”

Full Moon’s Mass: “carps shattered”

I Got a Headache: “sudden death prior to race”

Helton: “pastern shattered”

Acceptance Letter: “broken neck”

Mr. Reattatude: “flipped in paddock, fractured skull – DOA”

Fiddlers Elbow: “sudden death during race”

Country Warning: “sudden death”

Big Dividend: “sudden death”

Blue Book: “sudden death”

Song for Krismike: “sudden death”

The Caller: “head trauma – died”

Chigoe: “sudden death after race”

Hrh Burning Corona: “collapsed and died – aneurysm”

DD Twist N Shout: “horse fell, cannon fracture – outcome fatal”

Taras Ruler: “collapsed, cannon to knee fracture – outcome fatal”

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20 Comments

  1. Hi Mary, Someday, please at least take a glance at this list of the horrific deaths on the racetrack. I am going to stop sending you these from now on.

    Martha A. Waltien

  2. This list exposes the truth behind the fancy hats, and “entertainment” banner.
    While ignorant people are living it up in the grandstand these racehorses are suffering on a massive scale.
    It’s vile, and it should make any normal person want to immediately shut down these hell holes.
    This is blatantly immoral, and has no place in our society – none.

  3. “there’s no other side to the argument” Absolutely!
    How anyone in the horseracing industry can excuse these deaths, (most often with the usual “it could’ve happened in a paddock” ) is insulting. It gnaws me to the core that the racing industry thinks it’s okay that these magnificent innocent horses suffer horrific injuries and die.

  4. Well past time to shut down horse racing. New York Times did a series of articles in 2012 about the horse racing industry. I hoped some reform would result from that. But clearly nothing did. Our politicians are culpable for this animal abuse and should be held accountable. Where is Bo Derek, the symbol of Calif horse racing, now?

  5. This is a violation of everything and beyond. It’s beyond comprehension how this is allowed. Horses are such amazing, magnificent creatures. There even vegetarian and harm no one. This lack of respect to any living being is criminal. I think one day it will stop, like factory farming…and ASAP! Exposure is important. Everyone tell everyone. These horses need to cared for a lot ! They deserve to be loved to.

  6. Does man’s greed, abuse and downright callosness know no bounds when it concerns beautiful, innocent creatures who will gladly give their lives to please?????????

  7. This list reflects everyday behavior on both harness and TB tracks nationwide. The use of Butazoladin, for instance, has gone from a great anti-inflammatory drug to a killer through stomach ulcers. Lasix, once give to bleeders is now used to mask pain meds and other drugs, possibly the reason horses are running onto the rail or jumping over it, but certainly leaching calcium from bones. If a horse is not on a bleeder list trainers have grooms slice into the inside of horses’ nostrils with razor blades then work the horse in front of the timers and then gets put on the bleeder list. I believe Lasix is just used routinely without reason. I am not sure. Flipping in the paddock is probably because the jocky is using an electric “shocker” on the horse, called a joint. Horses do not resist being saddled unless they have been tortured a bit in the stall with electricity then sent to the track with a joint rider. Then the rampant use of anabolic steroids can cause all sorts of problems like aggression or hyper behavior. The race track vets Vets associated with groups like the AAEP should be collectively barred from medical practice until this drug use is stopped forever and their do-nothing organizations reprimanded for lack of action.

  8. My heart breaks for these magnificent beings and all the other used, abused and neglected animals. Thank you for this. I am saving it and will pass it on to everyone I know. Please, spread the word and let us end this horrific practice..

  9. Ruffian.

    ——————————————————————————————————————————————-
    Andwhilewe atit, what the [cenored] is a ‘vascular accident’??? ACCIDENT???

  10. My opinion, the majority of things human do is WRONG.!!! It all self-centered for MONEY.And Money is a human fabrication. Human do almost NOTHING THAT IS NATURAL and ALIGNED with the CREATIVE ENERGY life energy of the Universe. The wolf do, that because all other species…live their DIVINE BLUEPRINT given by God, but humans, we run on WHAT MAN-has designed that makes MONEY !!!, so we became the perverted “Cancerous Parasite” on Earth, everything is STEAL, TAKE, TRANSFORM, KILL, DESTROY AND POLLUTE.

  11. A few things strike me about this list.
    Why so many heat related deaths? Were these all at the same track? Horses must be being worked too hard ( no surprise there) for the weather. And I bet, are also dangerously dehydrated.
    Why all the rail related injuries? Are some due to poor riding? Are jockeys emilating Calvin “Bo-Rail,” and forcing horses up through too small or non existent holes on the inside-so much , that horses are literally trying to jump the rail at 40 mph or higher to escape a collision with another horse?
    Or, are horses so maddened by the pain of pre existing injuries that they are literally killing themselves ny ramming into the rail?
    It seems necropsies are finally being performed, but still not as much as they should be. How else, are they learning a horse has “90-100” stomach ulcers? Or, degenerative diseases ofthe joints? Damage to the spleen?
    Maybe these necropsies will finally show how these horses are treated. Raced before their bones and joints are physically mature enough, drugged with NSAIDS and other drugs that their insides are rotting. Racing in agony.
    And Lasix. How does a horse get a shot, and die in its stall shortly after? An allergic reaction? Why is this making the reports now? Are vets seeing this so often, are trainers and drug companies refusing to see the evidence of harmful and common side effects with this drug? Are the vets including this info in death reports, to wake up tbe industry, that this, and other drugs are too dangerous to the health of the horse, to be used Willy nilly?
    Florida has finally banned dog racing, another cruel sport, starting in 2020. Even though the voters demanded this, I fully expect the politicians of that state to cave to lobbyists, and find a way to keep dog racing going., on the pretense that too many jobs would be lost. One can only hope I’m proven wrong, and that this vote will show us, that some day, there will be other campaigns to be voted on, that end horse racing.

  12. This is far worse than anything I have seen or read on horse racing. I hope and pray to God that anyone with a conscience will sign this petition so this sickening”sport” will come to a quick halt. Sick! Sick! What is wrong with these people! Is this really humanity?

  13. Yet another way in which humans have betrayed animals and all life on the Earth. This is fueled by human greed, arrogance, egoistic thinking, denial and indifference. It is cruel. It is the torture of these beautiful and noble animals. It is another example of the devolution of humanity. It should be stopped, now. If every action does indeed have an equal and opposite reaction, humanity should be preparing for some sort of devastation.

  14. Read up the histories of two horses (both fillies) who both suffered horrendous injuries at Belmont – Ruffian and Go For Wand. Go for Wand is TRULY horrific. Both of these horses were phenomenal talents and both had devastating injuries. Any sport that causes injuries like this should be outlawed. After reading accounts of these, you will never want to see another horse race.

  15. When a person is hurt or murdered by another, we seek to levy the optimal punishment on the perpetrator. When a horse or horses are slaughtered there is no penalty.

    Is the horse not as sentient as we are?

    Is our state of consciousness so low that we dare assume we are more sentient than the animal? No one can escape being sentient. The quality of being sentient is the invisible connection that all life shares.

    It is easy to see that when sentience is honored there is harmony. But if you want to see what the world is like when we ignore sentience, just look at the world around you.

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