Through a FOIA request to the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, I have confirmed the following deaths on that state’s tracks in 2018. The Commission, however, redacted identifying information on the basis of confidentiality (though in some cases I was able to independently identify). More significantly, they forwarded but one death at the state’s three harness tracks. In other words, the actual toll is surely more than what follows – and what follows is 72 dead racehorses.
unidentified (probably Briar Hill Baron), January 18, Turfway R
“There is a lateral condylar fracture that begins within the parasagittal groove and extends 7 cm proximally. There is a further 2 cm, individual fragment proximal to the main fracture. There is an axial avulsion fracture of the lateral sesamoid bone. Soft tissue damage is severe. The connective tissues of the distal limb are expanded by a moderate amount of edema and hemorrhage.”
unidentified, January 20, Turfway T
“There is a complete slab fracture of the third carpal bone. The medial and lateral aspects of the fracture, at the proximal articular surface are comminuted. The joint fluid of the intercarpal joint is hemorrhagic, with small spicules of bone. The articular surfaces of the radial and intermediate carpal bone are excoriated; the ulnar, second and fourth carpal bones have cartilage scoring.”
unidentified (probably Brixton), January 26, Turfway R
“There is a surgically repaired lateral condylar fracture with mild degradation of the bone within the fracture line at the transverse ridge.”
unidentified, January 27, Turfway R
“There is a complete, displaced, slab fracture of the third carpal bone, with the displacement measuring up to 1 cm and the defect filled with fibrin and bone spicules and granular bone debris. There is shearing of the proximal aspect of the radial carpal bone. All articular surfaces within the intercarpal joint are scored to excoriated. The medial palmar intercarpal ligament is markedly edematous and ruptured.”
The Brick, February 15, Turfway R
“There are biaxial, mid-body fractures of the sesamoids, with the lateral fracture having an additional mid-body fracture. Soft tissue damage is extensive.”
unidentified, February 28, Turfway T
“There is an open lateral condylar fracture, with laceration of the skin at the proximal aspect. There is a second, semilunar bone fragment at the dorsal aspect of the fracture. There is an apical fracture of the medial sesamoid with associated soft tissue damage. The connective tissues of the distal limb are expanded by a moderate amount of hemorrhage and edema.”
The Truth Or Else, March 17, Turfway R
“A cause of the acute collapse could not be determined. The anterior chamber of the right eye contains bloody fluid. There is moderate congestion and hemorrhage of the nasal cavity and pharynx. The muscles and subcutaneous tissues of the cranial cervical region are expanded by hemorrhage and edema.” (finished 80+ lengths back)
unidentified, March 30, Turfway T
“There are biaxial sesamoid fractures with severe connective tissue damage. The lateral fracture is apical and the medial fracture is a comminuted basilar fracture. The tissues of the distal limb are moderately expanded by edema and hemorrhage. Stomach: chronic, gastric ulceration.”
unidentified, April 11, unidentified Thoroughbred track T
“Horse working 1/2 mile, suddenly collapsed with no warning – inflammation was found scattered throughout the heart.”
unidentified, April 13, Keeneland R
“The fetlock joint is open, with disarticulation and severe soft tissue damage. There are biaxial sesamoid fractures, with the medial fracture being a comminuted basilar fracture and the lateral being an apical fracture. Moderate, diffuse, acute, pulmonary congestion and hemorrhage. Moderate, focally extensive, chronic, gastric ulceration.”
Hazel Ann I Am, April 14, Keeneland R
“Right forelimb: There is a comminuted slab fracture of the third carpal bone that spans the radial carpal facet and the intermediate carpal facet. There is excoriation of the cartilage of all bones within the two joints (acute trauma). The radiocarpal and middle carpal joint fluid is hemorrhagic, with spicules of bone interspersed. Left forelimb: There is a comminuted slab fracture of the radial carpal facet of the third carpal bone with formation of many very small fragments between the slab fracture and the parent bone. There is excoriation of the cartilage of all bones within the two joints. The radiocarpal and middle carpal joint fluid is hemorrhagic, with spicules of bone interspersed.” (that’s two broken legs)
unidentified, April 20, unidentified Thoroughbred track T
“Right forelimb: There are biaxial sesamoid fractures. Soft tissue damage is severe. Left carpus: There is marked cartilage erosion and loss of the distal radius and the intermediate and radial carpal bones, with arthrosis. The tissues of the distal limb are expanded by a large amount of edema and hemorrhage. The lungs are moderately congested with…multifocal hemorrhage. Mild, multifocal, acute, gastric ulcers.”
Bullards Alley, April 21, Keeneland R
“There is a complete, displaced, lateral condylar fracture. Additionally, there is an apical fracture of the medial sesamoid. The tissues of the distal limb are expanded by a moderate amount of edema and hemorrhage. Moderate, diffuse, acute, pulmonary congestion with mild hemorrhage. …chronic, gastric ulcers.”
unidentified, May 1, Churchill R
“A cause of acute collapse and death in this case could not be determined. The lungs are diffusely and mildly congested and edematous with multifocal areas of hemorrhage. Joint fluid discoloration and staining of the articular surfaces of the left fetlock joint are suggestive of chronic hemarthrosis. There are severe gastric ulcers, with the largest ulcer measuring approximately 10 cm in length and 2 cm in width.”
unidentified (probably Aztec Lion), May 2, Churchill R
“There are multiple, comminuted fractures of the intermediate carpal bone and multiple small fractures of the proximodorsal aspect of the third carpal bone. There is a lag screw in the third carpal bone. The screw is intact and firmly embedded. The joint fluid is hemorrhagic and contains bony spicules. Stomach: Severe, locally extensive, gastric ulcers with submucosal edema.”
unidentified (probably Colony Strike), May 11, Churchill R
“There is a complete, diaphyseal, spiral fracture of the third metacarpal bone that extends from the carpometacarpal joint to approximately 8 cm proximal to the condyles. The connective tissues of the distal limb…are markedly expanded by hemorrhage and edema.”
unidentified, May 19, Churchill T
“Sustained collision on racetrack; suspect internal hemorrhage; was dead on arrival… There is a fracture of the left ischium, with tearing of the associated soft tissue.”
unidentified (probably A Bag of Money), May 19, Churchill R
“There are biaxial, markedly comminuted fractures of the proximal sesamoid bones. The suspensory ligament is severely torn, with tearing and hemorrhage extending to within 2 cm of the insertion. The tissues of the distal limb are expanded by a large amount of edema and hemorrhage.”
unidentified, May 23, unidentified Thoroughbred track T
“Became weak immediately post-exercise, collapsed – died soon after. Myocarditis may have contributed to the collapse in this animal through an acute conduction abnormality. Mild hepatitis is often seen in young horses in training, though it was more significant in this case than in others.”
unidentified, May 25, unidentified Thoroughbred track T
“There is a complete, spiral fracture of the humerus that spans the length of the diaphysis. The connective tissues surrounding the humerus are markedly edematous and hemorraghic, with tearing of the associated soft tissues.”
unidentified (probably Lovelily), May 27, Churchill R
“The lateral sesamoid fracture is apical and the medial sesamoid fracture is basilar. There is marked soft tissue damage. The tissues of the distal left forelimb are expanded by a moderate amount of hemorrhage and edema.”
unidentified, May 28, unidentified Thoroughbred track T
“There are biaxial, comminuted, sesamoid fractures. Soft tissue damage is severe, including nearly complete rupture of the both the superficial and deep digital flexor tendons.”
unidentified, June 5, unidentified Thoroughbred track T
“There is a comminuted fracture of the medial sesamoid, with severe soft tissue damage. The tissues surrounding the fetlock joint are expanded by a mild amount of edema and hemorrhage. Stomach: gastric ulceration.”
unidentified, June 19, unidentified Thoroughbred track T
“Horse appears to have broken pelvis, ambulanced off, became recumbent in stall, worsened, euthanized – two fractures, one…causing marked shearing of the bone.”
unidentified, June 20, unidentified Thoroughbred track T
“There is a massively comminuted fracture of the first phalanx, with a fracture line extending through midline in the sagittal plane and coursing from the proximal to distal articular surfaces. The remaining fracture fragments range from 3 x 3 cm to bony shards. There are two fracture fragments at the dorsal lateral aspect that are attached to the extensor tendons and embedded within the synovial pad and two palmar medial fragments that are still attached to the sesamoidian ligaments (avulsion fractures). The tissues of the fetlock and pastern are expanded by a large amount of edema and hemorrhage. …there is grade 2 dorsal metacarpal disease.”
Payntermaniac, June 30, Churchill R
“There are complete, comminuted slab fractures of the second and third carpal bones, with artefactual cartilage excoriation of the ulnar, intermediate and radial carpal bones. There is a moderate amount of hemorrhage surrounding the carpus. The middle carpal joint is filled with blood with admixed spicules of bone.”
unidentified, July 5, unidentified Thoroughbred track T
“A slab fracture was on the cranial side of C3. Portions were missing of the intermediate carpal bone which might have originally been a slab but it was reduced to bone chips in the joint space.”
unidentified (probably Algo First), July 6, Ellis R
“There is an open, comminuted, spiral, medial condylar fracture of the metatarsus. The fracture measures approximately 23 cm, but an accurate measurement cannot be made due to marked comminution and loss of integrity of the diaphysis. There is tearing of both extensor tendons and the body of the suspensory ligament, with fragments of embedded bone in all three structures. There are missing bone fragments throughout the length of the fracture.”
unidentified (probably Super Derecho), July 7, Ellis R
“There are slab fractures of the radial and intermediate carpal bones, with a fracture of the distal articular aspect of the ulnar carpal bone. The intercarpal ligaments…are markedly frayed. There is a slab fracture of the radial facet of the third carpal bone and a small fracture of the articular surface of the radius. The connective tissues surrounding the carpus are expanded by a moderate amount of edema and hemorrhage. The antebrachiocarpal and intercarpal joints contain a large amount of hemorrhagic fluid, with spicules of bone admixed.”
unidentified (probably Locomotion), July 7, Ellis R
“There are multiple fractures of the lumbar vertebra, with mild hemorrhage and edema… There are complete fractures of the first and second lumbar vertebra… There is an incomplete fracture of the second lumbar vertebra… The spinous processes of the second and third lumbar vertebra are fractured in the medial plane. There is disruption of the joints at L1-2 and L2-3 with fractures of the cranial and caudal processes. The left, sixth rib is fractured with a small lung laceration that is covered with fibrin and clotted blood.” (Equibase chart simply said, “clipped heels, fell”)
unidentified, July 9, Ellis T
“Horse pulled up with a catastrophic injury to the right hind limb. On initial observation there was an open comminuted fracture to the right hind mid cannon bone. Horse was…loaded into the horse ambulance. It [‘it,’ not he] was euthanized.”
unidentified, July 9, Ellis T
“Horse pulled up with a catastrophic injury to the right carpus…sedated and loaded into the horse ambulance. …there appears to be multiple comminuted fractures to the right carpal bones, and a loss of column support. The horse was euthanized.”
unidentified, July 11, Ellis T
“There is a complete, spiral fracture of the humerus that spans approximately two-thirds of the diaphysis, originating at the caudodorsal aspect, immediately distal to the humeral head. The tissues surrounding the humerus are expanded by a large amount of edema and hemorrhage.”
unidentified (probably Patriot Song), July 21, Ellis R
“There are biaxial sesamoid fractures with severe soft tissue disruption [including] complete rupture of the intersesamoidian ligament in a transverse plane. The connective tissues of the fetlock are expanded by…edema and hemorrhage and there is tearing of the digital vein. The right fetlock contains a large amount of blood that heavily stains the cartilage of the first phalanx, metacarpus and sesamoids. Extensive soft tissue damage, including rupture of the intersesamoidian ligament is likely what caused this fracture to palpate as comminuted.”
unidentified, July 23, Ellis T
“Horse pulled up with a catastrophic injury to the front fetlock involving the sesamoid bones. It [‘it,’ not he] was sedated, a kimsey splint applied and loaded into the horse ambulance. On palpation, the lateral sesamoid appears to be fractured mid body and the medial sesamoid is fractured basally. The horse was euthanized.”
unidentified, July 27, Ellis T
“There is a 9 cm lateral condylar fracture that originates in the parasagittal groove… The cortical bone at the edges of the fracture is jagged. There is a small, axial, avulsion fracture of the lateral sesamoid. The tissues of the distal limb are expanded by a large amount of hemorrhage and edema. Stomach: gastric ulceration.”
unidentified, July 29, Ellis T
“Biaxial sesamoid Fx – sedated and euthanized.”
unidentified (probably Enlisted Man), July 29, Ellis R
“There are biaxial sesamoid fractures… Soft tissue damage is severe. The connective tissues of the fetlock are expanded by a large amount of hemorrhage and edema, with tearing of the lateral digital vein.”
unidentified, August 5, Ellis R
“Horse was galloping out and abruptly stopped and fell. Horse stumbled and lost consciousness very rapidly. The horse died almost immediately after falling. Field diagnosis: cardiovascular failure or hemorrhage.”
unidentified, August 25, unidentified Thoroughbred track T
“Pulmonary hemorrhage – died on track, vanned off.”
unidentified, August 31, unidentified Standardbred track T
“Massive, acute, pulmonary hemorrhage – died on track.”
Chattel, September 8, Kentucky Downs R
“Fell, unable to rise – complete, comminuted, fracture of the humerus that includes a sagittal fracture of the humeral head and the entirety of the diaphysis. Lung: pulmonary congestion and hemorrhage. Stomach: gastric ulceration.”
Bronson, September 8, Kentucky Downs R
“There are multiple fetlock fractures: a ten cm lateral condylar fracture, an apical fracture of the medial sesamoid, an axial avulsion fracture of the lateral sesamoid and a comminuted fracture of the first phalanx. Soft tissue damage is extensive. Stomach: chronic, gastric ulceration.”
unidentified, September 12, unidentified Thoroughbred track T
“This horse was exercising when the horse reared and fell to the ground.”
unidentified, September 15, unidentified Thoroughbred track T
“There is a complete, comminuted, diaphyseal humeral fracture. The tissues of the shoulder are expanded by a large amount of edema and hemorrhage, with tearing of the muscle.”
unidentified, September 16, unidentified Thoroughbred track T
“There is a lateral condylar fracture that measures 10 cm in length and originates in the parasagittal groove, 7 mm from the sagittal ridge. The first phalanx is fractured, with the fracture originating in the proximal articular surface and spanning the diaphysis… The fracture is comminuted. Soft tissue damage is severe, including complete rupture of the intersesamoidian ligament. The connective tissues of the fetlock are markedly expanded by edema and hemorrhage.”
unidentified, September 18, unidentified Thoroughbred track T
“Left hind limb: There is an open, comminuted, spiral fracture of the medial condyle that spans the diaphysis. Both forelimbs: degenerative joint disease of the middle carpal joints. Lungs: pulmonary congestion and edema [and] hemorrhage.”
Ricochet Bay, September 20, Churchill R
“There are lateral condylar and medial sesamoid fractures with severe soft tissue damage. The connective tissues of the distal limb are expanded by…edema and hemorrhage. Lungs: pulmonary hemorrhage. Stomach: gastric ulceration.”
Conquest Hiosilver, September 21, Churchill R
“There is complete luxation of the fetlock joint. The deep and superficial digital flexor tendons are ruptured. There are biaxial, basilar fractures of the sesamoids, with rupture of the distal sesamoidian ligaments and the collateral ligaments of the fetlock, with tearing of both extensor branches of the suspensory ligament.”
Medlin, September 22, Churchill R
“There are open fractures of the lateral condyle and medial sesamoid. The lateral condylar measures 7.5 cm in length and originates 8 mm from the sagittal ridge. The medial sesamoid fracture is markedly comminuted.”
Lilt, September 23, Churchill R
“Right forelimb: There are biaxial fractures of the proximal sesamoid bone. Fractures of the lateral sesamoid include an apical fracture and an axial avulsion fracture. There is a comminuted basilar fracture of the medial sesamoid with a further fracture within proliferative new bone at the distal margin of the sesamoid. Soft tissue damage is extensive, with tearing of the medial digital vein and moderate connective tissue edema and hemorrhage. Left forelimb: There is an area of hemorrhage within the subcutaneous tissues over the dorsal fetlock. The joint capsule is mildly torn and there is a chip fracture at the proximolateral aspect of the first phalanx. Lungs: moderate to…large numbers of hemosiderin-laden macrophages (previous EIPH).”
unidentified, September 24, unidentified Thoroughbred track T
“There is a complete, spiral, medial condylar fracture with a small skin laceration. The fracture measures approximately 22 cm in length. The connective tissues of the limb, from the tarsometatarsal joint distally, are expanded by a large amount of hemorrhage and edema. Lungs: pulmonary congestion and edema. Stomach: gastric ulceration.”
unidentified (probably Coach’s Dream), September 28, Churchill R
“Bilaterally, there is near complete failure of the suspensory apparatus… Massive tearing of the suspensories precludes examination for previous injury to the soft tissues and damage induced by instability of the fetlock joints has partially obscured preexisting conditions in the bone. Recognizable changes including scalloping of the sesamoids bilaterally, with bony proliferation at the basilar aspect. Changes are more pronounced in the right limb, with the sesamoids having bony proliferation that has partial fractures. There is [grade 2] arthrosis of the transverse ridges of the condyles. Stomach: gastric ulceration.” (Coach’s Dream was four years old)
unidentified, October 5, Keeneland R
“There is a comminuted, apical fracture of the medial sesamoid. The fetlock contains hemorrhagic joint fluid. Stomach: Focally severe, chronic, gastric ulceration.”
unidentified, October 13, unidentified Thoroughbred track T
“There is a markedly comminuted fracture of the first phalanx that extends from the proximal to the distal articular surfaces. The connective tissues of the distal limb are markedly expanded by edema and hemorrhage.”
unidentified, October 14, unidentified Thoroughbred track T
“Both scapula are fractured, with a primary transverse fracture across the distal aspect of the spine of the scapula. Bilaterally, the connective tissues and muscles surrounding the shoulders are markedly expanded by edema and hemorrhage with tearing of the muscles at the base of the scapula.”
Next Dance, October 17, Keeneland R
“Horse pulled up and fell – open, comminuted fracture of the first phalanx…numerous small fragments of bone embedded in the connective tissues.”
unidentified (probably Gasaway), October 31, Churchill R
“Left shoulder: There is a complete, comminuted fracture of the humerus, with tearing of the associated muscles. The fracture extends from the caudomedial aspect of the diaphysis and spans the length of the humerus. The connective tissues of the shoulder are markedly expanded by hemorrhage and edema. Left third metacarpus: There is a healed lateral condylar fracture with fixation by a lag screw. Stomach: chronic, gastric ulceration.”
unidentified, November 3, unidentified Thoroughbred track T
“There are biaxial, mid-body fractures of the proximal sesamoid bones. Lungs: pulmonary congestion. Liver: suppurative hepatitis (background lesion). Kidney: lymphoplasmacytic interstitial nephritis (background lesion).”
unidentified, November 10, unidentified Thoroughbred track T
“Bilaterally, there are open, disarticulated fractures of the front fetlocks. The fractures include lateral condylar and comminuted medial sesamoid fractures of both [italics added] limbs. Soft tissue damage is severe.”
unidentified, November 11, Churchill T
“There are multiple fractures of the fetlock, including lateral condylar, biaxial sesamoid and comminuted first phalanx fractures. The distal limb is expanded by a moderate amount of edema and hemorrhage. Connective tissue damage is severe. Lungs: congestion and edema with multifocal hemorrhage. Stomach: Focally severe, subacute, squamous ulceration.”
unidentified (probably Accumulator), November 14, Churchill R
“Horse started easing and collapsed soon after that. On exam, the mucus membranes were white and the horse was in agonal respiration. The horse was humanely euthanized, thereafter. Suspect possible internal hemorrhage or other sudden death syndrome.” (Accumulator was three years old)
Patsy, November 15, Churchill R
“There is an open, markedly comminuted fracture of the third metacarpal bone. There are myriad comminuted fragments. The sesamoids [have] marked secondary trauma. The suspensory ligament is torn, with embedded fragments of the third metacarpal. Lungs: pulmonary congestion and hemorrhage. Liver: suppurative hepatitis. Stomach: gastric ulceration.”
unidentified, November 17, unidentified Thoroughbred track T
“There is an open fracture of the distal one-third of the diaphysis of the third metacarpal bone. Tendinous and ligamentous damage is limited to tearing of the suspensory, including both branches, with rupture of the medial extensor branch.”
unidentified, November, Churchill R (euthanized November 20)
“The lateral condylar fracture measures 8 cm in length. There is severe, acute, cartilage excoriation on the distal aspect of the third metacarpal, the sesamoids and the first phalanx. The tissues are expanded by a large amount of hemorrhage and edema. The joint fluid is bloody with bony spicules. Stomach: extensive, chronic, squamous mucosal ulceration.”
unidentified (almost assuredly Classysinger), November 25, Churchill R
“There are open fractures of the lateral condyle and both the medial and lateral sesamoids. The condylar fracture originates 15 mm from the sagittal ridge and is 10 cm long, with the proximal 4 cm being comminuted, with missing fragments. There is an apical fracture of the medial sesamoid and axial avulsion fractures of both the medial and lateral sesamoids. Soft tissue damage is severe.” (the chart for Classysinger simply said “went wrong”; in actuality, he was euthanized on the track)
unidentified (almost assuredly Mister McGehee), December 1, Turfway R
“There is an open, comminuted, lateral condylar fracture that spans the length of the diaphysis. The fracture is highly comminuted, with many small fragments embedded in the connective tissues as well as many missing fragments. Lungs: pulmonary congestion, edema and hemorrhage. Stomach: squamous ulceration.”
The Last Factor, December 7, Turfway R
“Left forelimb: There are open fractures of the lateral condyle, medial sesamoid and lateral sesamoids, with severe soft tissue damage. Right forelimb: There are slab fractures of the palmar aspects of the intermediate, second and third carpal bones. The soft tissues of the dorsal aspect of the carpus, including the flexor retinacula of all carpal joints and the extensor tendons are torn. There is tearing and rupture of multiple intercarpal ligaments.” (that’s two broken legs) And: “Lungs: Focally severe, acute congestion and hemorrhage. Stomach: Severe chronic gastric ulceration.”
unidentified (almost assuredly Alta Rita), December 12, Turfway R
“There are fractures of both proximal sesamoid bones. The connective tissues of the distal limb are expanded by a large amount of hemorrhage and edema. Soft tissue damage is severe.”
unidentified (probably Troubled Charlie), December 19, Turfway R
“There is a closed, complete disarticulation of the fetlock with a lateral condylar fracture and axial lateral sesamoid fracture. The lateral condylar fracture is comminuted and measures 13 cm in length. Soft tissue damage is severe, including rupture of the medial extensor branch of the suspensory and protrusion of the medial condyle through the annular ligament.”
In addition, these still-very-much-active racehorses died on track grounds from what the industry craftily calls “non-racing” causes. Technically true, perhaps, but morally they are no less casualties of this vile business than the ones above. (Please note: The Commission only forwarded two of these stall deaths; surely, there were many more.)
unidentified, February 3, unidentified Thoroughbred track
“Subacute meningomyeloencephalitis, Equine Herpesvirus. Brain: Perivascular cuffing and multifocal acute hemorrhage. Lung: Severe, acute, diffuse congestion. Stomach: Severe, chronic, ulcerative gastritis.”
unidentified, November 15, unidentified Thoroughbred track
“Showed signs of severe colic…treated…worsened…dropped dead in the stall.”
That is a big list of horses that were made to walk on severely broken legs before someone finally thought it a good idea to euthanize them. Probably all for Show to spare the betting public. Shame on them!! And again- a whole lot of horses with pulmonary hemorrhage, and I would guarantee damn near all of them were on lasix!!
When we think of the hundreds of miles we have galloped horses on the track we are sure glad we no longer are participants in this industry no longer. It is a BUSINESS and industry, not a sport as so many insist on calling this gamboling game.When we first started in 1982 we knew NOTHING of the risks to horses and riders at the time! Glad to see people can see risks to horses upfront and in honest listings through Patrick`s work.
Horse owners and the gambling industry profess their love for horses. Baloney, the love is for money, glitz and gambling
I didn’t even read the above because I don’t want to even read or hear about any horse cruelty. I’m signing whatever I need to in order to bring peace and comfort to these horse and I’m fully for abolishing anything that has to do with hurting these animals and putting them in pain. I’m all for making horse racing illegal.
A lot of this sounds more like the fault of the trainers than the race track, though.
Charlene, it is the fault of racing. Period.
With all of this evidence and documentation how is horse racing still permissible
Why is it acceptable for this activity to continue????
it’s disgraceful and disgusting and needs to be outlawed
what will it take until the public shuts it down
this is so unacceptable I can’t even read the article- it made me nauseous to the point of throwing up
this is absolutely unacceptable – how can the industry even live with themselves????
Yet another maiming and death list that would be more appropriately found in the Roman gladiator rings during the 1st Century BC.
The Roman gladiator death rings and horse racing have lots in common including horses dying in anonymity with the names deliberately eliminated, conducted under the banner of “entertainment,” and sometimes “sport,” tickets are sold to view the brutality, gambling took place, and it was patronized by the wealthy.
The Roman gladiator death rings were banned in the 6th century due to the human race evolving.
Yet, here we are in the 21st century with thousands of racehorses being killed on the racetrack death rings?
There are no changes, modifications or “modernization” (as Belinda Stronach often says) that can change the maiming and dying and it seems clear to most of us that horse racing is an antiquated business model that has no place in the 21st century – none.
I’m so sick of poor animals being used by humans for monetary gain. These beautiful animals should be allowed to run free in green fields not being run to death by these scum bags horse racing should be banned everywhere.
Stop abusing horses! God is watching.
Thanks you for doing this extensive research and bringing this to the light. What these people are doing to these animals is nothing short of criminal. These “racehorses” are BABIES. No horseman worth his/her salt would ever run a horse hard before his 4th birthday. Racing two and three-year olds is insane.
”Horse owners and the gambling industry profess their love for horses. Baloney, the love is for money, glitz and gambling” << this is NOT true! Focusing on negatives doesn't help. Owners care about their horses, if not they would not do such extensive physical training prior to such, they are treated humanely, with care, love, to be safe to run. A 3 yr can do it easily, if don't understand 'horse racing' or ever involved, you will never get it. they are athletics too put in to training to help their endure a race just as a runner in a marathon race. Good example is favourite to win Kentucky Derby pulled to having a 'severe cough issue' if they did not care they'd run him, give them a break, try being bit positive…….its the track over time not adequately and timely taken care it should been given all types of weather, other races there, it needs revamped to optimin operation for protection for runners, like what marathon runner wants to run a race w/pot holes or sink holes, duh! Wake Up!
Peddle your pro-horse racing idiocy somewhere else.
If any apologist truly “loved their family members” then they wouldn’t exploit them to begin with.
I suggest you spend your time visiting the various kill auctions such as New Holland – there you will find the disposables of this vile industry and make sure you bring plenty of cash since this business gives little to nothing relative to their obscene profits.
Yet another example that clearly shows they don’t give a damn especially after they are done maiming them.
Cook Ranch, you must be looking in the mirror because it is you who dosen’t “get it” and it is you who needs to “wake up”.
Just for starters, read the necropsy reports posted on this site. Those reports are indisputable evidence of cruelty. And, sad to say, there is much more.
Did anyone see the Kentucky Derby yesterday? There was an “incident “ in the stretch, where the leader veered out in front of other horses. If not for the alertness of horses and riders, there could have been many horses going down. The horses were tightly bunched together, and if one had fallen, many more would have also.
Another jockey lodged a complaint, and the stewards agreed. The leader was disqualified, and a long shot named the winner.
A lot of people were overjoyed at their winnings. I wonder how many of them stopped to spare a thought about what they’d just witnessed.
Today, the owner of the disqualified horse is appealing the decision.
If there had been multiple collisions, would the morning news be full of facts and stats about the number of race horses that are euthanized each year, due to injuries? Would reporters be at New Holland, trying to interview sellers, buyers, or auctioneers? Who, I bet, would turn away, muttering, “no comment.”
And I can’t let the above comment go without my 2 cents.
You don’t make any animal, two or four legged, exert itself before it is adequately physically matured. The skeletons of young slaves, people who had heavy duties before they had fully grown, show chronic damage. Bones show arthritis, poorly healed fractures, the scars of muscles and tendons injured by too early over work.
Why should the skeletons of 2-3 year old horses be different?
Inbreeding also creates havoc. Look at so many race horses’ pedigrees. They feature the same forebears, appearing over and over in the same present horse’s list of forebears. If this were seen on a human genealogical chart, you’d scream about the repeated incest. And all that allows bad qualities, like a propensity for weak ankles or knees, eyesight problems, spinal problems, and of course, inherited conditions and birth defects.
Horse racing needs to STOP NOW!!! No more animals should die.