Through a FOIA request to the California Horse Racing Board, I have confirmed the following deaths at that state’s tracks in 2018. (Please note: The Board redacted the names of the dead horses; any identifications below came via other channels.)
unidentified, March 1, Del Mar T
“Fracture of the humerus. Periosteal callus at caudal aspect of neck through which fracture runs. Extensive hemorrhage and edema of surrounding musculature and soft tissues. Hemarthrosis of the humeroradial and humeroscapular joints. Chronic deep linear ulceration of articular cartilage of dorsal third.” (three years old)
Cat From Iraq, March 4, Los Alamitos R
“Sudden death after race. Presumtive heart failure with: Pulmonary hemorrhage, congestion and edema. Hemorrhage and congestion of upper respiratory tract. Congestion and hemorrhage of abdominal organs. There was a large amount of stable pink froth in the trachea and lower airways.” (had just turned seven – “sudden death”)
Cash Prize, March 17, Golden Gate R
“There is an open and displace fracture of the left front fetlock joint. Environmental debris contaminates the affected joint and adjacent connective tissue. There is a fracture of metacarpal III. There is also a medial sesamoid fracture with comminutions and avulsions. There is partial rupture of the deep digitial flexor tendon. Additionally the intersesamoidean ligament is completely ruptured along with the medial branch of the suspensory ligament and medial collateral ligament.”
unidentified, March 19, Golden Gate
“Right hind: Moderate to severe laminitis with rotation of the coffin bone and a fissure within the sole. Left hind: Moderate to severe cellulitis with focal hemorrhage within the coronary band and hoof wall defect.”
Foxtrot Romeo, March 23, Golden Gate R
“In the right foreleg, there is a fracture of the medial proximal sesamoid bone. There [is] severe scoring of all articular surfaces of the fetlock joint. The proximal phalanx has a comminuted fracture with multiple fragments of bone. There is associated hemorrhage and soft tissue swelling. In the left foreleg, there is erosion along the transverse ridge of the distal MCIII and focal deep ulceration on each condyle with erosion of the distal articular cartilage. Gastric ulceration, chronic, severe.”
You’re a Daisy, March 24, Los Alamitos R
“Catastrophic left MCIII fracture with hemorrhage and fraying of deep digital flexor tendon and body of suspensory ligament. Gastric ulcers.”
unidentified, April 12, Golden Gate T
“Discovered in stall Thursday morning – left hind open, comminuted, medial condylar fracture. Filly had breezed the previous morning.” (yes, broke leg the previous day)
Dashing Roja, June 23, Oak Tree R
“Complete rupture of the sesamoidean ligaments.”
unidentified, June 28, Santa Anita
“The horse was found dead by barn personnel following an unexplained struggle in the stall. Presumptive heart failure with: Severe pulmonary congestion and edema. Pronounced paintbrush hemorrhages of pharyngeal, guttural pouch, laryngotracheal and hilar bronchial mucosa. Focal hemorrhagic skin abrasions, dorsolateral aspect of left eye. Focal moderate subcutaneous hemorrhage, caudo-dorsal aspect of skull.”
Imperial Legacy, June 30, Los Alamitos R
“Fracture of medial proximal sesamoid bone. Fracture of lateral proximal sesamoid bone. Hemorrhage and fraying of suspensory ligament. Rupture of intersesamoidean and palmar annular ligaments. Rupture of medial collateral ligament of the fetlock. Rupture of medial collateral sesamoidean ligament. Gastric ulcers.”
I certainly hope that the investigation of the 23 deaths at the Santa Anita Racetrack results in finding what actually caused those horses to suffer and lose their lives. Horses are such a huge part of America’s history and should be protected in the wild, in the racing fields, organizations using horses as well as private owners. Horses have always had a special place in my heart, I used to go riding every Sunday when I was younger but was never had the funds or place to own a horse. Some people have no idea what a fabulous animal they have when owning a horse. I’ve seen programs where owners still put a saddle on their horses and ride them, eventhough they have horrible sores where the saddle is placed. I can’t even imagine doing that to any animal. Thank God for all the people who dedicate their lives to rescuing horses in need and give them a forever loving home.
I implore California residents to shut down horse racing in your state.
You have the means, you have the support now get it done.
Even 1 of these pics, even 1 death should be enough.
Yet, day after day we see the gruesome brutality and carnage that is horse racing.
Shut it down now.
It breaks my heart that these wonderful animals are put in danger, and face painful and unnecessary DEATH, all due to the business of horse racing. I want it to STOP, for their sake.