Through a FOIA request to the West Virginia Racing Commission, I have confirmed the following kills at Charles Town Races through the first five months of the year:

Horse Spotter Carl, Dec 28, Charles Town R (euthanized Mar 13) – “knee fracture”
Via Leone, Jan 30, Charles Town T – “condylar fracture”
Meet the Genius, Feb 1, Charles Town R (euthanized Feb 19) – “suspect pelvic fracture”
Ed’s Quick Cat, Feb 23, Charles Town R – “slab fracture”
Lite the Storm, Mar 13, Charles Town T – “shoulder fracture”
Rapid Rabbit, Mar 14, Charles Town R (euthanized Mar 15) – “P1 fracture”
Mr. Marvin, Mar 16, Charles Town R – “dislocated fetlock fracture”
Zoe’s Castle, Mar 20, Charles Town T – “shoulder fracture”
Nite Court, Apr 9, Charles Town T – “tibia fracture”
Misty Fly, May 17, Charles Town R – “open fetlock dislocation”
How’s My Boy, May 18, Charles Town T – “sudden death” (four years old)
Terrafirma, May 23, Charles Town R – “suspensory rupture” (chart: “vanned off sore”)
Katys Miracle, May 23, Charles Town R – “open cannon fracture”
Weather, May 30, Charles Town T – “shoulder fracture”

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.

Raise the Mast, Jan 15, Charles Town – “broken back, barn area”
B Three, Feb 8, Charles Town – “died in stall”
Amos P, Apr 26, Charles Town- “head trauma, barn area”
Giggle Byte, May 6, Charles Town – “colic”