Through a FOIA request to the Texas Racing Commission, I have confirmed the following kills at that state’s tracks in 2020. Please note, however, that there is a large gap between February and June. While this was the beginning of the pandemic, it defies belief that no racehorses died – racing (and there was some), training, or in stall – during this almost-four-month period. So, view this accounting accordingly.
Data Force, Jan 20, Sam Houston T – “sudden death – died on track” (two years old)
Volley Molly, Feb 6, Sam Houston T – “leg fracture – euthanized on track”
Blind Sea, Feb 15, Sam Houston R – “leg fracture, extensive hemorrhage in soft tissue around fetlock joint with fraying of tendons and ligaments, extensive loss of cartilage”
Harlan Selection, Feb 19, Sam Houston R – “hypovolemic shock – died on track”
Mary Jane’s Double, Jun 3, Lone Star R – “leg fracture, extensive hemorrhage to the subcutaneous tissue and fascia surrounding the fetlock joint”
Always Secret, Jun 8, Lone Star R – “heat stress in test barn after race”
Giant Pulpit, Jun 9, Lone Star T – “spinal fracture, head and neck trauma”
For D’s Knight, Jun 17, Lone Star R – “[multiple] fractures: comminuted, open, displaced, complete; tendons and ligaments are torn, frayed, and covered in dirt”
Prince Jet, Jun 27, Lone Star S – “colic”
Wild Indy, Jun 29, Lone Star R – “open, complete, highly comminuted fractures; [multiple] tendons and ligaments are hemorrhagic and variably frayed/torn”
Dashing Sweet Brujo, Jul 4, Retama T – “fractured leg”
Coronado Effort, Jul 9, Retama S – “colic”
Oreeo, Jul 18, Retama S – “colic”
Jess Master Angel, Jul 24, Retama R (euthanized Jul 27) – “fractured sesamoid”
Nola Win, Aug 9, Lone Star R – “fractured sesamoid”
Dashin Chiquita, Aug 19, Retama S – “colic”
Jess a Hilbily Bone, Aug 29, Retama R – “subflex of pastern joint” (60th race)
So Long Reba, Sep 11, Lone Star T – “fractured basilar”
Canyutel, Oct 2, Lone Star T – “fractured sesamoid”
Heiress Effort, Oct 15, Lone Star S – “colic”
Kiss My Axle, Oct 18, Lone Star S – “illness”
Double Down On Me, Oct 24, Lone Star R – “slab fracture”
Mister Riptide, Nov 7, Lone Star R – “fractured both front [legs]”
Avyator, Nov 28, Lone Star R – “fractured sesamoid”
During the months of March, April and May of 2020, there were most likely several horses that were “disposed of” in various ways and for various reasons. I suspect many Thoroughbreds were sold to a killbuyer, but most likely in secrecy. Horseracing is EVIL in Texas just as it is in every state and country that has a racing meet.
We know racing is it’s own judge and jury. We see the carnage that is visible. We also know the spin and attempts to minimize and rationalize the obvious ugliness. And, of course, there is the glaring lack of accountability…
We also know the nonsense concerning the “new” safety measures.
It stands to reason there is soo much more going on that never comes to light. Because of the “code of silence”, I doubt we will ever know the true horror of this so called sport.
Most humans do not DESERVE animals.
Reading the types of injuries these gentle animals sustained, one would think the racetrack was peppered with land mines.