A List That All Horseracing Fans Should Be Made to Answer For

To those who profit from, bet on, watch, or otherwise support horseracing, the burden falls to defend/explain the following list.

Some of the horses killed at U.S. tracks in 2020, in the words of the industry itself.

(R: Racing; T: Training; S: Stall)

Golden Birthday, Jan 1, Santa Anita R
“[multiple] comminuted fractures, [multiple] severe ruptures”

Yukon Eric, Jan 3, Pimlico T
“horse pulled up and appeared to be exhausted…fell to the track and died”; also: “stomach: acute ulcers – presumptive stress” (two years old)

Token Vow, Jan 4, Hawthorne R
“dropped dead at 1/4 pole – copious amount of blood from nostrils”

Little Bit Country, Jan 16, Laurel T
“flipped, recumbent, unable to move hind limbs”; Dr. Sorum: “I found the horse down…and [he] appeared in shock. [H]e didn’t have movement to his hind legs. He was also dribbling urine.”

Obligated to None, Jan 19, Turf R
“horse finished last, 36 back; once the horse returned to its stall, it laid down and could not get back up: complete pelvic fracture that resulted in extensive hemorrhage that involved the majority of the LH limb”

Data Force, Jan 20, Sam Houston T
“sudden death – died on track” (two years old)

Celtic Warrior, Jan 25, Turf R
“multiple fractures with bone exposure, skin degloved”

Rumers Are True, Feb 3, Charles Town S
“found dead” (five years old)

Birdies Honor, Feb 8, Laurel R
“finished the race…suddenly the horse collapsed and died” (four years old)

Roses for Laura, Feb 8, Turf T
“open fracture RF fetlock”; also: “there are multiple areas of gastric ulceration and hemorrhage in the stomach, which is common finding in racing horse”

Buddy Princess, Feb 9, Rillito R
“open avulsion injury, segments of bones are missing; over 30% of distal metacarpal bone is exposed; surfaces of the bone, soft tissue, and tendons are covered in dirt; suspensory ligament is completely ruptured”

Adorned, Feb 9, Turf S
“fractured neck”

Miss Romania, Feb 12, Santa Anita T
“comminuted, complete, displaced fracture; muscles severely torn; massive hemorrhage”

Major Flirt, Feb 15, Laurel R
“dislocation of fetlock; comminuted, displaced sesamoid fractures; soft tissue damage; [torn] ligaments”; also: “chronic gastric ulcer” (three years old)

Smokey, Feb 16, Oaklawn S
“died due to cerebrum hemorrhage”

Harlan Selection, Feb 19, Sam Houston R
“hypovolemic shock – died on track”

Cowgirl Barbie, Feb 19, Turf T
“horse was working on the main track when it stumbled, fell and could not get back up – [cause of death] not determined” (she was just one year old)

Senor Grits, Feb 19, Turf R
“open fracture covered in dirt, sand, and mud; ruptured tendon; ruptured ligament”; also: “severe, chronic degenerative joint disease [in same leg that broke]”

Street Machine, Feb 21, Los Alamitos R
“large open wound with exposure of MCIII, [multiple] complete ruptures”

Sedona Moon, Feb 21, Turf T
“comminuted fractures, tendon rupture” (he was just one year old)

Chosen Vessel, Feb 29, Santa Anita R
“[multiple] fractures, [multiple] ruptures, [bone] broken through skin”

Abelard Hanover, Mar 2, Dover R
“acute aortic rupture”

Super Touch, Mar 6, Turfway R
“collapsed and died – hemorrhage, shock”

Love Totem, Mar 12, Turfway R
“skull fracture, epistaxis from both nostrils”

Supercross, Mar 18, Pimlico T
“ran into a wall and died”; Dr. Meittinis: “The horse died on his own from head trauma before I could get there.”

Baddowndasher, Mar 19, Remington R
“horse collapsed – severed spinal cord”

Fantasy First Down, Mar 21, Remington S
“suffered severe head trauma while tied to gate” (note: not euthanized, just died)

Kahului, Apr 2, Oaklawn R
“ruptured vein in the pelvic cavity, hypovolemic shock”

Smiling Ali, Apr 2, Santa Anita T
“sudden death: extensive hemorrhages in the lung”; also: “stomach: chronic ulcers, multiple” (two years old)

M C Hamster, Apr 15, Santa Anita T
“complete luxation of fetlock with protrusion of distal MCIII through skin”

Gotaheadache, Apr 22, Laurel T
“returned to barn in distress, collapsed and died”; Dr. Daniel: “She had very large volumes of blood in both thoracic and abdominal cavities.”

Tailback, May 10, Santa Anita T
“compound, comminuted fractures of MCII, MCIII, MCIV”

Miss Casuarina, May 13, Charles Town S
“found dead, swollen neck”

Valkyrie, May 24, Indiana T
“fractured skull”

Bluegrass Jamboree, May 28, Belmont T
“cardiovascular collapse – expired on track”

Grimm Resolve, Jun 2, Los Alamitos S
“found dead in stall” (two years old)

Jive Talkin, Jun 6, Golden Gate T
“[multiple] fractures, [multiple] ruptures”; also: “there was blood in the peritoneal and thoracic cavities, focal hemorrhage and tearing of the diaphragm, hemorrhage in the eyes; gastric ulceration diffuse and severe” (three years old)

Lightsaber, Jun 7, Santa Anita T
“hit the rail – complete tibia fracture, massive hemorrhage, muscles severely torn”

Always Secret, Jun 8, Lone Star R
“heat stress in test barn after race”

Kiss My Bling, Jun 9, Fair Meadows R
“acute exsanguination after showing signs of distress” (she bled out)

Aljohn, Jun 9, Laurel S
“horse was being treated for an infected right foot for approximately 10 days; [the trainer] discovered that the horse’s right foot had fallen off” (yes, that’s right, “the horse’s right foot had fallen off”)

Giant Pulpit, Jun 9, Lone Star T
“spinal fracture, head and neck trauma”

Absolutely Flashing, Jun 14, Ruidoso R
“muscle tear, bleeding rupture”

Mystical Song, Jun 17, Belmont S
“found dead in stall…gastrointestinal disease”

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”

Neeka’s Temple, Jun 18, Indiana T
“fractured skull”

Big Red Valentine, Jun 18, Santa Anita S
“traumatic, highly comminuted fracture of spine; complete transection of spinal cord; open fracture of cannon; MCIII snapped into two halves; transverse rupture of suspensory ligament; highly comminuted fracture of rostral bones of upper jaw”

Cheers and Prayers, Jun 21, Fair Meadows S
“hit head on concrete wall, [died]”

Elektracutioner, Jun 22, Prairie R
“internal pulmonary hemorrhage”

Yuma Thurman, Jun 23, Arapahoe R
“horse died after finishing 2nd – congestive heart failure” (11 years old, 93rd race)

Endeavor, Jun 23, Hoosier T
“dislocated hip with torn ligaments”

Equilibrio, Jun 26, Los Alamitos R
“complete fracture of the neck of the scapula, severe hemorrhage associated with rupture[d] muscles” (two years old, first race)

Nana Shila, Jun 27, Los Alamitos R
“open, comminuted fractures; complete rupture [multiple] ligaments/tendons; broken neck; massive hemorrhage within spinal canal”

Mr Dejavu, Jun 27, San Luis Rey T
“rider heard loud pop and jumped off: complete, displaced, comminuted fracture; rupture[d] biceps; massive hemorrhage”

Constitutional Pal, Jul 4, Monmouth R
“[multiple] complete, displaced fractures; ulceration and dissection of the articular cartilage”

Ilchester Cheetah, Jul 11, Monmouth R
“sudden death: rupture, right lung” (three years old)

Tricks R For Real, Jul 13, Ocean R
“collapsed and died” (three years old)

Miners Quest, Jul 14, Laurel S
“acute laminitis, rotation of the foot” (nine years old, had been raced 72 times)

Hopper Hunter, Jul 16, Thistledown R
“fractured cannon while leaving the gate”

All Call, Jul 18, Arlington S
“found dead in stall – ruptured stomach”

Diamond Darlin, Jul 20, Delaware S
“hit head, fractured skull, ruptured major artery – died”

Gospel Cherokey, Jul 21, Fair Meadows R
“fell – skull fracture” (died – not euthanized – next day)

Apollon, Jul 24, Saratoga T
“cardiovascular collapse” (two years old)

Gin and Platonic, Aug 1, Monmouth R
“dropped dead: rupture, right lung” (three years old)

Turbulent Eyes, Aug 1, Wyoming R
“stifle locked up, broke back”

Withholder, Aug 2, Monmouth T
“pulled up lame, collapsed into hypovolemic shock – pelvic fracture with severe and extensive hemorrhage” (two years old)

Bird Call, Aug 4, Mountaineer R
“lung hemorrhage” (chart said “fell into the rail”)

Shaggy Kid, Aug 5, Delaware S
“terminally ill – colon torsion, toxic” (three years old)

Shiny Copper Penny, Aug 5, Saratoga S
“experienced sudden death”

Final Offer, Aug 7, Northfield R
“collapsed in stall after race and passed”

My Lila, Aug 8, Laurel R
“[multiple] compound, comminuted fractures and dislocation, LF fetlock; rupture in the skin through which a portion of cannon bone protrudes; sand and debris packed into the hole in the skin”; also: “chronic synovitis in all [four] carpal joints; chronic degeneration in all four distal cannon bones; chronic, active joint disease both hind fetlocks” (My Lila was declared “racing sound” before each and every one of her 15 races, including the one in which she died. She was but three years old.)

Plain Tales, Aug 16, Belterra S
“found dead in the morning with large amounts of froth and bloody discharge from the nasal passages”

Rebel Teen, Aug 19, Batavia R
“collapsed and expired on the track”

Cam’s Legacy, Aug 21, Remington T
“expired upon completion of workout” (two years old)

Irish Crossing, Aug 22, Laurel R
“three major fractures of left scapula, approximately 15 fragments; severed biceps; copious hemorrhage; jockey stated horse was nervous prior to start of race”

Peek It Up, Aug 22, Los Alamitos R
“fractured [back]: multiple fragments within spinal canal, complete transection of the spinal cord, massive hemorrhage”

Battle Weary, Aug 23, Ruidoso R
“flipped in gate, blunt force trauma to the head”

El Divo Moves, Aug 23, Sweetwater R
“collapsed, broke back”

Nuttinholdinmeback, Aug 24, Arlington T
“tibia shattered into 2 large and at least 48 small fragments”

Con He Win, Aug 26, Finger Lakes R
“ran through the rail”

Flash for Corona, Aug 30, Arlington S
“found dead in stall – severe, gangrenous pleuropneumonia”

Plum Dandy, Aug 31, Del Mar S
“flipped, fractured skull, bled from nose, died”

Bobble Doit, Aug 31, Emerald T
“displaced fracture, severe ligament laceration, tendon lacerations”; also: “chronic osteoarthritis, gastric ulceration” (two years old)

Billy the Hott, Sep 5, Los Alamitos R
“pelvic fractures, sacral fractures, lumbar fractures, occipital fractures, massive hemorrhage, acute hypovolemic shock”

Long March, Sep 7, Pimlico T
“flipped over and struck his [head] on the starting gate – trauma was so severe that [he] was immediately euthanized on the track” (being prepped for first race)

Polar Bear Pete, Sep 10, Laurel R
“five fractures, multiple pieces; traumatic avulsion; intramuscular hemorrhage”; also: “acute gastric ulcers (acute stress); chronic degenerative joint disease all four fetlocks” (three years old)

Bob E McGee, Sep 13, Los Alamitos R
“fell past wire: humeral fracture, biceps and triceps ruptures, massive hemorrhage”

One Fat Kat, Sep 18, Laurel R
“both [sesamoids] shattered”; Dr. Daniel: “Filly was very reluctant to come to the paddock [before start of race].”

Peves Candy Chickman, Sep 18, Will Rogers S
“skull fracture”

Shirelle, Sep 19, Saratoga T
“collapsed and died after breezing” (two years old)

Eve’s Medal, Sep 20, Monmouth T
“dropped dead: aortic rupture” (three years old)

Sea Sparkle, Sep 23, Belmont S
“horse found dead – colic of undetermined duration”

Talent Scout, Sep 24, Pimlico R
“blunt trauma, catastrophic fractures, LF fetlock; open wound into joint, copious amount of blood, RF fetlock” (that’s both front ankles); Dr. Daniel: “Talent Scout had an open fracture of the LF fetlock and a severe rundown/wound of the RF fetlock. The horse was unstable and in severe pain.” When asked horse’s condition when acquired, trainer said, “Fine – old ankles.” (just five years old)

Unrighteous, Sep 26, Saratoga T
“collapsed and died” (three years old)

Great Gasby, Oct 1, Emerald R
“severe blunt-force trauma: skull fracture, comminuted, acute, severe”

Cool Hunter, Oct 1, Golden Gate R
“multiple fractures, [multiple] ruptures”; also: “multiple chronic gastric ulcers throughout the stomach”

Oasis Beauty, Oct 1, Remington R
“collapsed after race, died in shedrow [next day]” (two years old, first race)

Fancy Twirl, Oct 3, Saratoga S
“laminitis in all four feet” (just two years old)

Superficial, Oct 6, Santa Anita S
“skull fracture; significant blood loss from both nostrils; ataxic and unwilling to stand; appeared to be suffocating on blood” (two years old)

Lucerito, Oct 7, Laurel S
“severe arthritis, chronic degenerative joint disease [all four] fetlocks” (just three years old)

Alysinawonderland, Oct 9, Belmont S
“horse was found dead in the stall”

Infinitypowersiwin, Oct 13, Charles Town S
“natural death” (was only three; was raced just four days prior: last, 23 lengths back)

Cinnamon Latte, Oct 14, Monmouth R
“complete rupture [multiple] ligaments, massive and extensive hemorrhage”

Dancewiththedevil, Oct 14, Thistledown R
“fracture MCIII; piece of metal in cavity – possible screw fragment or drill bit”

It’s Cold Out, Oct 17, Finger Lakes S
“found deceased in stall 9”

Candy Classic, Oct 19, Thistledown R
“horse fractured both front limbs – euthanized on track” (again, both front limbs)

Vine Master, Oct 19, Zia R
“false break at gate – head injury”

Hit It Up, Oct 23, Los Alamitos R (died Oct 28)
“locked up [during] race, ambulanced to stall; found dead five days [later]: catastrophic lumbar fracture; multiple, variably shaped fragments within spinal canal; massive hemorrhage; complete transection of the spinal cord”

Verdad, Oct 29, Northfield S
“broken neck”

Look At My Hooves, Nov 1, Golden Gate R
“comminuted, complete, displaced fracture; complete rupture of flexor tendon and [multiple] ligaments”

Enemy Runner, Nov 2, Mahoning R
“collapsed after race, had agonal breathing then died” (three years old)

Teller James, Nov 3, Zia R
“collapsed, died on track after race” (two years old)

Rebuff, Nov 5, Churchill R
“multiple open, disarticulated fractures both front legs” (again, that’s both front legs)

Mister Riptide, Nov 7, Lone Star R
“fractured both front [legs]” (again, that’s both front legs)

Dear Theodosia, Nov 9, Keeneland S
“tongue laceration/amputation”

yet-to-be-named 2-year-old, Nov 18, Santa Anita S
“stomach rupture”

Dr. Feelgood, Nov 19, Laurel T
“[multiple] devastating fractures, bone protruding through skin, copious amount of blood”; also: “chronic degenerative arthritis in all limb joints; extensive scar tissue around tendons; previous surgery RF ankle” (five years old)

Moochie, Nov 19, Laurel R
“[multiple] fractures, [bone] displaced and through skin; devastating damage to almost all structures of affected joint”; also: “chronic, degenerative arthritis [in all four feet], stomach ulcers” (just two years old)

Tied Up, Nov 27, Aqueduct R
“returned in distress, collapsed fatally” (five years old)

Just Ribbing You, Nov 28, Laurel T
“compound fracture left tibia with the sharp end of a bone fragment protruding through the ruptured skin”; also: “chronic degenerative joint disease affecting most joints; history of bowed tendons; previous surgery RH ankle” (four years old; hadn’t yet been raced because of those tendons)

Racing N Lace, Dec 5, Los Alamitos R
“catastrophic lumbar fracture, spinal cord compression, hemorrhage in spinal canal”

Father’s Luck, Dec 8, Charles Town S
“founder, all four feet” (just four years old)

Adversary Seelster, Dec 13, Northfield S
“got loose, hit pole – instant death”

Penelope Rose, Dec 16, Santa Anita T
“comminuted, complete, displaced fracture; muscles severely torn; massive hemorrhage”

Super Dancer, Dec 18, Laurel R
“complete fracture of leg, bone exposed up to mid-cannon, area covered in dirt and dried blood; tendons shredded; muzzle, tongue, and teeth coated in dirt, incisor broken at gum line”; Dr. Sacksen: “Limb was clearly fractured and swinging when we approached. A large segment…completely fractured free.”

Delightful Pride, Dec 26, Mahoning S
“twisted large intestine”