Through a FOIA request to the Illinois Racing Board, I have confirmed the following kills at that state’s tracks thus far this year:

Trivial, Feb 17, Hawthorne T – “After returning [to barn] it was noted that the horse did not seem right and was wobbly. The horse [then] collapsed dead in the stall. Suspect exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage, cardiovascular event.”

Rich E Z, Apr 24, Hawthorne R – “The horse had a LF open [through the skin] fracture, humanely euthanized on track.” This was Rich’s 69th turn under the whip.

Westyn Go Home, May 21, Arlington T – “Horse dumped rider and fell – broken shoulder at neck of scapula, severe hemorrhage.” Westyn was just two years old and being prepped for his first race.

Charlie’s Heir, May 22, Arlington R – “Horse went down, had a few spasms, and died. Also suffered an open fracture of the pastern [presumably in the collapse].” Charlie’s Heir was but four years old.

Rio Seco, Jul 4, Arlington R – “[Sudden death], obvious cause not identified. One consideration given the time of year is heat exhaustion or heat stroke. The weather in region was in the high 80s to low 90s. The body temperature of this horse recorded at the time of death was elevated at 104 F.” This was Rio’s 43rd time under the whip.

yet-to-be-named 2-year-old filly, Jul 23, Arlington T – “Horse fractured shoulder and was humanely destroyed.”

Canary Islands, Jul 25, Arlington R – “Pelvic trauma: both back legs would not move and horse stood knuckled over, non-ambulatory.” For gambling, for entertainment.