Last week on U.S. flat tracks (racing only):
Caliente Rum “injured herself in the gate” at Parx
American Reality “vanned off” at Delta
Pricey “vanned off” at Delta
Frontier Mesa “vanned off” at Tampa Bay
Fan Fan “vanned off” at Tampa Bay
Better Tomorrow “vanned off” at Golden Gate
Trupia “vanned off” at Gulfstream
Cartel Kip “vanned off” at Sunland
Separate Mama “vanned off” at Turf
Lemonadeatthelatch “vanned off” at Turfway
Cara’s Daydreamer “vanned off” at Aqueduct
Mr. Briggs “vanned off” at Aqueduct
Globes “vanned off” at Gulfstream
Big Fabuloso “vanned off” at Los Alamitos
Exemplar “vanned off” at Oaklawn
My Little Dragon “fell, vanned off” at Sunland
Tethered “bled, vanned off” at Fair Grounds
Readyforprimetime “vanned off” at Gulfstream
Oro Crystal “vanned off” at Los Alamitos
While not all the “vanned” end up dead, most do, as borne out by our year-end FOIA reports. But even if death is not the ultimate result, the above are victims nonetheless, suffering painful injuries – in the case of the bleeders, pulmonary hemorrhage – so that some men may gamble, others chase pots of gold. (For any new confirmed deaths during the week, please see our running annual list.)
“…working with industry stakeholders in further advancing the progressive transformation of horse racing… with the emphasis on horse safety, welfare, and integrity.”
What exactly is the meaning of the progressive transformation of horse racing? Does it have to do with making sure that the rich people in this industry continue to keep control while exploiting horses for Pari-Mutuel gambling? Does it mean the development of super drugs to enhance the performance of horses? Does it mean the continuation of corrupt racketeering?