Through a FOIA request to the Kentucky Racing Commission, I have confirmed the following kills at that state’s tracks last year (this is part 2; previous posts here). (Due to the high number of dead horses, I will be posting in installments.)
Ballesteros, Feb 28, Keeneland T
“On the gallop out, Ballesteros staggered, collapsed, and expired. Horse was sound prior to the work.” Ballesteros was but three years old.
Bourbon Runner, Mar 14, Keeneland S
“Treated for colic this morning, unresponsive, owner opted to euthanize.” Bourbon was four years old and had last been raced in September.
Code of Kings, Apr 29, Churchill R (euth Apr 30)
“Horse flipped violently three times and became severely ataxic. Radiographs next morning showed a catastrophic vertebral fracture at the junction of C4-C5. Euthanized.” Code was three years old.
Ashleys Wicked One, Jun 19, Churchill T
“Right tibia: complete fracture at the physis, bone dark red and crumbling. Right hock: tarsal bones collapsed, complete collapse of intertarsal joint, compression of tarsometatarsal joint.” Ashleys was three years old and being prepped for his first race.
Avaline, Jun 29, Keeneland T (euth Jul 6)
“Rider noted lameness galloping out Jun 29. Pelvic fracture. Euthanized Jul 6.” Avaline was two years old and being prepped for her first race.
yet-to-be-named 2-year-old, Aug 5, Turfway T
“Colt was breezing in company and pulled up after the wire with a catastrophic injury: biaxial sesamoid fractures with severe soft tissue disruption, including rupture of the intersesamoidian ligament and the medial annular ligament of the fetlock, and marked tearing of the straight and oblique sesamoidian ligaments, the extensor branches of the suspensory ligament, and the deep digital flexor tendon.” Also: “focally severe ulceration of the stomach.” Again, this poor boy was but a baby.
Asternita, Aug 30, Turfway T (euth Nov 6)
“Horse went down while galloping, unable to rise: complete, comminuted fracture of the humerus; large amount of hemorrhage; extensive tearing.” It is unclear if Asternita re-injured in Nov or if this was the initial injury and she was made to suffer like that for over two months. Either way, horrible. She was three years old.
Coerce, Sep 4, Turfway T
“Horse had galloped approximately one mile when she abruptly stopped…and fell. Horse then briefly and weakly rose before collapsing again and dying.” Coerce was two years old and being prepped for her first race.
Balta, Oct 9, Keeneland T
“Horse collapsed while jogging back after a work – vertebra fracture, sudden death.” Necropsy went on to note: “While the fracture was clinically significant, having caused muscle tearing and hemorrhage within the spinal cord, the contribution to the horse’s collapse and death is not clear.” Balta was just two years old.
Belmont Farms Gem, Dec 1, Churchill T
“Horse was galloping quietly and pulled himself up at the 1/2-mile pole – complete fracture of the humerus that spans the majority of the diaphysis, marked tearing of the surrounding muscles.” Belmont was two years old and being prepped for his first race.
They are just babies. They shouldn’t even have riders on their backs yet! No matter what age, this is cruelty. A civilized society???
Fredjoan…yes that site does give an exacting summary. El Fabiano the favorite today pulled up. I hope his name doesn’t appear on RHDW later today. Your insight is always appreciated. Nancy
I have viewed Race Horse Death Watch for some time now. Their depictions of the racing`s breakdowns are apt & respectfully shown.
The daily routine whipping of horses to make them run farther and faster with a whip-wielding rider on their backs is egregious cruelty to horses. For anyone involved in this gambling racket to say “they love to run” is repulsive and appalling.
It isn’t enough to be outraged! Thank you to all who take action to bring awareness of this ghastly horror that the Jockey Club calls the “Sport of Kings”.
The horses don’t deserve this egregious cruelty. The horses deserve so much better than this! Horses don’t love being whipped or shocked.
The Cheltenham Festival began yesterday and claimed the deaths of 2 horses in race 3 and 6. The barbaric Steeplechase had one horse collapse and die and the second was leading quite a way and then lost action. It goes to show this entertainment reaches far beyond any borders. If there is interest a site called Race Horse Death Watch does the same thing Patrick does here. It gives awareness to the horrors of this sport. This “festival” lasts all.week and is a yearly event in the UK. I mean 20 horses going 2 or 3 miles jumping 20 hurdles. It’s no wonder..
No wonder at all.