Through a FOIA request to the Ohio Racing Commission, I have confirmed the following kills at that state’s tracks thus far this year.
Lost in Tahiti, Jan 25, Mahoning R
“MC3 fracture, possible extension through entire [bone].” Lost was two years old, and this was his very first race.
Fast Clip, Jan 25, Mahoning R
“Horse suffered a catastrophic injury to the RF at the 1/2 mile.” Fast was three years old.
Wile E Peyote, Feb 6, Mahoning T
“Pulled up at 3/16 pole: [multiple] severely displaced fractures.” Wile was eight years old; he had been raced 50 times.
Signore Nino, Feb 12, Mahoning T
“Horse injured shoulder during morning gallop and was humanely euthanized.” Signore was two years old.
Frank N Ducky, Feb 12, Mahoning R
“Horse collapsed and died after wire.” Frank was a day shy of turning six.
Candy Island, Feb 24, Mahoning R
“Horse suffered catastrophic injury to LF fetlock and was euthanized.” Candy was four years old.
Emperor’s Gold, Feb 28, Mahoning R (euth Feb 29)
“Pulled up, vanned off. [Next morning] found down, unable to rise. Owners elected euthanasia.” Emperor’s was nine years old, and this was his 67th time under the whip.
Mad Maude, Apr 13, Northfield R
“Shattered pastern.” Mad Maude was eight years old.
Askin for a Baskin, Apr 22, Thistledown R
“Open [through skin], comminuted, dislocated fetlock.” Askin was six years old.
Skidstream, Apr 24, Thistledown T
“Large slab fracture with severe modeling, arthritis in knee.” Skid was five years old.
M Amadeus, May 15, Scioto R
“This horse started performing poorly halfway during race. He was pulling up at the 5/8 mark and collapsed. The driver reported the horse took two deep breaths then died, acute cardiac failure suspected. The horse reportedly suffered from an episode of atrial fibrillation last fall and was never quite the same after.” Amadeus was five years old.
Cadella, Jun 24, Thistledown T (euth Jun 25)
“Ran off on track during training Jun 24. [Next day] 5/5 lame – complicated slab fracture – euthanized.” Cadella was two years old and being prepped for her first race.
Lake Radio, Jun 27, Thistledown R
“Bilateral sesamoid fractures.” Lake was five years old.
Future Ex Wife, Jul 1, Northfield S
“Horse euthanized due to colic.” Future was five years old.
Bazak, Jul 1, Thistledown T
“Bilateral sesamoid fractures.” Bazak was two years old.
Canopy, Jul 4, Belterra R
“Sustained multiple fractures at 3/8 pole.” Canopy was three years old.
Supposedly Emperor’s Gold had been allowed to run, even though he wasn’t 100%. The jockey knew he didn’t feel right, and had him vanned off. The next day, the poor horse was tested and resulted in a positive for EVH1, with the neurological symptoms. He began a nightmarish quarantining process for EHV1 and strangles at mahoning for most of the spring.
My mother suffered from atrial fibrillation! Would never have ever wanted her system stressed having to run or walking up steep slopes! That poor horse suffering that had no business being worked at all let alone raced.This list reads like immense cruelty! Young horses never being allowed to have a full life within a herd. Very sad to read this list.