Through a FOIA request to the California Horse Racing Board, I have obtained the following details on some of that state’s kills thus far this year.
Derby Prospect, Jan 1, Santa Anita T
“Horse has not raced since 2021. RF fracture fragment removal Mar 2023. On Jan 1, 2024, horse collapsed while training on track and died spontaneously. Diagnosis: sudden death syndrome.” Derby was five years old.
All About Fly, Jan 20, Los Alamitos S
“Horse ran out of stall down backside of barn and into a fence. Horse collapsed after coming in contact with the fence. Horse was unresponsive…no reflexes present and no heartbeat. Large abrasion on forehand observed.” All About had not yet turned two.
Luxury Brand, Jan 27, Los Alamitos R
“[Multiple] compound [through the skin] fractures of both front limbs on the gallop out.” Again, Luxury, just two years old, shattered both of his front legs. Defend that, apologists.
What kind of fence was this? I doubt very much that it was a barb-wire fence, but what was the fence made of? What part of the body do they mean exactly when they say “forehand”?
Why did a yearling run away into the fence? It sounds like whoever was responsible for handling the young horse was being rough and abusive.
What horsemanship! Not!!! Yearlings should not be anywhere near a racetrack.