Through a FOIA request to the Texas Racing Commission, I have confirmed the following kills at that state’s tracks thus far this year.
Tiz the Big One, Jan 12, Sam Houston R
“Compound carpal fracture, vanned off, euthanized.” Tiz was three years old.
Amcrest Kitty, Jan 27, Sam Houston R
“Disarticulated fetlock, euthanized while recumbent on track.” Amcrest was two years old, and this was her very first race.
Runway Hit, Feb 10, Sam Houston R
“Flipped over backward in saddling paddock, hitting poll of head on ground, unable to stand, seizures – fatal head trauma.” Runway was two years old.
Texacana, Feb 26, Sam Houston S
“Death due to colic.” Texacana was three years old.
Jm Black Night, Mar 2, Retama T
“Humerus fracture during first timed work.” Jm was two years old.
Jalen Journey, Mar 5, Sam Houston T
“Fell, no pulse or heart rate, acute death.” Jalen was eight years old.
Girona, Mar 8, Sam Houston R
“[Multiple] fractures, sedated, vanned off, euthanized.” Girona was seven years old.
Ima Fun Guy, Apr 11, Lone Star T
“[Multiple] fractures during timed work.” Ima was two years old.
Baffin’s Best Shot, Apr 19, Lone Star R
“[Multiple] fractures, vanned off, euthanized.” Baffin’s would have turned three next day.
Easter Snap, May 10, Lone Star R
“[Multiple] fractures, vanned off, euthanized.” Easter was nine years old; this was race 62.
Pool Sis, May 16, Sam Houston S
“Chronic debilitating illness from complications of ear-tick infestation.” Pool was three years old and had been raced five times.
Promise Keeper, May 19, Lone Star T
“[Multiple] fractures [during] timed work.” Promise was six years old.
Blackened, May 19, Lone Star R
“Horse weak and recumbent 30 minutes post race, died – necropsy revealed acute abdominal bleeding from aorta aneurism.” Blackened was four years old.
Rivercrest Girl, May 25, Lone Star R
“Horse lost coordination and collapsed at the 3/16 pole. Gums white with no heart beat – acute death.” Rivercrest was five years old.
Mahomey, May 27, Lone Star R
“[Multiple] fractures, [one] compound.” Mahomey was six years old.
Good Heart, Jun 1, Lone Star R
“Cannon fracture after finish, euthanized on track.” Good was four years old.
Mo Tap, Jun 14, Lone Star R
“Fell, disarticulated fetlock, euthanized on track.” Mo was six years old.
Ruby Foo, Jun 15, Lone Star R
“Raced, [later] found in stall dead – possible heat stress.” Ruby was four years old.
Cosmic Soul, Jun 22, Lone Star T
“Collapsed on track, no heartbeat – acute death.” Cosmic was four years old.
Rantheredlight, Jun 28, Lone Star T
“Fell at 11/16 pole, no heartbeat detected – acute death.” Ran was five years old.
First Down Pycs, Jul 18, Retama R
“Fell past wire, vanned off, euthanized.” First was two years old; this was his second race.
How do veterinarians and stewards allow a horse with ticks on the grounds? Don’t they have any rules against external parasites in racehorses?
Don`t any of these people check their horses? We would never want to ride a horse infested with ticks! These poor young horses. They should have had lives of many years ahead of them not just 2 or 3 very short ones in this ” Crooked, Crummy, Gamboling Game”.