Through a FOIA request to the Arizona Dept. of Gaming, I have confirmed the following kills at Turf Paradise, AZ’s only currently-operating track, this year.
Tamanrassett, Jan 25, Turf T
“[Fell]: tearing and compression of the spinal cord; severe, extensive hemorrhage and tearing 360 degrees throughout the musculature of the neck; extensive hemorrhage around the head and thorax.” The necropsy went on: “There is significant pulmonary hemorrhage that seems to be the source of the epistaxis [bleeding from nostrils]. While the pulmonary hemorrhage is not severe enough to cause death alone, it may have been enough for some respiratory compromise, or epistaxis may have spooked the horse that led to the fall.” Tamanrassett was five years old.
Disruptor Man, Jan 27, Turf T
“The major finding is a complete, comminuted humeral fracture with acute, severe muscular hemorrhage. The musculature has various shards of bone dispersed throughout.” Also: “chronic degenerative joint disease.” Disruptor was three years old.
Seattle Fog, Feb 4, Turf S
“Horse developed a fever of approximately 104 four days ago. Horse was hospitalized [but] did not improve and exploratory surgery was recommended. The owner declined and horse was returned to the track and received supportive care. Due to…deteriorating condition, horse was euthanized. The cause of death is secondary to duodeno-jejunal strangulation that resulted in intestinal obstruction and ischemia and ultimately led to endotoxemia and/or sepsis to develop.” Also: “multifocal ulcerative gastritis.” Seattle was two years old and had had a training session right before developing that fever.
Twirling Ginny, Feb 5, Turf T (euth Feb 10)
“Horse galloped Feb 5. The next day it showed swelling around the left hock. It was treated with Baytil and seemed to be responding well. On Feb 9, swelling returned. The horse was in discomfort, acting as if it was colicky. It was treated with Baytril, Gentamicin and Banamine. When rechecked on Feb 10, the horse was recumbent and it was difficult to get it to stand. Once outside the stall, the horse stumbled and a short time later became rigid and died. Hematuria and mild epistaxis was noted. Death is attributed to multifocal wounds along the craniomedial aspect of the left tarsus with subsequent infection and septicemia.” Also: “osteoarthrosis; cartilage loss; chronic stomach ulcerations; many tapeworms.” The “it,” Twirling, turned three on the day of the injury.
Chilaka, Feb 18, Turf T
“Pulled up unable to bear weight: comminuted fracture, approximately five fragments; severe intramuscular hemorrhage.” Also: “degenerative joint disease; botflies; round worm in stomach wall.” Chilaka was two years old and being prepped for his first race.
Halosnheaven, Mar 6, Turf T
“Pulled up for lameness – complete breakdown of the suspensory apparatus. Upon loading onto ambulance, the fetlock became dislocated – [multiple] fractures, [multiple] ruptures, [multiple] tears.” Also: “chronic stomach ulceration.” Halos was four years old.
Pobrecito, Mar 11, Turf T
“Pulled up, nonambulatory – severe comminuted fracture.” Also: “chronic bone loss and cartilage excoriations; chronic gastric ulceration.” Pobrecito was six and had been raced for the very first time one week prior: “fractious in the gate, refused to break.”
Magic Storm, Mar 27, Turf R
“Pulled up, splinted, vanned: [multiple] severe comminuted fractures; partially lacerated ligament.” Also: “chronic degenerative joint disease, largely attributed to repetitive stress on the joints; variably-sized stomach ulcers.” Magic was three years old.
Sailing Away, Mar 27, Turf R
“Horse was pulled up in the second turn: open wound on the RF, bone is comminuted and sticking out; torn tendon; torn ligament.” Also: “Pre-race exam found decreased range of motion in both front fetlocks.” Sailing was three years old.
Collect Dis Money, Mar 30, Turf S
“On Mar 27, horse was examined for a swelling on the left side of the neck. Treatment consisted of Bute and Banamine injections. On the morning of Mar 30, the horse spiked a 106 fever. IV fluids were administered in addition to anti-inflammatory meds. Later that day, the horse was again treated with IV fluids. During the treatment, the horse acted uncomfortable, and passed dark urine. Shortly thereafter, the horse collapsed and died. Cause of death: sepsis.” Collect was three years old and had last been raced Mar 21.
Fairy Tale Bliss, Apr 8, Turf S
“This horse had been treated since Feb 18 for cellulitis and vasculitis affecting all four legs. The horse’s condition did not improve and it was euthanized.” Also: “chronic cartilaginous defects, all limbs; stomach ulcers.” Fairy Tale was eight years old.
Cashanova, Apr 17, Turf S
“On Apr 15, horse was not eating well. On Apr 16, horse had a fever of 102. On Apr 17, temperature was 101, and horse was acting colicky. The horse’s condition worsened with sweating and it died a few hours later. Cause of death: septic peritonitis caused by perforation of the ileal wall.” Then this: “There is extensive hemorrhage in the region of the neck, head, and spine, and a fracture. The fracture and hemorrhage appears to have been sustained shortly prior to death. The suspected causes are thrashing from colic or potentially falling at time of death.” Also: “chronic degenerative joint disease; chronic gastric ulcerations.” Cashanova was eight years old and had been raced Apr 4.
Maximo Rc, Apr 21, Turf S
“Entered to race [Apr 22]. Trainer says horse was uncomfortable overnight, and he was not able to get a hold of a veterinarian. As the vet started to prepare instruments for treatment this morning, the horse fell and passed. Cause: jejunal perforation released intestinal bacteria into the peritoneum causing peritonitis and septic shock.” Also: “ulcers affecting 80% of the non-glandular portion of the stomach.” Maximo was six years old.
Giant’s Brite Eye, Apr 30, Turf R
“[Multiple] comminuted fractures, frayed tendons.” Also: “chronic degenerative joint disease; stomach ulcers; two white worms in the stomach.” Giant’s was five years old.
Civil Suit, May 4, Turf R
“Prior to race, horse flipped and struck its head on the ground. It was bleeding and showed neurological signs so it was euthanized.” Details: “The cranial portion of the basioccipital bone is completely fractured and separated from the rest of the skull. The skin of caudodorsal to the right eye and over the zygomatic arch is torn and hemorrhagic and exposes bone, lacerates the upper eyelid, and extends to the base of the right ear. Within the conjunctival sac there is hard debris (stones).” Also: “chronic eburnation [cartilage wear]; multiple ulcers; fly eggs under the tongue.” Civil was eight years old.
Goaline, May 4, Turf R
“Open [through the skin] fracture of the RH leg with rupture of the intersesamoidean ligament.” Also: “chronic-active stomach ulceration.” Goaline was five years old.
