As I wrote back in April, we are now being completely shut out in Florida – our FOIAs there denied on the basis, supposedly, that FL horsemen are bypassing the state agency tasked with regulating racing and are now reporting deaths only to HISA. And, needless to say, HISA is not subject to FOIA. That said, I do have other channels, and have been able to confirm the following kills this year:
2-year-old Before You Go Go, killed in the 7th race at Gulfstream Feb 11.
3-year-old Paradise Drive, killed in the 4th race at Gulfstream Mar 24.
4-year-old War of Ages, killed in the 6th race at Gulfstream Apr 5.
3-year-old Rock Me Amadeus, killed in the 2nd race at Tampa Bay May 1.
3-year-old Treasure Flay, killed in the 1st race at Gulfstream Aug 2.
@ Wanda Diamond – There were no horses at Tampa Bay Downs during the hurricane, nor are there, now. They’ve pushed back the date they’re opening their stables (for training, for the upcoming meet) a couple of times, due to flooding in the barn area. (source – multiple articles reporting conditions at the track)
I was looking for information about whether or not the horses at Tampa Bay Downs racecourse were being evacuated or possibly just left behind to die in Hurricane Milton. The only thing I could find was an article about the Ocala Breeders’ YEARLING sales being moved ahead from Tuesday & Wednesday to Monday and Tuesday, October 7 & 8, 2024.
Oh, good, Patrick. I love it when you write about (the laughably-titled) HISA, since I think they now exist entirely for the purpose of hiding Thoroughbred injuries and deaths from you — and hence, from the public. Of course, it doesn’t hurt Lisa & Co. one bit to charge their member tracks millions$$$ for this Federal Trade Commission-“overseen” mass-deception:
Lisa – “We’ve made horse racing super-incredibly safe!”
Everyone else – “Oh yeah? How many young horses have been raced to death under HISA?”
Lisa (as if she would answer a direct question;) – “We’re not telling. We don’t want to. We don’t have to. You can’t make us. Hahahahahaha.”
In my state of Oregon at our 1/2 mile bush league tracks we don`t even go by the HISA reg.s ! Once the coffee shop owner realized his IPO was endangered he backed off the support of racing real fast.
So basically this so-called “Authority” is the equivalent of the underground exploitation of horses that are not under the jurisdiction of a State Horse Racing and Gaming Commission or Board. God only knows how many horses have been and continue to be fatally injured at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales and also at bush league, unregulated racetracks. This truly is disgusting and despicable; but, of course, they are most likely thinking they are smart knowing that they only care about the millions of dollars they’re raking in.
Why is the “Horseracing Integrity & Safety Authority” not required to be compliant with the Freedom of Information Act???
This organization is funded by government funds, isn’t it???
I believe this whole trainwreck of an industry should always be held accountable to the public regardless of what excuses they use to get out of being held accountable.
It’s a crying shame that there are so many crooks in the horse racing and Pari-mutuel wagering industry.
It’s a gross miscarriage of justice that the laws against Animal Cruelty and Animal Welfare are not enforced on the horse exploiting, suit and tie wearing barbarians that masquerade themselves as horsemen.
Exactly what you wrote Joe is true for Dutch Brothers coffee shops. As soon as Mr. Boersma realized his IPO was going to be harmed by his participation in horse racing he quickly got out of his commitment with Grants Pass as that was going to effect his stock shares $$. could not harm his possibility of becoming wealthy beyond his wildest dreams!
This is not surprising.
What WOULD be surprising would be if, in the near future, ALL the states don’t follow suit with Florida. It’s no secret that horse racing is dying, and that state-funded subsidies are not just welcomed by the horsemen, but they are absolutely ESSENTIAL to the ‘sport’s’ continuing survival – however long that may last..
Now, no one is more aware of this sad (to them) fact than the industry itself. So, therefore, timely and accurate reporting of both horse deaths and the continued maltreatment of these animals, as well as other negative press open to the public will only add to the industry’s woes. Why WOULD they co-operate when it does not benefit them in any way – but only hurts their goals, which, obviously, is to keep their industry solvent – by any means.
Speaking as a business person, I myself would do absolutely nothing that would harm my business in any way, and would do whatever is necessary to keep my business active and operating. But then again, I am not – nor will I ever be – in the business of lying, cheating, doping, killing and the outright horrific mistreatment of any animal, in any way.
I quit betting on horses a couple of years ago. As soon as enough people follow suit, horse racing will shut down for good. Look at greyhound (dog) racing, which is now all but dead in the water. Don’t think it can’t happen to horse racing.
-Joe