Through a FOIA request to the Washington Racing Commission, I have confirmed the following kills at Emerald Downs last year.
Cheshire Kid, Mar 18, stall
“Anaphylaxis is considered the likely cause of death given the reported history of a selenium injection and death within minutes.” Then this: “Incidental findings in this case include the presence of bucked shins…osteochondral disease of the forelimb fetlocks, and focal hoof wall abnormalities. A review of herd parasite management and prevention practices may be warranted.” Why the parasite management? “Encysted larvae…consistent with strongyles.” Cheshire was just three years old.
Tres Vite, Mar 19, training
“Complete humerus fracture, extensive muscle tearing and hemorrhage.” And: “Incidental findings include…very early palmar osteochondral disease of forelimb fetlocks, and gastric bots [larvae].” Tres was but two years old – a baby.
Missed the Boat, May 1, stall
“Colic: a 5-meter-long segment of the distal jejunum rotated approximately 360 degrees and entrapped.” And this: “Chronic gastric ulceration – an incidental finding common in racehorses. Examination of the forelimbs…reveals mild to moderate osteochondral disease, likely due to repetitive use injuries.” Missed the Boat was soon to turn eight and had been raced 57 times, most recently Apr 11. Oh how this poor boy suffered.
Our Valley, Jun 29, racing
“[Multiple] acute fractures, [multiple] tendon tears.” Also: “chronic gastric ulceration; osteochondral disease.” Our Valley was five years old.
Hit the Harbor, Jul 7, training
“[Multiple] comminuted fractures with intra-articular hemorrhage.” Also: “stress fractures supportive of pre-existing repetitive stress injury; cartilage loss, both front fetlocks; bucked shins.” Hit the Harbor was three years old and being prepped for his first race.
Moon Time, Jul 28, racing
“[Multiple] acute fractures with tearing of the superficial and deep digital flexor tendons and the intersesamoidian ligament; abundant hemorrhage.” Also: “cartilage erosion; osteochondral disease.” Moon Time was four years old.
Spice House, Aug 1, training
“Complete humerus fracture, three large fragments; extensive muscle tearing and hemorrhage.” Also: “[other] findings consistent [with] stress fracture, predisposing to catastrophic fracture.” Spice House was four and being prepped for her first race.
Deduction, Aug 13, stall
“Small intestinal strangulation by multiple chronic gastrointestinal serosal adhesions. Small intestinal strangulation often presents with extreme pain…as in this case.” Also: “Bucked shins suggestive of chronic microfractures of the dorsal MC3.” Deduction was just three years old and coming off her first race (Jul 20).
Gallants Brite Gal, Aug 18, racing
“Fell: severely comminuted scapula fracture…11 fragments.” Then this: “In Thoroughbred racehorses the neck of the scapula is most commonly fractured. In this case there is gross evidence of pre-existing stress fractures that likely predisposed to catastrophic fracture.” “Pre-existing stress fractures” – Gallants was but two years old.
It’s too bad there is not a state law that says all trainers who cause fatal injuries and death to horses be arrested and put in jail for a long time.
Emerald Downs. The last 1 mile track left in the NW only surviving because of a state mandate to support the racetrack operated by the local Native American tribe by state law. We have had Thoroughbred Trainers admit to us that” We won`t race horses at Emerald as it is too hard on horses & has to high a breakdown rate”. This was told us by a trainer who raced his horses in Alberta, Canada. One should see the relay races! Absolutely a horrible way to ride horses! End all state mandates for casinos to support horse races. Those poor young horses listed above. All those horses should have been able to live long decent lives in a herd as ours do. We have had Thoroughbreds live 26 years despite their earlier participation in racing as 2 & 3 year olds.
Poor Gallants Brite Gal’s chart said she got back on her feet and walked into the ambulance. I can’t even imagine how horrible her pain must have been, as well as her terror. Then to bounce around the track as their horse hearse made its way to either the barn or the death pit while she was trying to bear weight on that exploded shoulder. Poor poor sweet horse.