Through a FOIA request to the New Jersey Racing Commission, I have confirmed the following kills at that state’s tracks last year (this is part 2; part 1 here).
Kaz’ Mega Bank, Jul 7, Monmouth R
“LF P1 has comminuted, complete fracture into more than 30 irregular and variably-sized pieces – P1 resembles a handful of gravel. The proximal articular surface is fractured into at least 5 pieces, all of which are displaced.” “A handful of gravel.” Kaz was three years old.
Jesus’ Dream, Jul 19, Monmouth R
“Hit fallen rival [below], jumped rail: [multiple] open, complete, comminuted fractures; fractured fragments were visible through the laceration with extensive soft tissue hemorrhage, torn and frayed tendons, ligaments and muscle fibers. The fractured bones had multiple key missing fragments.” Jesus’ Dream was three years old.
Chief Engineer, Jul 19, Monmouth R (euth Jul 20)
“Fell: [multiple] scapula fractures, extensive hemorrhage.” Chief was five years old.
Bold Landing, Jul 21, Monmouth T
“[Multiple: at least three] fractures – multiple fragments; several ligaments disrupted by tears, splitting, and fraying.” Bold was three years old and being prepped for his debut.
Night Monkey, Jul 28, Monmouth T
“Complete, displaced scapula fracture – multiple fragments.” Night was three years old and coming off his first race.
Always Elle, Aug 8, Monmouth S
“Chronic infection in her tongue.” Always was four years old and been raced six times, most recently Jun 9.
Gray Vixen, Aug 17, Monmouth R
“Horse flipped on course: complete, displaced, comminuted fracture of the C5 vertebra. The fracture separated the vertebra into two major fragments and multiple small fragments with compression of the spinal cord and massive hemorrhage within the spinal canal.” Gray was four years old.
Groovy Sensation, Sep 19, Monmouth S
“Severe, chronic cellulitis with severe fibrosis, thrombosis, multifocal ulceration, and bacterial colonies.” Then this note: “Often these types of lesions originate from a previous site of trauma.” Groovy was three years old and had last been raced Aug 25.
Adonai of Love, Sep 22, Monmouth T
“[Multiple] compound fractures [both front limbs] with displacement and fragmentation of the suspensory apparatus. Exposed bone and soft tissue are covered with a layer of brown-gray, sandy dirt.” Imagine that scene – two shattered legs, bones sticking out. Then this: “Bilaterally, there is moderate to severe osteoarthritis of the elbow joints with deep wear diffusely throughout the articular cartilage.” Adonai was just two years old.
No Compass, Oct 11, Monmouth T
“[Multiple] fractures of MCIII.” Then this: “Bilateral osteoarthritis of the elbows and front and hind fetlocks.” No Compass was but three years old.
Every owner and trainer connected to the pain and suffering inflicted on these horses belongs in prison for their egregious crimes against horses.