Through a FOIA request to the California Horse Racing Board, I have obtained the following details on some of that state’s kills last year (previous installments here).
Hot Danzing, Jul 4, Los Alamitos R
“Horse tried to jump rail, flipped overhead, and died spontaneously.” The specifics: “[multiple: at least six] complete, displaced, comminuted skull fractures; complete fracture of the 2nd and 4th cervical vertebrae; tearing/laceration of the brain stem, cerebellum, and spinal cord; epistaxis.” Then this under “Relevant History”: “hock arthritis, bilateral knee sclerosis, aggressive laryngoplasty.” And, listed as an “incidental”: “deep stomach ulcers.” This poor girl was but three years old.
Giver Not a Taker, Jul 21, Del Mar R
“Horse pulled up during race: [multiple] complete, displaced, open [through skin] fractures; complete tearing of several ligaments; complete tearing of joint capsule; complete rupture of suspensory apparatus.” And: “osteochondral disease [both front limbs]; multiple nematodes [parasites] in jejunum and ileum.” Giver was four years old.
Puddin Head Jones, Jul 31, Los Alamitos T
“Catastrophic fetlock failure: [multiple] complete, displaced, comminuted fractures; complete tears of multiple ligaments; complete tear of joint capsule; incomplete tears of [multiple] tendons.” Also: “osteochondral disease [both front limbs].” Puddin was three.
I agree with all you have said. Depraved people who claim to love their horses and treat them well. They really let themselves down.
How can you not have vitriol for these people who torture horses on a daily basis???!!!
When the Thoroughbred breeders, owners, trainers and others who have no empathy for the horses whine about their industry going down the drain, it’s sickening that they have no self-awareness that they are despicable people engaged in a despicable business that has no redeeming value. They are repulsive people and they are depraved to routinely cause horses to suffer from ulcers, joint disease and all of the horrific injuries inherent to racing.