1 of 26 in Ohio: “Horse took bad step and went down on track hard, face first. [Died].”

Through a FOIA request to the Ohio Racing Commission, I have confirmed the following kills at that state’s tracks thus far this year. Please note, however, that the forwarded documents did not include the recent string of kills at Thistledown that have prompted that track’s temporary closure. We will of course get those with our next FOIA.

Heirozan, Jan 7, Mahoning R
“Horse fractured and dislocated ankle near 3/8 pole.” Heirozan was three years old.

Nick Can Fix, Jan 8, Mahoning R
“Horse fractured cannon near 3/8 pole.” Nick would have turned 12 in March. 12.

He Can Fly, Jan 8, Northfield S
“Horse trailered onto grounds to qualify and was found down, unable to stand. LH leg broken at the level of the tibia. Euthanized due to severity of injury.” How long was he on that trailer with a broken leg? He Can Fly was 12 years old.

Lion Rock, Jan 8, Northfield R
“Horse suffered catastrophic injury just before 3/4 pole and was euthanized.” Lion was three days shy of turning 10.

Acefourtyfour Alex, Jan 11, Northfield R (euth Jan 12)
“Fractured P1 – severe with displacement.” Ace was 11 years old.

Kitten Calls, Jan 18, Mahoning S
“Colic, went down prior to loading on trailer for surgical option.” Kitten was five years old.

Miles, Jan 30, Mahoning S
“Horse collapsed and died during post parade.” Miles was 21 years old and being used as a pony horse. That poor, poor boy.

Sweet Sweet Connie, Feb 1, Northfield R
“Horse suffered catastrophic injury at 1/4 pole and was humanely euthanized.” Sweet Sweet was five years old.

Little Josie Wales, Feb 8, Mahoning R
“Horse fractured right carpus near 3/8 pole.” Little Josie was four years old.

Cringe Worthy, Feb 22, Mahoning T
“Horse was galloping and fractured his LF ankle.” Cringe had just turned three the day before; he was being prepped for his first race.

Over the Hills, Mar 19, Mahoning R
“Horse suffered catastrophic injury and was humanely euthanized.” Over the Hills was seven years old.

My Dear Valentine, Mar 24, Mahoning R
“Horse fractured knee and was humanely euthanized.” My Dear was four years old.

Tambarella, Apr 3, Mahoning R
“Horse fractured both RF sesamoids.” Tambarella was three years old.

Bold Zee, Apr 3, Mahoning R (euth Apr 5)
“Displaced fracture, surgery declined, euthanized [2 days later].” Bold was three years old.

Rocky Ground, Apr 9, Miami Valley R (euth Apr 12)
“Horse suffered fracture Apr 9, had surgery, fractured [again] in recovery stall.” The report added, “died within 72 hours of race” – meaning had Rocky been euthanized one day later, it would not have been reported/counted. She was nine years old.

Don’tfeardon’ttell, Apr 16, Northfield R
“Aneurysm, rupture, [died].” Don’tfear was five years old.

Our Magic Princess, May 10, Belterra S
“Filly shipped from Tampa Monday. Got sick with pleuropneumonia Tuesday. Found deceased Saturday – died sometime between 6 and 10 am.” Our Magic was four years old.

Kimmy’s Flagship, May 10, Thistledown T
“Pulled up 5/5 lame – displaced fracture involving joint.” Kimmy’s was three years old.

Afternoon Heat, May 15, Belterra T
Vet: “Horse slowed down after work, stopped, shook, had seizure-like activity, and dropped to the ground. It was dead when I arrived 4-6 minutes later.” The “it” in question was nine years old and had already been put to the whip 54 times.

In the Weeds, May 15, Thistledown S
“Horse had been treated for diarrhea for five days, no response to treatment, euthanized.” In the Weeds was four years old.

Up Again, May 17, Northfield R
“Severely comminuted P1 fracture.” Up Again was three years old.

Peterbilts Bro, May 20, Scioto R
“This horse was noted to be performing poorly on the track. As he was being steered off, he stumbled and collapsed. As he was unharnessed, he stopped breathing and died.” Peterbilts was but four years old.

Beast of Delaware, May 29, Scioto R
“Horse took bad step and went down on track hard, face first. Uncertain if horse was dead before it went down, but there was external sign of trauma on head above right eye from impact with the track.” The “it” was five years old.

Flaring Song, Jun 21, Thistledown R
“Condylar fracture.” Flaring was three years old.

String Octet, Jun 23, Thistledown S
“Jun 9: tail trauma. Jun 20: loose manure. Jun 21: diarrhea, fever. Jun 22: fever, respiratory distress. Jun 23: euthanized.” String Octet was three years old.

Royal’d, Jun 24, Thistledown T
“[Multiple] fractures.” This poor boy was 11 years old and had been put to the whip 69 times. And still, they wanted more.