The following horses were scratched by the regulatory vet (i.e., their exploiters had every intention of racing them) at Ellis over just 3 days (Aug 11-Aug 17) for being “unsound”:
Kelz
Vanish
Kentucky Smokeshow
Port Party
Estelle’s Day
I’m a Cookie Lover
Farm Team
Charbon
What’s Her Number
W W Candy
Dazzle A. P.
Mischievous Intent
And these horses were scratched by private vets for either “illness” or “injury”:
Friar Newton
Countthebrave
Frosty for Ever
Belle Ofthe Dance
Sharp Smile
Dr Fenn
Thunder Murphy
Animal Fries
Jackman
Perfectionachieved
Sultry Lass
And the “claim” – that would be sale – of the following was voided when the horse in question finished his race physically compromised in one way or another:
Pike Place
And finally, this ruling from the stewards on Aug 16:
“The owner/trainer license issued to Paulo Campos (a.k.a. Pablo Campos) is hereby suspended pending his appearance before the Board of Stewards for his failure to provide proper care for the horses in his charge.” (I’ll be keeping an eye on this one.)
At Delaware Park Aug 15, among the six horses scratched by vets for injury/sickness was 5-year-old Integrated – “injured in the starting gate.” On Aug 20, among the three scratched for injury/sickness was 4-year-old K’s Storm Ready – “injured in stall.” Also, say the stewards, the claim of Stormy Irish Lass was voided for “unsoundness.”
This, too, is horseracing.
All of the trainers who attempt to force sick and injured and lame horses to run in a race should also be fined and suspended, at the very least, in addition to having the horses scratched that they are responsible for and literally ABUSING.