The chart note for Boogaard at Delaware Park Thursday: “weakened around the turn, appeared to sustain an injury and fell around the quarter, then was transported off the track in an equine ambulance.” Typically, a deadly combination of words (we’ll know for sure with our FOIA). The replay only shows Boogaard “appearing to sustain” that injury (before the fall). He is (was) two years old and this was his very first race.
Staying at Delaware, the stewards note that 5-year-old Lady Lancer was injured (and scratched) after “flipping in the gate” Saturday.
And an update. Earlier this month, I reported on Nick Roland being suspended for leaving welts on multiple horses at Running Aces. Turns out, that had happened on the same day, in back-to-back races. Yes, Roland left welts on 2-year-old Sparklinchardonnay in the 2nd race Aug 12, and 2-year-old Hm Magical Money in the very next race that day.
In the end, this repeat animal abuser was fined $1,000 and suspended 15 days. Apparently, this risible punishment was due in part to Roland “using the whip within the confines of the rules,” meaning it wasn’t the number of strikes nor the “form” that caused the welts – just the force. By the way, Roland’s suspension only applies to driving: As of their last races (this past Tuesday), both of these babies are still under Roland’s yoke as trainer.
RIP
This is Animal Cruelty! It needs to be stopped.