Over the course of just 10 days at Churchill (Oct 26-Nov 8), 11 horses were scratched by the regulatory vet (i.e., their exploiters had every intention of racing them) for being “injured” or “unsound,” another 28 by private vets for “illness” or “injury,” and 7 horses who were “claimed” (bought) prior to races were subsequently returned to their sellers because they finished said races physically compromised in one way or another.
In addition, say the stewards:
“Faith So Strong was injured in the paddock and scratched.”
“Yes to Champagne finished 3rd and required the assistance of the horse ambulance.”
(The chart said nothing of this.)
“More Sweets finished 4th, returned lame, and required the horse ambulance.”
(The chart said nothing of this.)
Joseph, if you take the time to read enough information about the realities of the industry of exploiting horses for racing, you will see that this industry is fundamentally abusive to horses and that the public relations side of this inherently cruel industry paints a much different picture in order to attract fans, because THIS INDUSTRY WANTS YOUR MONEY AT THE COST OF THE LIVES OF INNOCENT SENTIENT BEINGS!
The public relations department of the racing industry has HOODWINKED the public for centuries. The definition of HOODWINKED, as you may know, is to DECEIVE, TRICK, or FOOL. The public relations department of horseracing has not been able to fool as many people in the last possibly four decades. Since 1986, the industry has begun a downward slide in foal production. The number of people attending races is also down. This industry depends on government subsidies to keep going. Many racetracks have already been closed for business. More racetracks need to be closed for this evil business.
We the public should demand that our tax dollars support punishment of crimes against the horses. We the public should not be supporting Animal Cruelty. Horseracing is Animal Cruelty.
Slap on the wrist punishments and subsidizing this evil industry is what is going on now. This must end and horses need to be protected from this evil exploitation.
These numbers are staggering and paint a devastating picture of the toll the sport takes on the animals at its center. To have nearly 50 horses injured or sick at a single track in just over a week suggests a systemic problem that goes far beyond isolated incidents of bad luck.
Given the scale of these injuries, what specific, measurable changes to track conditions, veterinary oversight, or training practices would advocates point to as the most critical first step to genuinely address this crisis, rather than just managing its symptoms?
As of November 20, 2025, the Lewiston Roundup Association has closed the Lewiston Roundup grounds for 21 days. So far there are no confirmed cases in Idaho (or Oregon) according to the available information online. This outbreak affects all horses of all kinds but mostly the ones that get hauled all over the country for big money events.
With the so-called horsemen of horseracing entering sick horses in races, it is clear that some people are really stupid and don’t know or don’t care if their horses are sick or lame.
Wanda, we also worry about the proper reporting & monitoring of contagious diseases as well as the lack of truly independent vet.s. It took our farm 10 years to find a non-corporate independent vet. We literally had to wait until she graduated from our local public university vet school! We have had 1/4 horses entered & run in races at Portland Meadows when it was operating that tested + for EIA! The only reason anyone found out is because a few horses became very sick. There has been a law now that requires all horses entering racing or show facilities show & have proof of a – Coggin`s test now we think we think 90 days here in Oregon.
I keep thinking about the current state of affairs in the United States and especially at this point regarding the EHV-1 outbreak in Texas and Oklahoma in the barrel racing and team roping events.
Without qualified people to monitor these contagious diseases and take all of the proper biosecurity measures to prevent the spread, it could easily affect the racetracks to a larger degree than in previous years.
California has the so-called “Ship in and Win” thing which is a nightmare for biosecurity measures.
I am very concerned and horrified about the private equity “vampires” that take over different businesses and suck out all of the profit causing businesses to go bankrupt. This same scenario has been happening with the veterinary clinics. Several veterinarians and veterinary technicians have stopped their involvement in veterinary care due to the private equity takeover. I can only wonder if there will be a qualified workforce willing and able to stop the spread of contagious diseases in horses.
A local radio station in the Catskills, WJFF, the Freakonomics show Tuesday, 11/25/25 at 2:00 will have a segment on horse racing. People are misguided in thinking how glorious the galloping horse is, without knowing the injuries and fatalities that occur. Thank heavens for Hoseracing Wrongs.
These people are morally depraved to say that horses with unsoundness and lameness are “sound”.
Back when you reported on SECRET OATH being retired from racing because of a BROKEN SESAMOID BONE, a certain person commented that she was sound; as if anyone is stupid enough to believe that any horse that can’t race anymore due to a broken bone could be sound.