Through a FOIA request to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, I have confirmed the following kill last year at Plainridge Park, the only track left in MA.
Magical Maya A, Apr 29, Plainridge R
“Was racing when she appeared distressed. Her owner/driver/trainer pulled her up and she collapsed. She expired before the track vet reached her. Cause of death was acute cardiovascular collapse due to hemopericardium and cardiac tamponade, most likely secondary to focal rupture of a degenerated coronary artery. Findings suggest progressive weakening of the arterial wall, culminating in rupture under exertional stress.” In other words, they killed her by racing her. Magical was seven years old.
Exactly, Elizabeth. Thank you.
Call it hemopericardium, call it tamponade, call it whatever medical “poetry” you want. The plain English is they worked her to death and are hiding behind terminology. Amazing how acute cardiovascular collapse due to exertional stress somehow doesn’t translate to we ran her until her heart gave out. So the official story is her heart exploded under “exertional stress” while being forced to race, and we’re supposed to pretend that’s some tragic accident instead of exactly what this industry does every day. So sad.