Over the course of just 6 days at Turfway (Mar 6-14), 23 horses were scratched by the regulatory vet – i.e., their exploiters had every intention of racing them – for being “injured” or “unsound,” another 31 by private vets for being “injured” or “ill,” and 5 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:
“Curly Larry and Mo was placed on the Vet’s List for physical distress.”
“Big Boy Thunder returned lame and required the ambulance [chart said nothing of this].”
“Sassagoula River was unruly in the paddock and ultimately injured behind the gate.”
