Through a FOIA request to the California Horse Racing Board, I have obtained the following details on some of that state’s kills in 2025 (previous ones here).
Coulair, Apr 25, Santa Anita S
“Horse referred for colic; owner declined surgery. Necropsy reveals entrapment of the ileum, serosal hemorrhages, gastric ulcers.” Coulair was three years old.
Giant Game, Jun 6, Santa Anita S
“Severe colic – euthanized.” The report also said: “Likely previous lung-bleeding episodes.” Giant Game was six years old.
General Jackson, Aug 30, Del Mar R
“[Multiple] open, catastrophic fractures [shattered bones broke through the skin]; multiple complete ligament ruptures; rupture of joint capsule.” They also noted: “The exposed bone surfaces and surrounding soft tissues contaminated with sand.” And: “Horseshoe bent and partially detached from the hoof.” Also: “osteochondral disease [both forelimbs].” General was but three years old – “osteochondral disease.”
Also, anyone who denies veterinary care to a horse that is suffering in any way that requires a competent veterinarian to examine, diagnose, and administer necessary treatment to give relief and healing to the horse should be punished by law with jail time and banned from having a horse.
Just looking at the pictures of the injuries of the horse named GENERAL JACKSON alone is proof enough that horse racing is NOT safe. The thought of subjecting any horse to this mangling and maiming of any part there body is beyond sickening and disturbing. It is Animal Cruelty and should be punished by law with jail time, NOT REWARDED with prize money or tax write-offs or public subsidies of any kind.
The absolute devastation that Giant Game went through is horrible! Enough force to 1/2 pull off a nailed on shoe! In our experience many race horses are not trimmed correctly & have little or no bars on their hoofs thereby causing 1/4 cracks. We learned to trim & shoe our own horse because of the constant 1/4 cracks being caused by excessive trimming of our horses bars of the hoofs, especially the front feet. Our 1st farrier was a race horse breeder, owner & trainer.