Over the course of just 5 days (Jun 24-28) at Churchill, 9 horses were scratched by the regulatory vet – i.e., their exploiters had every intention of racing them – for being “injured” or “unsound,” another 7 by private vets for being “injured” or “ill,” and 4 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:
“Special Caliber returned lame.”
“Bourbon Story finished 5th and suffered a post-race heatstroke; placed on Vet List.”
“During the post parade, a lead pony was injured and required the horse ambulance.”
And at Delaware Park:
Jun 24: “Stogie Joe flipped in paddock, injured.”
Jul 1: “Montauk Point was treated after race for heat-related issues.” The temp that day was 94 degrees.
Jul 8: “Ada May flipped in starting gate and was injured.”
There is a specific group on Facebook offering Thoroughbreds that were raced at Emerald Downs for sale to people who will not use them for racing. The owners are wanting these specific horses to be completely retired from racing. So far the ones I have seen pictured do not show obvious injuries. They look like they could be trained for some other type of riding. I got the impression that these particular horses are most likely not going to be in the winner’s circle at the racetrack very often if at all, such as “raced three times and never placed” for example.
We just saw #3 at Emerald break down in the last race right out of the gate! Poor young 3 year old filly! I really hope Emerald disappears because of declining handle. We know the breeders as they are from Oregon only a few miles away from us outside of Salem, Oregon. Sad, sad,sad.
Unfortunately many states are unregulated such as Oregon,Montana,Wyoming etc. These states are notorious for abuses & illegal procedures & poor treatment of horses. That poor pony horse! The pony/outrider horses are so over used! Many are not fast enough for racing competitively so end up being abused as pony & out rider horses. we have seen many horses we had taught to be ridden that ended up as pony horses traveling all over Oregon & living a hard live.
This is routine mistreatment of horses. People need to stop looking the other way when they see the cruelty to the horses. So much of this cruelty should be punished by law, and not just slap-on-the-wrist punishments.
I know it’s easier said than done but legislation needs to be passed to recognize the inhumane treatment of horses for racing and gambling. So many of the participants in this routine abuse of horses should be in jail. Repeat offenders should not be free to go abuse horses in another state or at unregulated racetracks.