Over the course of just 5 days (Jul 4-10) at Ellis, 11 horses were scratched by the regulatory vet – i.e., their exploiters had every intention of racing them – for being “injured” or “unsound,” another 10 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:
“Ocean Ripple finished last and suffered a post-race heatstroke; Vet List.” The chart said temp was 85.
“Maroon Tide flipped and fell over behind the starting gate; scratched.”
“Kayla’s Komet was injured in the paddock; scratched.”
“Dr Fenn finished last, returned lame, and required the horse ambulance.” (The chart said nothing of this.)
“Epic Fashionista finished 11th, returned lame, and required the horse ambulance.” (The chart said nothing of this.)
And at Delaware Thursday, say the stewards, 3-year-old Verdant Tones “was heat stroking while walking back to the barn.” Conditions for that race: “hazy,” 82.
This, too, is horseracing.
