Over the course of just 5 days (Aug 2-15) at Ellis, 18 horses were scratched by the regulatory vet – i.e., their exploiters had every intention of racing them – for being “injured” or “unsound,” another 12 by private vets for being “injured” or “ill,” and 2 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:
“Fortunistic was injured in the starting gate.”
“High Status suffered a post-race heatstroke and required the horse ambulance.” According to the chart, the temp for this race was 88, but post time was moved up this day – the 15th – “due to predicted heat indices reaching 105 by mid-afternoon.” It’s called animal cruelty, folks.
“Rojo Rita returned lame.”
Wanda, we once we`re offered to take a race trainers test due to our 40+ years experience in all aspects of the racing industry. When we we`re told that we would have to demonstrate the usage of tongue ties,lip chains & other horrible procedures we refused! We started in 1977 at Portland Meadows as a groom & actually rode a very good Thoroughbred for the 1st time in 1986 on Portland meadows track without any license except the one God gave us due to natural ability. Finally in 2004 the outrider approved our license long after our prime after having ridden for free several horses! Its not just the horses that are taken advantage of & abused. If you`re 4`10″ tall & 125# there`s not many careers open to you if you`re not good at sciences or mathematics & especially if you`re a man or an outsider as we were to the industry. We will be glad when this business is done.
After being confined to racetrack stalls, the horses must come out of their stalls with their handlers controlling them with lip chains and bits and injections of who knows what kind of drugs, painkillers and performance enhancing drugs, and TAKE THEIR BEATING. This is the so-called “Sport of Kings” as the Jockey Club calls it.