This from the stewards at Horseshoe, prior to the 8th Aug 13: “Flame Maker reared and flipped on the walk to the paddock and sustained catastrophic head injuries.” Dead. Flame Maker was two, and this was to be her debut race.
Then this for Antonelli at Belmont Tuesday: “Horse reportedly got out of his stall, ran loose and fell on the pavement, fracturing his radius. He was euthanized due to this injury.” Antonelli, too, was just two years old.
The industry will write these off as mere “accidents” – unfortunate, but not on them. To which I reply, rubbish. One more time: All kills in horseracing are by horseracing.
Batavia Raceway ( harness, Batavia, NY) has an ad on tv, touting “heart stopping action.”
They got that right. Horse racing IS heart stopping for all too many horses.
BTW, Batavia is one of those failing tracks that need a casino and concerts by one hit wonder bands, or bands who’ve not had a hit in 15 years, to keep people coming in. I drove past there the other day. The parking lot was not even 1/4 full.
Sue, I agree 100%. Such confinement for a two-year-old who should be out running around in a pasture to strengthen and play, is cruel. Then add in the frightening sights and non-stop noise of a racetrack. Can you imagine how confused and terrified these young horses must be?
Thank you, Sue.
Here are catastrophic consequences and results of the confinement that these racehorses are subject to. They are so full of energy, and in such an unnatural setting. The gate incident also proves that these horses would rather run on their own terms vs being forced and shoved into a scary confined gate.
We will continue to be voices for the voiceless.