Through a FOIA request to the New Jersey Racing Commission, I have confirmed the following kills at that state’s tracks in the first half of the year.
Drink To That, Apr 4, Gaitway T
“Sudden death during training – suspect acute cardiovascular failure.” Drink To That, below, was but three – “sudden death.”
Yara’s Quest, May 3, Monmouth T
“Catastrophic fracture of tibia with marked hemorrhage, and lacerated and torn muscles, tendons, and ligaments.” They added: “The tibia was split in multiple directions across different planes.” Also: “advanced – moderate to severe – plantar osteochondral defects [all four limbs].” And finally: “Acute periosteal callus formation is one of the primary indicators that a horse has been subjected to repetitive mechanical overload, making it a hallmark of a pre-existing stress (fatigue) fracture.” Yara’s was but four.
Bingo’s Birkin, May 14, Monmouth S
“Recurrent fevers, unresponsive to treatment.” Final: “pneumonia.” Bingo’s was five.
Lovenbury, May 21, Winners International T
“Catastrophic fracture of P1, severe intraarticular hemorrhage.” Lovenbury was five.
Sea Watch, Jun 4, Monmouth T
“Catastrophic fracture of humerus with extensive soft tissue injury, hemorrhage, and lacerated and torn muscles.” Sea Watch was two and being prepped for his first race.
Editor’s Choice, Jun 11, Monmouth S
“Severe gastric ulcer disease and duodenal perforation, the latter resulting in fatal septic peritonitis.” They added: “Gastric ulceration is reported in up to 90% of racehorses and is strongly associated with the physiologic and management stresses of intense athletic training, high concentrate diets, NSAID administration, stall confinement, and intermittent feeding.” And: “Moderate osteochondral disease is also present, representing a common and likely incidental finding in racehorses reflecting the cumulative effects of repetitive athletic loading on articular cartilage and subchondral bone.” Editor’s was six.
Giovona By The Sea, Jun 22, Gaitway T
“Complete, open fracture of tibia.” Giovona was five.
