Over the course of just 7 days (Aug 29-Sep 9) at Kentucky Downs, 25 horses were scratched by the regulatory vet – i.e., their exploiters had every intention of racing them – for being “injured” or “unsound,” another 11 by private vets for being “injured” or “ill,” and 1 horse who was “claimed” (bought) was subsequently returned to his seller because he finished his race physically compromised in one way or another.
In addition, say the stewards:
“Astar returned lame and required the horse ambulance.” (The chart said nothing of this.)
“Onrush finished 2nd and suffered a post-race heatstroke.”
“Sun Gate finished 2nd and suffered a post-race heatstroke.” (same day as Onrush’s)
Notes on the above heatstrokes: The temp for these races was 95. The stewards went on to say that “due to heat index concerns, the remaining four races were canceled.” But here’s the thing, those heatstrokes occurred in the first two races; they still ran five more that day (Sep 3) – with, obviously, no change in the temp – before canceling. And, there were only three trainer scratches in those five races. As an aside, in finishing 2nd in their respective races, Onrush and Sun Gate brought home $54K between them.
“Dismiss suffered an injury and was transported to a clinic for further diagnostics.”
“Air One suffered post-race physical distress and required the horse ambulance.” (The chart said nothing of this.)
“Maverick Queen flipped in the gate and was scratched by Vet [presumably injured].”
