Over the course of just 7 days (Sep 19-27) at Churchill, 22 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 6 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:
“Pauline’s Angel finished 5th and suffered a post-race heatstroke.” According to the chart, the temp for this race was 94.
“Gimmeatreat was injured in the starting gate and required the horse ambulance.”
“The Final Secret was injured leaving the receiving barn and scratched.”
“Proctor Phantom bled and required the horse ambulance.”
“Where’s Otto finished 12th [20+ lengths back], returned lame and required the horse ambulance.” (The chart said nothing of this.)
“Muriel Sax returned unsound and required the horse ambulance.”
“Techwerkian bled and required the horse ambulance.”
Previously reported on our site but now with more detail…
Same race, Sep 19: “Lutkenhaus fell suddenly, suffered catastrophic injury to left foreleg, was loaded in ambulance and humanely euthanized.” The stewards go on to report that “all but four rivals fell over [Lutkenhaus].” Of the five who did fall over him, “Shacklebolt suffered RH laceration; Industrious suffered injury to left foreleg; Midnight Rumble suffered abrasions to forelegs.”
In sum, beyond the dead Lutkenhaus, there were 50 injured or sick horses at Churchill over just seven racedays. Defend that, apologists.
