Over the course of just 8 days (Oct 2-11) at Keeneland, 16 horses were scratched by the regulatory vet – i.e., their exploiters had every intention of racing them – for being “injured” or “unsound,” another 16 by private vets for being “injured” or “ill,” and 7 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:
“Maxfield’s Dream returned lame and required ambulance.” (Chart said nothing of this.)
“Reclamation returned lame.” (Chart said nothing of this.)
“Fast Solution returned lame and required ambulance.”
“Broadway Betty returned injured and required ambulance.” (Chart said nothing of this.)
“Coaster was injured in starting gate and scratched.”
“Insightful Miss bled [pulmonary hemorrhage] while in test barn.”
“Riding Coattails bled [pulmonary hemorrhage].” (This one was also a voided claim.)
