The chartwriter’s full telling of My Trooper’s outing in the 5th at Mahoning yesterday: “My Trooper rated in the second flight early then took a bad step and pulled up at the 3/8 pole before falling with an injury and was euthanized on track.” Yeah, just another “bad step.” This poor boy was three; ’twas his 12th time under the whip. Chief exploiters: Hal Snowden, Larry Smith, Yarmarie Correa.
While the cowards at Mahoning scrubbed the replay, the ugliness – a horse dying in full public view – most certainly did not deter them from continuing with the day’s action. And just three races later, Stage Name also “took a bad step” and was “vanned off.” So, perhaps two kills at Mahoning yesterday (I’ll know for sure soon enough). Vile.
It’s becoming more and more common that horses die in full public view. Until this vile sport disappears completely, I don’t think anyone under 18 should be allowed anywhere near a track. Even as an adult I’ve seen things that disturb me to this day. A small child definitely should not be exposed to this carnage.