Over the course of just 6 days (Oct 25-Nov 5) at Churchill, 16 horses were scratched by the regulatory vet – i.e., their exploiters had every intention of racing them – for being “injured” or “unsound,” another 10 by private vets for being “injured” or “ill,” and 9 (3 in same race) horses who were “claimed” prior to races were subsequently returned to their sellers because they finished said races physically compromised in one way or another.
Also, say the stewards:
On Oct 25 alone, no fewer than seven horses – five in the post parade, one behind the starting gate, and one in the parade and again behind the gate – “unseated their riders” before races began. Not unrelated, all seven are but two years old, and four of those were being whip-raced for the very first time. In short, terrified babies.
“Luxdomina finished last, bled, and required the ambulance.” This poor girl is also just two, and this was her first race. Quite a way to start – pulmonary hemorrhage. It’s worth noting that while she did finish last (24+ lengths back), because all Kentucky purses are now fattened with taxpayer dollars, she managed to “earn” her exploiters $1,224.
“Guardian bled.” (This one was also a voided claim.)
“Social Hour bled.” (This one was also a voided claim.)
“Grantchester was injured in the post parade and scratched.”
And as previously relayed: “Stormin the Beach suffered a catastrophic injury to his LH leg and was humanely euthanized.”
When fear and panic are repeatedly described as horses “unseating their riders,” the language minimizes what’s happening. A horse should not have to be terrified into submission to entertain people or generate profit. The fact that four were experiencing the whip for the first time makes this even more disturbing. This isn’t a case of isolated incidents. It’s a question about the treatment of vulnerable, young horse and the industry’s willingness to put their welfare last. Disgusting.