Horseracing Wrongs is a 501(c)(3) non-profit committed to ending the cruel and deadly horseracing industry in the United States.
Please note: While our focus here is on a single industry and a single species, Horseracing Wrongs stands against all animal exploitation. We hold that no animal should be bred, domesticated, and used for human purposes. The wrong, as we see it, begins and ends with animal property; as long as we continue to own them, talk of “rights” is positively meaningless. Accordingly, we are not interested in reform or so-called welfare improvements – simply an end, to horseracing, to all of it.
Facts, as the great John Adams once declared, are stubborn things. And facts are what we present here. We firmly believe that if those coming to this site do so with an open mind, a fresh lens, they will see horseracing not for how it has been sold – as sport, “The Sport of Kings” – but rather as the cruel and deadly (gambling) industry that it is.
If you have a tip or inside information, please email me directly at patrickjbattuello@gmail.com. I will, of course, protect your identity.
Patrick Battuello
Founder, President
Patrick Battuello has been writing on animal-rights issues since 2009 when he launched the Animal Rights blog for the Albany Times Union, one of the first of its kind in the United States. Patrick founded Horseracing Wrongs in 2013. Through his seminal FOIA reporting, he has become recognized as the nation’s foremost expert on racehorse deaths. He and his work have appeared in The Washington Post, USA Today, Deadspin; on HBO’s “Real Sports,” CNN, ESPN, among many others. Patrick has also testified (on racing) before the New York State Senate.
Lisa Kirk
Board Member
Lisa Kirk has been active in the animal-rights community for the past 30 years, having protested against puppy mills, circuses, rodeos, trophy hunting, the fur trade, and the dog/cat meat-trade. Lisa also founded Bullie Buddies of Las Vegas, an organization that was dedicated to bringing awareness to the cruelty of dog/cock fighting.
While volunteering at a rescue, Lisa fell in love with a former racehorse, “Twister,” and brought him home, where he was able to live out the rest of his years surrounded by kindness, love, and affection. A former teacher, cheerleading coach, and veterinary technician, Lisa currently resides in Las Vegas with several rescue dogs.
Jennifer Sully
Board Member, Maryland Organizer
Jennifer Sully has dedicated her life to advocating for all animals. With full support from her amazing parents and sister, Jennifer became a veterinary technician in 1994 and vegan in 1998. As time went on, Jennifer realized her voice could be even more beneficial, and she became an animal-rights activist. In 2019, she was proudly named Maryland Organizer for Horseracing Wrongs and has staged countless protests and demos since. Jennifer also organizes turkey vigils in Pennsylvania, as well as a multitude of other Animal Rights events.
In her free time, Jennifer enjoys hiking and nature with her partner – and, best of all, snuggling with their eight beautiful (rescued) kitties! To quote one of the chants Jennifer wrote for her protests, “Rise up. Take a stand. Horseracing should be banned.” Together, we WILL end horseracing.
Jennifer Christman
Board Member
Jennifer Christman’s lifelong passion for animals led her to pursue a career in veterinary care, working at veterinary hospitals during and after high school. After graduating from SUNY Ulster, Jennifer became a licensed veterinary technician in the state of New York. She further expanded her knowledge by taking animal law classes at Hudson Valley Community College, deepening her understanding of the legal and ethical aspects of animal welfare. Jennifer was also an intern at Catskill Animal Sanctuary, where she gained valuable experience in providing sanctuary and rehabilitation for rescued animals.
Jennifer’s advocacy extends beyond her work in veterinary care. Driven by her strong belief in justice for all creatures, she started a petition against a cruel coyote killing contest in Hancock, New York. Through her relentless efforts, the petition garnered an impressive 20,434 signatures, drawing local media attention and shedding light on the inhumanity of these contests. Jennifer’s campaign successfully led to the contest being shut down by the mayor.
In addition to being a board member, Jennifer serves as the HW Twitter manager. Jennifer shares her home with three cats and a chihuahua, all rescues of course!
Susan Civic
Board Member
Susan started following a vegan lifestyle in 1992 when she became aware of the cruelty inherent in the animal-agriculture industry, and she has since supported a cruelty free lifestyle. Over the years, Susan has been active in animal rights causes, having participated in protests of the veal and carriage-horse industries in New York City, marched in Manhattan for “Fur Free Friday” and in protests of the horseracing industry in Saratoga Springs.
Susan has been a licensed New York State attorney since 1993 and currently resides in Orlando, Florida, with her husband and rescue dog.
Nicole Arciello
Executive Director
Nicole’s journey in activism began over a decade ago when she became a regular contributor to the Times Union (Albany, NY) “Animal Rights Blog.” Fueled by her commitment to justice, she co-founded Albany Animal Rights, a local advocacy group that vehemently protested against various animal-use industries, including circuses, rodeos, puppy mills, and fur. Nicole also wrote an op-ed for the Times Union that shed light on the mistreatment of elephants in circuses and called for their liberation.
Apart from her advocacy work, Nicole is an accomplished vegan chef and baker, with over 12 years of experience in the field. Her innovative and delicious plant-based dishes have been showcased in local restaurants, pop-up events, and farmers’ markets, and her recipes featured in multiple local newspapers.
Over the years, through her infectious passion and unwavering dedication, Nicole has inspired many to embrace a cruelty-free lifestyle.
Bailey Chapman
Communications
Bailey Chapman began her activism journey in June 2020, when she attended her first Horseracing Wrongs event – a protest at Laurel Park in Laurel, MD. Since then, she has found her voice and become a dedicated animal rights activist. Bailey graduated from McDaniel College in 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Social Work and is currently a Visual Merchandiser with Target. Bailey spends her free time going on hikes, cooking vegan meals with her partner, and curling up in bed with her bunny, Willow.
