Some details (Kentucky Racing Commission) on a pair of previously-reported kills at Churchill Downs.

Sticky Issue, Jul 1: “biaxial comminuted sesamoid fractures; distal limb expanded by large amount of hemorrhage”

Enid, Jul 4: “biaxial sesamoid fractures with extensive soft tissue damage, including tearing of the medial digital vein”

Here is Enid getting whipped immediately before breaking down…

At first blush, the result for Rocket’s Red Glare (below) in the 2nd at Aqueduct yesterday was a “good” one – 2nd place, $19K for his people. But then this: “took a bad step in the gallop out, suffered a catastrophic injury, euthanasia on track.”

Including yesterday, Rocket “earned” over $46,000 for his people (Linda Rice et al.) – over just three career races. He was also a colt, meaning there was money to be made on the back end. So, do you think these facts fairly explain the following lament from one of his owners (Zilla Racing)?

The 8th race at Parx yesterday: “Sapphire Royalty quickly sprinted clear, opened a long lead on the turn, suffered a catastrophic injury near the 5/16 pole and was subsequently euthanized.” She was four years old; ’twas her 18th time under the whip.

This is horseracing.