Patrick’s Blog

“Both LF Sesamoids Shattered”; “Tibia Snapped”; “Rider Heard Cracking Sounds and Horse Went Down”; the Horrific Death of a 1-Year-Old; and a Slew of Other Ohio Kills

Through a FOIA request to the Ohio Racing Commission, I have confirmed the following kills at that state’s tracks last year (this is part 2; part 1 here – 58 kills in total). Anything for Love, Jul 2, Belterra R…

Read More“Both LF Sesamoids Shattered”; “Tibia Snapped”; “Rider Heard Cracking Sounds and Horse Went Down”; the Horrific Death of a 1-Year-Old; and a Slew of Other Ohio Kills

Industry Executive Admits: “[P]ost-racing traceability [of ‘retired’ racehorses] is practically non-existent; a safety net for vulnerable horses does not exist.”

The industry conversation on “aftercare” rages on, especially on the pages of the Thoroughbred Daily News. First, it was Mike Repole in Jan, then The Jockey Club’s answer a few days later, then Reiley McDonald last month. Now, Pat Cummings,…

Read MoreIndustry Executive Admits: “[P]ost-racing traceability [of ‘retired’ racehorses] is practically non-existent; a safety net for vulnerable horses does not exist.”

The “Inhumane Treatment” by Yasmine Medina and the Baby (Two Years Old) Who Died Because of It

A recent ruling (January) posted by the Texas Racing Commission. It fell under the heading, “Inhumane Treatment.” “On April 3, 2025, Yasmine Medina sent the horse ‘Oppenheimer’ with a groom to Retama Park for an official workout. The horse got…

Read MoreThe “Inhumane Treatment” by Yasmine Medina and the Baby (Two Years Old) Who Died Because of It

One 2-Year-Old’s Death at Emerald: “Complete, comminuted, displaced tibia fracture – six fragments of bone within fracture area.”

Through a FOIA request to the Washington Racing Commission, I have confirmed the following kills at Emerald Downs last year. Sausage, Mar 14, Emerald T “There is extensive muscle tearing and hemorrhage surrounding the left humerus and a complete, comminuted…

Read MoreOne 2-Year-Old’s Death at Emerald: “Complete, comminuted, displaced tibia fracture – six fragments of bone within fracture area.”