Patrick’s Blog

Two Kills in NY – One a Cherie DeVaux-Trained 3-Year-Old Who Dropped Dead at Saratoga

Yesterday, the New York Racing Association recorded a pair of training kills. The first was Stirring Words at Saratoga: “was warming up to breeze when he staggered, collapsed on the track, and expired” – a “cardiac event,” they’re calling it.…

Read MoreTwo Kills in NY – One a Cherie DeVaux-Trained 3-Year-Old Who Dropped Dead at Saratoga

“[After] galloping, horse seized, collapsed, and died in stall: pulmonary artery branch rupture.”

Through a FOIA request to the Kentucky Racing Commission, I have confirmed the following kills at that state’s tracks in the first half of 2026. Because of the volume, I will be posting in installments (previous ones here). (It goes…

Read More“[After] galloping, horse seized, collapsed, and died in stall: pulmonary artery branch rupture.”

No Less Than 5 “Sudden Deaths” in West Virginia; Oh, and Mountaineer Does Not Have a Full-Time Regulatory Vet

Through a FOIA request to the West Virginia Racing Commission, I have confirmed the following kills at that state’s two tracks in the first half of the year. Two notes: As you will see, detail was woefully lacking. More important,…

Read MoreNo Less Than 5 “Sudden Deaths” in West Virginia; Oh, and Mountaineer Does Not Have a Full-Time Regulatory Vet

3-Year-Old: “Fell after finish: left forelimb severed at metacarpophalangeal joint with only a small amount of intact skin and connective tissue remaining; [multiple] ligaments/tendons completely torn; lateral digital artery, lateral digital vein, and lateral plantar nerve completely severed.”

Through a FOIA request to the Oklahoma Racing Commission, I have confirmed the following 12 kills at that state’s tracks thus far this year. Jose Can’t Say, Jan 30, Will Rogers S “Treated for colic Jan 28; found dead in…

Read More3-Year-Old: “Fell after finish: left forelimb severed at metacarpophalangeal joint with only a small amount of intact skin and connective tissue remaining; [multiple] ligaments/tendons completely torn; lateral digital artery, lateral digital vein, and lateral plantar nerve completely severed.”