Patrick’s Blog

Last Week…

Chart notes from U.S. Thoroughbred and Quarterhorse races last week. Papa Tom B “in distress, vanned off” at Finger LakesFall Campaign “fell, DNF” at MahoningSunset Queen “vanned off” at MountaineerGhaaleb’s Appeal “vanned off” at FairmountSequeeker “returned bleeding from nostrils, vanned…

Read MoreLast Week…

California: “complete, comminuted, displaced fracture of the 13th thoracic vertebra [with] compression of the spinal cord and severe, extensive hemorrhage”

Through a FOIA request to the California Horse Racing Board, I have obtained the following details on some of that state’s kills this year. Ultimate Diva, Mar 3, Golden Gate R“After winning race, pulled up with: [multiple, as in three…

Read MoreCalifornia: “complete, comminuted, displaced fracture of the 13th thoracic vertebra [with] compression of the spinal cord and severe, extensive hemorrhage”

Texas Racing Commission: “We’ve had humans that weren’t necessarily sober on those horses causing breakdowns.”

At a meeting of the Texas Racing Commission last month, Executive Director Amy Cook, in boasting of what she considers her state’s stellar transparency, revealed two things of note. This, on the reporting of deaths: “What’s interesting about our statistics,…

Read MoreTexas Racing Commission: “We’ve had humans that weren’t necessarily sober on those horses causing breakdowns.”