6-year-old (44 races) Tale of Lucknfame – trained and owned by Rebecca Johnston – broke down Friday at Belterra, bringing that track’s two-day fallen-horse total to three (Funnysman Dream, Kingliest). What’s more, Penn National also lost three horses in a…
There are some who hold that certain racing staples – drugging, whipping – are prosecutable offenses under state animal-cruelty statutes. Alas, we’re not holding our collective breath. Still, occasionally something comes along that is so egregious it practically begs for…
NY is the only state to publicly identify its dead racehorses. Theoretically, all horses who die at NYS tracks – whether racing, training, or “non-racing” – are disclosed to the Gaming Commission, who then posts on its site. Hence, (generally)…
I have confirmed that 3-year-old Frat Man was euthanized for a catastrophic injury suffered Wednesday at Charles Town (race 7). Prior to his fatal run, Frat Man had nine 2014 starts – these included: 1/29, last, 13 3/4 lengths back,…
Four horses – two each at Belterra and Penn – broke down yesterday and can be presumed dead: 2-year-old Funnys Man Dream, race 1, Belterra. Jockey Juan Vargas, trainer Jose Lopez, owner/breeder Bobby Rankin. It was the equine child’s first…
The California Horse Racing Board has confirmed the death of 3-year-old Nacho Preacher in an August 31st race at Golden Gate. This was the gelding’s second race in eight days, having just been claimed by Tim Bellasis a week prior.…
4-year-old Ego Friendly – trainer Patrick Quick, breeders Chester and Mary Broman – collapsed and died while galloping at Belmont yesterday morning. The gelding’s last four races: three second-to-last, one DNF. Ego Friendly is the ninth racehorse to simply collapse…
Two 3-year-olds died while practicing at Finger Lakes Sunday: Gerryland (trainer Rafael Rohena) – broken right front leg Kitt’s Kool Katt (trainer James Acquilano) – open fracture of the proximal humerus Gerryland had yet to be raced; in her only…
The following horses were reported as “broke down” last week. We can presume them dead. 3-year-old Florida Bull in Wednesday’s 8th at Thistledown. His last two starts before Wednesday: 7th of 8 in a $4,000 claiming, Aug 22nd; last of…
Virtually without exception, “broke down” is racing-speak for dead; “vanned off” translates to a better-than-even chance of dead. Broke Down: Florida Bull, Sep 3, Thistledown 8 Ligety, Sep 5, Los Alamitos (T) 3 Ifyougotthenotion, Sep 6, Parx 8 Vanned Off:…
An update on the February 2014 casualties. The following were reported as “vanned off”: Dinkers Sunshine, Feb 1, Beulah 8, still active Warrior’s Image, Feb 1, Fair Grounds 9, hasn’t been heard from since Fin Du Monde, Feb 1, Golden…
Unraced 3-year-old Major Battle “fell and died while breezing” at Belmont yesterday. According to the Gaming Commission, the cause is unknown at this time, but fear not – the “case continues.” The colt was being trained by Kathleen Feron (yes,…
