Through a FOIA request to the Arizona Department of Gaming, I have confirmed the following kills at that state’s tracks in 2020.

notes:
Words in brackets and italics are mine.

Throughout, the Department refers to the horses as “its,” further underscoring how this industry truly views its “athletes.”

Covid significantly affected the numbers below. From the Department: “Turf Paradise ceased live racing on March 11, with the cancellation of that day’s card. For the balance of 2020, there was no live racing or training in Arizona.”

In some cases, I have included additional comments from the Department. As you will plainly see, portents were there, but, as the old saying goes, the show must go on.

Bad Girl, Jan 8, Turf T – “[multiple] fractures, [multiple] ligament ruptures RF”

“This horse was on the vet’s list at Hastings Race Course on 7/14/2019 for being lame in the left rear leg. It returned to racing on 7/23/2019.”

Secreto Primero, Jan 8, Turf R – “[multiple] acute, complete fractures LF; tear in ligament; tendon completely torn; severe, chronic, active ulcerative gastritis”

“In 2019, this horse had two entries on the CA vet’s list: 4/20/2019 for injury due to falling down. On 9/12/2019 the horse was claimed but was found grade 3/5 lame on the left front leg [same leg that broke down]. The horse worked to get off the vet’s list at Turf on 11/3/2019 but was lame on the left front [same leg that broke down] post work. It raced and won on 12/22/2019.” Next race – dead.

Indian Brew, Jan 13, Turf R – “[multiple] comminuted fractures, torn cartilage”

I’m Amore, Jan 15, Turf T – “multiple fractures, ruptured ligament, torn tendon”

“This horse was put on the CA vet’s list on 10/15/2019 because it had an intra-articular injection (joint not specified).”

Obligated to None, Jan 19, Turf R – “horse finished last, 36 back; once the horse returned to its stall, it laid down and could not get back up: complete pelvic fracture that resulted in extensive hemorrhage that involved the majority of the LH limb”

In his preceding five races, all at Turf, Obligated finished a combined 70 lengths back.

Celtic Warrior, Jan 25, Turf R – “multiple fractures with bone exposure LF fetlock; skin degloved, cartilage erosion, chip fracture LH limb; hemorrhage RF limb; hemorrhage, loose cartilage fragments RH limb”

That’s issues in all four limbs. Celtic was only three years old.

Raider Red, Feb 8, Turf S – “colic”

Raider had been raced 64 times, most recently three days before dying – finished last.

Roses for Laura, Feb 8, Turf T – “open fracture RF fetlock; there are multiple areas of gastric ulceration and hemorrhage in non-glandular portion of the stomach which is common finding in racing horse”

Buddy Princess, Feb 9, Rillito R – “open avulsion injury, segments of bones are missing; over 30% of distal metacarpal bone is exposed; surfaces of the bone, soft tissue, and tendons are covered in dirt; suspensory ligament is completely ruptured”

Buddy was 12 years old, and this was her 52nd race – but first in two years.

Adorned, Feb 9, Turf S – “cast in stall, fractured neck”

Randy’s Boy, Feb 15, Rillito R – “[multiple] fractures with severe hemorrhage”

“The horse had one vet list entry for a quarter crack in October 2018.”

Cowgirl Barbie, Feb 19, Turf T – “horse was working on the main track when it stumbled, fell and could not get back up – [cause of death] not determined; trainer observed some gait abnormalities prior to the work”

Cowgirl was just one year old.

Senor Grits, Feb 19, Turf R – “open fracture covered in dirt, sand, and mud; partially ruptured tendon; completely ruptured ligament; severe, chronic degenerative joint disease with joint fusion/capsular fibrosis LF [same leg that broke down]”

“This horse was put on the vet’s list 2/24/2019 for being lame on pre-race exam. It returned to racing 8/31/2019. This was the first race since then.”

Sedona Moon, Feb 21, Turf T – “comminuted fractures, tendon rupture”

Sedona was just one year old; this was his first training session.

Destiny’s Storm, Mar 3, Turf R – “[multiple] fractures; osteoarthritis multiple joints”

“This horse had a poor performance at Los Alamitos on 9/11/2019 and was put on stewards list.”

Destiny’s was just three years old – “osteoarthritis multiple joints.”

Stratton, Mar 7, Turf R – “numerous ligament ruptures, joint disarticulation; chronic degenerative joint disease both front fetlocks”

“This horse was put on the Steward’s list for a poor performance on 12/21/2019.” Three races later – dead.

Wit and Wisdom, Mar 9, Turf R – “[multiple] fractures LF; degenerative joint disease within both front fetlocks”

“This horse was on the California vet’s list as of 5/25/2019 for being cast in stall and injuring the LF leg [same leg that broke down]. On 6/8/2019, it was put on the CA vet’s list for being unsound on the LF leg [same leg that broke down] post race. Received 4 mg of Predef 2X in both front fetlocks on 2/15/2020, then raced on 2/18.” Next race after that – dead.

Devil’s Wildcat, Apr 14, Turf S – “colic”

Devil’s had been raced 49 times, most recently Mar 3.

Roman Pleasure, Dec 30, Turf S – “colic”

Roman had been raced 54 times, most recently Dec 7.

Through a FOIA request to the Arizona Racing Commission, I have confirmed the following kills at that state’s tracks from May 1-Dec 31, 2019 (the first four months of the year can be found here).

La Reina Del Rancho, May 3, Turf S – “colic”
Tizjohndeersway, Jun 15, Arizona Downs R – “fracture LF”
Dashing Star, Jul 7, Arizona Downs T – “spinal injury”
High Profit, Jul 21, Arizona Downs T – “head trauma, cervical spine”
Jomelo, Aug 10, Arizona Downs R – “fractured sesamoids” (63rd race)
Nana’s Rule, Aug 10, Arizona Downs R – “cannon”
Dales Cash, Aug 25, Arizona Downs R – “shoulder”
Out Trump’d Her, Sep 17, Turf S – “colic”
Revykyroan, Oct 13, Turf S – “flipped, head [trauma]”
Whoodat, Oct 14, Turf S – “colic”
Absolute Royalty, Oct 14, Turf R – “fractured sesamoid”
Best It, Oct 14, Turf R – “fractured sesamoid”
Raspberry Punch, Oct 15, Turf S – “pneumonia” (raced 46 times)
Silver Band, Oct 16, Turf T – “fractured leg”
Cold Hard Luck, Oct 18, Turf T – “broken shoulder”
Full Access, Oct 22, Turf R – “fractured carpus”
Saltarin, Oct 28, Turf R – “fractured fetlock”
Erica’s Tiger, Oct 29, Turf T – “trauma”
Dw Carolina Flash, Nov 3, Turf R – “fractured sesamoid”
Survivour, Nov 5, Turf S – “colic”
Cash Money Always, Nov 8, Turf T – “fractured fetlock”
Truly Unusual, Nov 10, Turf S – “colic” (9 years old, raced 98 times)
Eva’s Classy Baby, Nov 10, Turf R – “fractured carpus”
Gottem All Buzzin, Nov 14, Turf T – “abdomen laceration”
Thunder Basin, Nov 24, Turf R – “fractured carpus”
United We Stand, Nov 26, Turf S – “colic”
Raise the Gamble, Nov 26, Turf R – “fracture”
Swayze, Dec 2, Turf R – “ligament tear”
Sierra Steel, Dec 7, Turf R – “fractured pelvis”
Justa Blue Hat, Dec 19, Turf T – “fracture”

Through a FOIA request to the Arizona Racing Commission, I have confirmed the following kills on that state’s tracks through April 30:

Popyhowuspelcupcak, Jan 1, Turf R – “fracture left front leg”
Tribal Hero, Jan 5, Turf T – “fracture left front leg”
Cause for Eviction, Jan 8, Turf R – “fracture pelvis”
Velocitation, Jan 13, Turf R – “fracture left front leg fetlock”
Unusually Striking, Jan 16, Turf R – “fracture left front leg”
Rose Dynasty, Jan 20, Turf R – “fracture spine or pelvis”
Dancin N Moonlight, Feb 2, Turf T – “cannon bone fracture”
Majesty Marie, Feb 9, Rillito T – “fracture left front cannon bone”
Junior G Man, Feb 20, Turf R – “fracture right front fetlock”
Serbian Syclone, Feb 25, Turf R (euthanized Apr 14) – “fracture front leg”
P T Bruiser, Feb 27, Turf T – “fracture right carpus”
Vergelito Two, Mar 3, Turf T – “fracture shoulder”
Ls Power, Mar 31, Turf R – “fracture spine”
Redneck Humor, Apr 7, Turf R – “fracture right front leg”
Lion Command, Apr 15, Turf R (euthanized Apr 16) – “fracture right front leg”
Caramelo P, Apr 28, Turf R – “fracture left rear leg”

In addition, these still-very-much-active racehorses died on track grounds from what the industry craftily calls “non-racing” causes. Technically true, perhaps, but morally they are no less casualties of this vile business than the ones above.

L ‘s Choice, Jan 10, Turf – “illness – lungs”
Top Hat Wildcat, Jan 23, Turf – “laceration abdomen”
Jubilance, Jan 27, Turf – “flipped in stall, hit head, spinal cord trauma”
Surely a Bullet, Feb 4, Turf – “weight loss, cancer”

Through a FOIA request to the Arizona Department of Gaming, I have confirmed the following kills on that state’s tracks in 2018. Unless otherwise noted, immediate cause of death was a break of one kind or another; underlying cause – Racing itself.

Tenacions Tally, January 10, Turf R

Another Forever, January 14, Turf R

Betrbegone, January 14, Turf R

Upsidedwnpineapple, January 21, Turf R

Takeit Tothe Limit, January 25, Turf T

Sheri Sugar Rush, February 3, Turf R

Rocky Litigation, February 5, Turf T

Pay Or Play, February 6, Turf T

unnamed, February 10, Turf T – broke both front legs and neck

Black Tornado, February 10, Turf R

Teresita Gb, February 11, Turf T

The Spinmeister, February 18, Turf T

Boom Boys, February 24, Rillito T

Great Selection, February 24, Turf R

Realwin, February 25, Rillito R

Mr. Padre, February 28, Turf R – “ruptured tendon”

Melvinized, March 3, Rillito R – “torn ligaments/tendons”

Boo Boo Bear, March 3, Turf R

You Decide, March 3, Turf R

Coolidge, March 4, Turf R – cannon and “exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage”

Evening Up, March 6, Turf R – two broken ankles

Kafister, March 7, Turf T

Wheres Hollywood, March 10, Rillito R (euthanized after surgery “failed”)

Lassie’s Reward, March 11, Turf R

Triple Vodka Memorys, March 13, Turf T – “seizure”

Tribal Table, March 20, Turf R

Joshuasistheway, April 9, Turf T

Sicilian Star, April 14, Turf T

Tiz Rolly, April 28, Turf R

Mr Dynasty, April 29, Turf T – “head trauma – fractured skull, brain bleed”

Fighter Gone Wild, April 29, Turf R

Tap On a Star, April 30, Turf R

Doeseedoe, May 6, Santa Cruz R

Jess Pure Class, October 14, Turf R – broke both front legs

Bitz and a Chair, October 20, Turf R

Racin Blue Jean, October 28, Turf R

Jury, November 2, Turf R

Alpha Pegasus, November 5, Turf T – fractures and “torn tendons”

Metric System, November 17, Turf T

Prados Way, November 17, Turf T

Finale’s Dolly, November 18, Turf T

Werewarningyou, November 19, Turf R – fractures and “torn tendons”

Toy’s Party, November 23, Turf R

Oh Yes I Did, November 24, Turf R

Angel Tears, December 4, Turf R

Unusual Champ, December 12, Turf R – “collapse – pulmonary hemorrhage”

Cali Encounter, December 29, Turf R

In addition, these still-very-much-active racehorses died on track grounds from what the industry craftily calls “non-racing” causes. Technically true, perhaps, but morally they are no less casualties of this vile business than the ones above.

Circle Once, April 5, Turf
“pneumonia”

Solomon, April 6, Turf
“cecum colon displacement”

Lidy Peak, May 5, Turf
“pneumonia”

Through a FOIA request to the Arizona Department of Racing, I have confirmed the following kills on that state’s tracks in 2017.

Running for Annie, January 3, Turf, race 1
“open fracture fetlock”

With Love Too, January 8, Turf, race 1
“open fracture fetlock” (10 years old, 50th race)

Mydancingshadow, January 8, Turf, race 7
“open fracture fetlock”

Roi Soleil, January 30, Turf, race 3
“luxated fetlock, possible sesamoid fractures, disruption of supporting tissue”

Sir Got Class, February 4, Turf, race 1
“suspected medial and lateral sesamoid bones, with soft tissue insults”

El Trompito, February 5, Turf, training
“fracture to shoulder” (not yet two years old, being prepped for first race)

Indian Nate, February 12, Turf, race 7
“fracture sesamoids with concominant soft tissue disruption”

Ra Indio Tizok, February 19, Rillito, race 1
“fracture radius”

Clever Bling Chick, February 22, Turf, training
“fracture humerus” (two years old, being prepped for first race)

Amberella, February 26, Rillito, race 7
(seven years old)

Guybrush, February 27, Turf, training
“flipped over on training track, died moments later – suspect a broken neck”

Quorum of Joy, March 7, Turf, training
“ruptured digital flexor tendon”

Inexcess Time, March 8, Turf, training
“slab fracture knee” (most recent race, February 25: last, 34 lengths back)

Hail Casper, March 20, Turf, training
“fracture cannon” (not yet two years old, being prepped for first race)

He’s a Dandy, March 22, Turf, training
(nine years old)

Papa Howg, March 25, Turf, training
“sesamoid fracture” (not yet two years old, being prepped for first race)

Smack Talk, March 25, Turf, training
“slab fracture carpus”

Five Star Bert, March 27, Turf, training
“probable heart attack” (five years old)

Kickin Carver, March 28, Turf, training
“heart attack” (two years old, being prepped for first race)

Thundersgold, April 1, Turf, training
“fracture shoulder”

Lo Duca, April 1, Turf, race 2 (euthanized April 3)
“slab fracture carpus”

Market Mayhem, April 4, Turf, race 8
“broke fetlock”

Brazilian Barbeque, April 9, Turf, race 6
“fetlock fracture”

Jess a Dejon, April 29, Turf, race 1
“broken leg at cannon” (first race)

Hymn’s Girl, May 1, Turf, race 7
“fracture cannon bone”

Catching Fire, September 24, Turf, training
“collapse – lung bleeding”

Tizfun, September 29, Turf, training
“collapsed – bled into lungs”

La Moneda, November 5, Turf, race 3
“exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage”

Sooner Boomer, November 5, Turf, race 7
“fracture phalanx”

Bistro Lights, November 12, Turf, race 4
“fracture sesamoids”

Spanish Jazz, November 20, Turf, race 4
(eight years old, 55th race)

Compadre Sam, November 27, Turf, race 5
“fracture cannon”

Lady Chatterley, November 28, Turf, training
“fracture shoulder” (two years old, being prepped for first race)

Dont Tell Danna, December 1, Turf, training
“fracture shoulder” (two years old, being prepped for first race)

Arizona Dreamer, December 18, Turf, race 8
(first race)

Joshuas Glory, December 27, Turf, race 4
“fracture cannon”

In addition, these still-very-much-active racehorses died on track grounds from what the industry craftily calls “non-racing” causes. Technically true, perhaps, but morally they are no less casualties of this vile business than the ones above.

Doginabox, February 22, Turf
“pleural pneumonia”

Flat Out Filly (sic perhaps), February 22, Turf
“colic”

Sunday Dawn, April 5, Turf
“colic” (seven years old, raced 42 times, most recent March 14)

Dollys Party Doll, October 2, Turf
“colic collapse” (last raced April 18)

Kershner, October 24, Turf
“sudden death; had been treated for colic, intestinal rupture” (last raced February 14)

Jamaalaree, November 16, Turf
“pleuropneumonia” (last raced July 16)