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.
Speedcuber, May 7, Santa Anita R (euthanized May 9)
“Broke down in race: [multiple] complete fractures, [multiple] severe ruptures, massive hemorrhage.” Also: “cartilage loss, history of multiple intra-articular injections, history of bilateral fetlock surgery.” With these injuries, Speedcuber was made to suffer for two days before being euthanized. She was four years old.
Barraza, May 14, Santa Anita T
“Catastrophic breakdown: [multiple] open fractures, [multiple] ligaments and tendons ruptured.” Also: “severe biaxial osteochondral disease.” Barraza was four years old.
Untuckit, Jun 15, Los Alamitos S
“Four-year-old found dead in stall – cause undetermined.” Again, four years old.
Little Princess, Aug 16, Los Alamitos S
“Flipped, seizures, extensive hemorrhaging in skull, euthanized.” Also: “chronic ulcers.” Little Princess was just two years old.