Through a FOIA request to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, I have confirmed the following death at Plainridge, the only commercial track left in the state. A couple notes: Plainridge, a harness track, is a racino, meaning it only exists because it is being propped up by subsidies. The MA Thoroughbred people have been desperately trying to resurrect flat racing since Suffolk Downs closed in 2019; we, along with local activists, have been able to beat them back each time (and will continue to do so).

Mouth Watering, Sep 13: “Mouth Watering was pacing in the 4th race at Plainridge. She sustained a severe comminuted fracture of P1 with varying sized fragments. She was treated with dormosedan and xylazine. Once the severity of the injury was assessed, she was euthanized with 100 mL of pentobarbital. She had been racing regularly at Plainridge and Saratoga Harness in NY.”

Through a FOIA request to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, I have confirmed the following deaths at that state’s tracks in 2019. Please note, however, that Suffolk Downs, Massachusetts’ (and New England’s) only Thoroughbred track, ran but a handful of dates last year; Mass’ other track, Plainridge, is harness. Please further note that Suffolk was permanently closed after its meet concluded, so it falls to us to keep the whole of New England Thoroughbred Racing-free, and toward that end, we at HW are working hand in hand with Massachusetts-based activists to do just that.

Royal Ransom, Jun 29, Suffolk R – “compound, comminuted fracture of metacarpus”

ShezSugarSweet A, Sep 19, Plainridge R – “collapsed and died instantly – no definitive cause found”

Poisonous, Oct 14, Plainridge R – “comminuted fracture of phalanx”

Through a FOIA request to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, I have confirmed the following deaths at that state’s tracks in 2018. Please note, however, that Suffolk Downs, Massachusetts’ (and New England’s) only Thoroughbred track, runs but a handful of dates each year. (Massachusetts’ other track, Plainridge, is harness.)

Anatevka, July 7, Suffolk R
“fractured radial and intermediate carpal bones”

Desert Safari, July 8, Suffolk R
“fractured [several] carpal bones”

Geremel Hanover, August 21, Plainridge R
“fell over another horse, pulmonary hemorrhage, died instantly”

M K’s Delight, September 16, Suffolk
“colic” (last raced August 4)

City Pie, September 25, Plainridge R (euthanized September 27)
“fractured humerus”

New York Kitty, November 8, Plainridge R
“fractured metatarsus”

Through a FOIA request to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, I have confirmed the following kills at Suffolk Downs in 2016:

Silver Lime, July 9, Suffolk 1, “fractured proximal phalanx with joint luxation”
Candy Man Can, July 9, Suffolk 2, “fractured neck”

It should be noted that Suffolk Downs, which was (is) New England’s only Thoroughbred track, ceased regular operations in 2014. Since, it has run but a handful of dates per year. In 2016, the period covered by this report, Suffolk had six days of racing. Yes, that’s two kills (in back-to-back steeplechase races) in six days. Shame.

There can be no justification for the killing of animals for $2 bets. End it. Now.