Through a FOIA request to the Pennsylvania Dept. of Agriculture, I have confirmed the following kills at that state’s tracks in 2021 (I previously filed a half-year report but have combined the two for maximum effect). Please note, however, that there was little detail provided, nothing more than “injury,” “illness,” etc. (For the racing deaths, I have supplemented with info from the charts.) Why? “Necropsy reports are part of an investigation. Therefore, PDA has withheld specific information that is exempt from disclosure by law.” One more thing: Presque Isle is reporting but two deaths – both stall – in 2021. The track was active from July through October – 60 days of live racing. Zero training deaths. Zero racing deaths. Draw your own conclusion; for me, it’s a lie. In any event, here are the 92 dead Pennsylvania horses we do have.

Trust Fund Girl, Jan 3, Parx T – “injury” (two years old, coming off second race)
Credit Cycle, Jan 5, Parx R – “took a bad step”
Private Union, Jan 6, Parx R – “suffered a catastrophic injury near the 5/16 pole”
Rockin Ruth, Jan 8, Penn R – “pulled up lame”
Dream’n Demon, Jan 10, Parx T – “injury” (“bled profusely from nostrils” in 2020 race)
Kiss My Note, Jan 20, Penn R – “suffered a catastrophic injury to his left front”
Saucy Don, Jan 25, Parx R – “injured near half-mile marker” (10 years old, 68th race)
Cattys Box, Jan 27, Parx T – “injury” (two years old, being prepped for debut)
Jewel’sindian Girl, Feb 3, Penn R – “suffered a catastrophic injury and fell”
Smarty Pi, Feb 5, Parx T – “injury” (had been raced 39 times)
Tally Mo, Feb 14, Parx S – “illness” (was raced Jan 13)
My Lilly Pad, Mar 10, Penn R – “catastrophic injury – [but] was walked into ambulance”
Velozes, Mar 20, Parx T – “injury” (two years old, coming off second race)
Raileegotaholdonme, Mar 24, Meadows S – “colic” (not euthanized, just died)
O’Kram, Mar 30, Parx R – “was injured badly, fell, euthanized”
Chart Caller, Apr 1, Penn T – “injury”
To the Flag, Apr 2, Parx S – “colic” (had been raced 89 times, most recent Mar 24)
Fastroadahead, Apr 10, Parx T – “injury” (three years old)
Skookie, Apr 12, Parx R – “injury”
Moe Trouble, Apr 19, Penn S – “colic” (last raced Nov 2020)
Our Dixie Blue, Apr 20, Parx R – “had her heels clipped, injury to a rear leg”
Mr Classical, Apr 21, Parx T – “sudden death”
Valley of Sin, Apr 25, Pocono R – “injury”
Drosselmagic, Apr 26, Parx R – “was injured past half-mile marker” (74th race)
Brandywines Secret, Apr 28, Penn R – “catastrophic injuries to both front legs”
Tuff Gong, May 1, Parx T – “injury” (coming off first race)
Communicator, May 3, Penn T – “sudden death” (just four years old)
Baffin Bay, May 4, Parx T – “injury” (hadn’t been raced since Dec 2019)
Adulation, May 9, Parx T – “sudden death”
Princess Mikayah, May 10, Parx R – “suffered injury to her LF leg” (58th race)
Runs for Luck, May 11, Parx R – “collapsed, sudden death” (10 years old, 85th race)
Luvinmeiseasy, May 12, Parx T – “injury” (had been raced 59 times)
Goggles Paisano, May 13, Meadows T – “sudden death”
Night Dreamer, May 14, Meadows R – “injury”
Lucky Olivia Rose, May 18, Parx T – “injury”
Call Me Daddy, May 18, Parx R – “injury”
Crazy Cables, May 22, Penn T – “injury” (was being prepped for debut)
Lucky Lion, May 29, Parx T – “injury” (was being prepped for debut)
Happyascanb, Jun 2, Parx T – “injury”
Babbo Babbo Babbo, Jun 7, Parx R – “suffered an injury to his LF leg”
Accomplish, Jun 12, Penn T – “illness” (two years old; not euthanized, just died)
Woodbury, Jun 15, Parx R – “suffered a catastrophic injury…subsequently euthanized”
Big Cypress, Jun 16, Penn R – “catastrophic injuries to both front legs and fell”
Baby Bam Bam, Jun 22, Parx T – “injury”
Inclunation, Jun 23, Parx R – “returned lame”
Fashion Nova, Jun 28, Parx R – “suffered an injury to her LF leg”
Baby Bleu Janes, Jun 30, Penn T – “injury” (two years old, being prepped for debut)
Freight Train, Jun 30, Penn R – “catastrophic injury – [but] was walked into the van”
Dreamer’s Moon, Jul 2, Parx S – “sudden death” (five years old)
Questeq, Jul 2, Parx S – “sudden death” (had finished last in a race five days prior)
Smooth Landing, Jul 8, Parx T – “injury” (being prepped for first race)
Our Claire Bear, Jul 9, Parx T – “injury” (had been raced 45 times)
Abaco Dream, Jul 13, Penn R – “took a bad step, pulled up lame”
Victoria Belle, Jul 14, Parx R – “suffered a catastrophic injury”
The Minit I See U, Jul 14, Penn R – “catastrophic injury to his right front”
Sexyama, Jul 20, Parx R – “fell after the finish”
Victory Chimes, Jul 20, Penn R – “pulled up lame after the finish”
Kazmania, Jul 28, Penn T – “injury”
Dawn’s Early Light, Jul 29, Penn S – “sudden death” (four years old)
Oath of Solitude, Aug 10, Parx S – “illness” (three years old, had yet to be raced)
Light Us Up, Aug 13, Presque Isle S – “illness”
Eyes On Me, Aug 27, Penn R – “suffered a catastrophic injury to his left front”
Drummer Don, Sep 4, Parx S – “illness” (had been raced 61 times)
Psychic Energy, Sep 5, Parx S – “illness” (had been raced 43 times)
Midnight Whiskey, Sep 10, Penn R – “catastrophic injury – [but] was walked into van”
Blitchton Lady, Sep 15, Parx R – “injured her right front”
Miss Makayla, Sep 15, Penn S – “illness” (not euthanized – just died)
New Jersey John, Sep 19, Presque Isle S – “illness”
Regal Run, Sep 21, Parx R – “injured his left front leg”
Silver Dagger, Sep 21, Parx R – “injured his left front”
Forgotten Magic, Sep 22, Parx R – “suffered a catastrophic leg injury”
Jenna’s Lil Agnes, Oct 9, Parx T – “injury”
Incandescent, Oct 12, Parx S – “illness” (coming off first race)
Rock Ridge, Oct 19, Penn R – “injury”
Inspired Gem, Oct 20, Penn R – “went bad”
Lord Fairfax, Oct 22, Harrah’s R – “sudden death”
Sky Queen, Oct 22, Parx S – “illness” (not euthanized – just died)
Oakmont Magic, Nov 12, Penn R – “injury”
Sieglinde, Nov 18, Penn S – “injury”
Dirty Bird, Nov 20, Parx S – “illness” (not euthanized – just died)
Racehorseinared, Nov 23, Parx R – “injured at quarter pole…euthanized after”
Martini Show, Nov 24, Meadows R – “injury”
K D’s Cat Bird, Nov 29, Parx S – “illness” (eight years old, raced five days prior)
Enigmatica, Dec 3, Parx S – “illness” (not euthanized – just died)
Topsill Beach, Dec 7, Meadows R – “sudden death”
Big Daddy Buzz, Dec 8, Parx R – “suffered a catastrophic injury near 3/8 pole”
Eliana’s Mission, Dec 15, Parx R – “suffered catastrophic injury, fell, euthanized”
Go Johnny Go, Dec 19, Parx S – “sudden death” (five years old)
Trapped N My Mind, Dec 20, Parx S – “illness”
Honorable Service, Dec 22, Penn R – “fell” (82nd race)
Combat Ribbon, Dec 28, Parx R – “was injured past the 1/2-mile marker”
Four of Swords, Dec 29, Penn T – “injury”

Through a FOIA request to the Pennsylvania Dept. of Agriculture, I have confirmed the following kills at that state’s tracks thus far this year. Please note, however, that there was zero detail provided: each horse given but a one- (or two-) word note of “injury,” “illness,” etc. (Where possible, I have supplemented from the Equibase charts.) Why? “Your request is granted in part and denied in part. Necropsy reports are part of an investigation. Therefore, PDA has withheld specific information that is exempt from disclosure by law.” Nonsense, of course. In any event, below is what I do have.

On another note, our work has resulted in more widespread media coverage of racehorse deaths, with some outlets even filing their own FOIA requests. None has been more diligent than The Philadelphia Inquirer, which, you may recall, published a board editorial – heavily influenced by me – calling for racing “to be put out of its misery.” Wednesday, the Inquirer covered the abomination that is Parx: 31 kills in just six months. The article – here – also quoted me. So thank you, PI.

And please don’t forget:
Governor Wolf: phone/contact/social media
Lt. Governor Fetterman: 717-787-3300; twitter; facebook
Senate Leaders
House Leaders

Trust Fund Girl, Jan 3, Parx T – “injury” (two years old, coming off second race)

Credit Cycle, Jan 5, Parx R – “took a bad step”

Private Union, Jan 6, Parx R – “suffered a catastrophic injury near the 5/16 pole”

Rockin Ruth, Jan 8, Penn R – “pulled up lame”

Dream’n Demon, Jan 10, Parx T – “injury” (“bled profusely from nostrils” in 2020 race)

Kiss My Note, Jan 20, Penn R – “suffered a catastrophic injury to his left front”

Saucy Don, Jan 25, Parx R – “injured near half-mile marker” (10 years old, 68th race)

Cattys Box, Jan 27, Parx T – “injury” (two years old, being prepped for debut)

Jewel’sindian Girl, Feb 3, Penn R – “suffered a catastrophic injury and fell”

Smarty Pi, Feb 5, Parx T – “injury” (had been raced 39 times)

Tally Mo, Feb 14, Parx S – “illness” (was raced Jan 13)

My Lilly Pad, Mar 10, Penn R – “catastrophic injury to her left front – [but] was walked into ambulance”

Velozes, Mar 20, Parx T – “injury” (two years old, coming off second race)

Raileegotaholdonme, Mar 24, Meadows S – “colic” (not euthanized, just died)

O’Kram, Mar 30, Parx R – “was injured badly, fell, euthanized”

Chart Caller, Apr 1, Penn T – “injury”

To the Flag, Apr 2, Parx S – “colic” (had been raced 89 times, most recent Mar 24)

Fastroadahead, Apr 10, Parx T – “injury” (three years old)

Skookie, Apr 12, Parx R – “injury”

Moe Trouble, Apr 19, Penn S – “colic” (last raced Nov 2020)

Our Dixie Blue, Apr 20, Parx R – “had her heels clipped, injury to a rear leg”

Mr Classical, Apr 21, Parx T – “unknown” (not euthanized, just died)

Valley of Sin, Apr 25, Pocono R – “injury”

Drosselmagic, Apr 26, Parx R – “was injured past half-mile marker” (74th race)

Brandywines Secret, Apr 28, Penn R – “suffered catastrophic injuries to both [italics added] front legs [but] was walked into ambulance”

Tuff Gong, May 1, Parx T – “injury” (coming off first race)

Communicator, May 3, Penn T – “sudden death” (just four years old)

Baffin Bay, May 4, Parx T – “injury” (hadn’t been raced since Dec 2019)

Adulation, May 9, Parx T – “unknown” (not euthanized, just died)

Princess Mikayah, May 10, Parx R – “suffered injury to her LF leg” (58th race)

Runs for Luck, May 11, Parx R – “collapsed, sudden death” (10 years old, 85th race)

Luvinmeiseasy, May 12, Parx T – “injury” (had been raced 59 times)

Goggles Paisano, May 13, Meadows S – “unknown” (not euthanized, just died)

Night Dreamer, May 14, Meadows R – “injury”

Lucky Olivia Rose, May 18, Parx T – “injury”

Call Me Daddy, May 18, Parx R – “was vanned off following the finish”

Crazy Cables, May 22, Penn T – “injury” (was being prepped for debut)

Lucky Lion, May 29, Parx T – “injury” (was being prepped for debut)

Happyascanb, Jun 2, Parx T – “injury”

Babbo Babbo Babbo, Jun 7, Parx R – “suffered an injury to his LF leg”

Accomplish, Jun 12, Penn T – “unknown” (two years old; not euthanized, just died)

Woodbury, Jun 15, Parx R – “suffered a catastrophic injury…subsequently euthanized”

Big Cypress, Jun 16, Penn R – “suffered catastrophic injuries to both [italics added] front legs and fell”

Baby Bam Bam, Jun 22, Parx T – “injury”

Inclunation, Jun 23, Parx R – “returned lame”

Fashion Nova, Jun 28, Parx R – “suffered an injury to her LF leg”

Baby Bleu Janes, Jun 30, Penn T – “injury” (two years old, being prepped for debut)

Freight Train, Jun 30, Penn R – “suffered a catastrophic injury to his right hind leg – [but] was walked into the van”

Through a FOIA request to the Pennsylvania Dept. of Agriculture, I have confirmed the following kills at that state’s tracks in 2020 (this is part 2, part 1 here). Please note, however, that for the vast majority, immediate causes of death were not disclosed. (Where possible, I have supplemented with notes from the race charts.) In fact, information-wise, this is the thinnest disclosure I’ve yet received from PA – certainly a far cry from the detail-laden 2016 report. Why? Well, here’s their explanation: “Your request is granted in part and denied in part. Pursuant to 7 Pa. Code §407.3 (f) of the Commission’s regulations, necropsy reports are deemed investigatory documents. Therefore, necropsy reports have been withheld as they are exempt from disclosure by law.” Nonsense, of course. In any event, here is what I do have:

Iwon’tbedenied, Jan 7, Parx S – “colic”

Diagonal, Mar 7, Parx R (euthanized Mar 12) – “injury, euthanized”

Lay It On the Line, Mar 31, Parx S – “degenerative arthritis” (just four years old)

Mr. My Way, Jun 13, Parx T – “injury, euthanized”

Zero the Hero, Jul 3, Meadows T – “acute vascular hemorrhage”

Golden Chance, Jul 3, Penn R – “pulled up lame”

Micro Margarita, Jul 7, Parx T – “injury, euthanized”

Dereya, Jul 7, Parx R – “twisted colon [post race]” (chart said “fractious in gate”)

Fratello Del Nord, Jul 17, Parx S – “right hock displacement” (had been raced 55 times)

Bourbon Honey, Jul 17, Parx S – “chronic osteoarthritis in fetlock” (just six years old)

Telling You Twice, Jul 21, Penn S – “lameness”

Weed Wacker, Jul 27, Presque Isle T (euthanized Aug 12) – “injury, euthanized”

Copper Rain, Jul 29, Pocono R – “sudden death”

Doctor McSwing, Jul 31, Harrah’s R – “sudden death”

Trusty Roll, Aug 6, Presque Isle T – “injury, euthanized”

Can American, Aug 7, Presque Isle T – “injury, euthanized”

Billy’s Jump Start, Aug 12, Parx T – “injury [not euthanized, just died]”

One Honey Bell (possibly sic), Aug 16, Presque Isle S – “injury, euthanized”

Heraway, Aug 26, Parx R – “suffered a catastrophic injury”

Sir Elton, Aug 27, Parx T – “injury, euthanized”

Sweet Lullaby, Sep 2, Meadows S – “unknown [not euthanized, just died]”

Geleta, Sep 2, Parx T – “injury, euthanized”

Happyandiknowit, Sep 4, Penn R – “suffered catastrophic injury, fell, euthanized”

Make ‘Em Smokey, Sep 12, Penn T – “injury, euthanized”

Anxious, Sep 16, Parx T – “injury, euthanized”

Won and Done, Sep 19, Parx S – “laminitis post-surgery”

Thisonesfordougie, Sep 24, Presque Isle R – “clipped heels, fell”

Natasha Fatale, Sep 29, Parx S – “pneumonia [not euthanized, just died]”

Dynamic Dynasty, Oct 5, Parx R – “injury, euthanized”

Louis the Sixtieth, Oct 7, Parx T – “injury, euthanized”

Field Reality, Oct 12, Presque Isle R – “injury, euthanized”

Relentless Albert, Oct 14, Presque Isle R – “injury, euthanized”

Ms Purlin’s Musket, Oct 20, Parx T – “injury, euthanized”

Best Bud, Oct 21, Presque Isle R – “injury, euthanized”

Millies Party Boy, Oct 30, Penn R – “vanned off lame, euthanized” (after “winning”)

Tootsie Jones, Nov 6, Parx T – “injury, euthanized”

Kitty in the Woods, Nov 14, Penn T – “injury, euthanized”

Barcode, Nov 16, Parx R – “suffered a catastrophic injury”

Bearing Secrets, Nov 23, Parx R – “suffered an injury leaving the backstretch”

Snowy Morning, Dec 4, Penn R – “pulled up lame”

Whizzer, Dec 8, Parx T – “sudden death” (two years old)

Bioness, Dec 15, Meadows S – “unknown illness [not euthanized, just died]”

Through a FOIA request to the Pennsylvania Dept. of Agriculture, I have confirmed the following kills at that state’s tracks through June 30. In the wake of Governor Tom Wolf’s proposal to strip (and redirect to education) the corporate welfare currently propping up Pennsylvania Horseracing, I think it a good idea that this list be sent (by as many advocates as possible) to each and every member of the General Assembly.

Senate Contacts
House Contacts
And to reinforce his enlightened position: Governor Wolf’s contact

Caught by Surprise, Jan 10, Penn T – “complete fracture of the humerus, multiple small fragments of bone, severe soft tissue damage and hemorrhage”

Ebo Strong, Jan 11, Penn R – “[multiple] fractures with tearing of suspensory ligament”

Stella B., Jan 28, Parx T – “severely comminuted fractures with numerous small bone fragments into the cartilage; severe, chronic stomach ulcers”

On Thunder Road N, Feb 4, Pocono R – “severely comminuted fracture; cartilage erosions” (ten years old)

Tiki Thomas, Feb 8, Penn T – “[multiple] fractures, [one] into more than 25 fragments”

Graveyard Shift, Feb 17, Parx R (euthanized Feb 18) – “[multiple] fractures; chronic, traumatic osteoarthritis”

Homeboy, Feb 18, Parx T – “severely comminuted fractures with numerous missing/displaced bone fragments…one protruding through the skin; chronic, traumatic osteoarthritis; stomach has extensive ulcers” (three years old)

Better Song, Feb 22, Meadows T – “sudden death – artery rupture”

Proud Supporter, Feb 24, Parx R – “severe, acute, comminuted, displaced pelvis fracture with extensive hemorrhage and soft tissue trauma”

Winning the Medal, Feb 29, Parx R – “fractures; cartilage ulcer; traumatic osteoarthropathy; severe, chronic-active gastric ulcers”

Imasuperstar, Mar 2, Parx S – “infection”

Rydell, Mar 2, Parx S – “torn ligament, lacerated tendon; chronic, traumatic osteoarthritis” (had been raced 58 times)

Diva Drama, Mar 2, Parx T – “thoracic vertebral fracture with spinal cord compression; acute hemorrhage; chronic, traumatic osteoarthritis; stomach ulcers; cartilage erosions” (three years old)

C C’s Cup of Tea, Mar 6, Parx T – “[multiple] fractures and lacerations”

Florida Boys, Mar 12, Penn R – “[multiple] fractures”

Play Me a Memory, Mar 18, Parx T – “severe open fracture with bone fragments protruding through the skin and dirt embedded in the wound”

Winning Knockout, Mar 23, Penn T – “[multiple] fractures”

Midday Prayer, Mar 24, Parx T – “this horse was found dead in her stall – cecal rupture”

Lay It On the Line, Apr 3, Parx S – “illness”

Mimi and Charley, Apr 3, Parx T – “[broken] femur”

Cabot Cove, Apr 16, Penn T – “[multiple] fractures”

Anita Lucky Break, Apr 17, Penn T – “fractured shoulder”

Harpy Eagle, May 4, Penn T – “hoof”

War Bridle, May 8, Parx T (euthanized May 12) – “acute catastrophic slab fracture; severe cartilage ulcers; gastric ulcers”

Echo Bay, May 10, Penn S – “colic”

Gracias Adios, May 14, Parx T – “this horse collapsed and died during training” (five years old)

Bronze Star, May 30, Penn T – “[multiple] fractures”

Autobahn Express, Jun 13, Parx T – “collision with another horse: numerous comminuted, displaced vertebral fractures – multiple fragments; fractured ribs; stomach erosions/ulcers”

Pajama Tops, Jun 16, Penn T – “[multiple] fractures”

Huntington Drive, Jun 24, Penn R – “[multiple] fractures, torn ligament; severe osteoarthritis of most appendicular joints; severe, widespread, chronic gastric ulceration; [multiple] cartilage erosions”

Blissful Breeze, Jun 27, Parx T – “[multiple] catastrophic fractures with extensive soft tissue damage; ligaments completely ruptured; chronic, traumatic osteoarthritis”

Bucky Be Lucky, Jun 29, Parx R – “[multiple] severe fractures with detached fragments and free-floating bone gravel”