Through a FOIA request to the Texas Racing Commission, I have confirmed the following kills at that state’s tracks in 2020. Please note, however, that there is a large gap between February and June. While this was the beginning of the pandemic, it defies belief that no racehorses died – racing (and there was some), training, or in stall – during this almost-four-month period. So, view this accounting accordingly.
Data Force, Jan 20, Sam Houston T – “sudden death – died on track” (two years old)
Volley Molly, Feb 6, Sam Houston T – “leg fracture – euthanized on track”
Blind Sea, Feb 15, Sam Houston R – “leg fracture, extensive hemorrhage in soft tissue around fetlock joint with fraying of tendons and ligaments, extensive loss of cartilage”
Harlan Selection, Feb 19, Sam Houston R – “hypovolemic shock – died on track”
Mary Jane’s Double, Jun 3, Lone Star R – “leg fracture, extensive hemorrhage to the subcutaneous tissue and fascia surrounding the fetlock joint”
Always Secret, Jun 8, Lone Star R – “heat stress in test barn after race”
Giant Pulpit, Jun 9, Lone Star T – “spinal fracture, head and neck trauma”
For D’s Knight, Jun 17, Lone Star R – “[multiple] fractures: comminuted, open, displaced, complete; tendons and ligaments are torn, frayed, and covered in dirt”
Prince Jet, Jun 27, Lone Star S – “colic”
Wild Indy, Jun 29, Lone Star R – “open, complete, highly comminuted fractures; [multiple] tendons and ligaments are hemorrhagic and variably frayed/torn”
Dashing Sweet Brujo, Jul 4, Retama T – “fractured leg”
Coronado Effort, Jul 9, Retama S – “colic”
Oreeo, Jul 18, Retama S – “colic”
Jess Master Angel, Jul 24, Retama R (euthanized Jul 27) – “fractured sesamoid”
Nola Win, Aug 9, Lone Star R – “fractured sesamoid”
Dashin Chiquita, Aug 19, Retama S – “colic”
Jess a Hilbily Bone, Aug 29, Retama R – “subflex of pastern joint” (60th race)
So Long Reba, Sep 11, Lone Star T – “fractured basilar”
Canyutel, Oct 2, Lone Star T – “fractured sesamoid”
Heiress Effort, Oct 15, Lone Star S – “colic”
Kiss My Axle, Oct 18, Lone Star S – “illness”
Double Down On Me, Oct 24, Lone Star R – “slab fracture”
Mister Riptide, Nov 7, Lone Star R – “fractured both front [legs]”
Avyator, Nov 28, Lone Star R – “fractured sesamoid”