Through a FOIA request to the West Virginia Racing Commission, I have confirmed the following kills at Charles Town Races through the first five months of the year:

Horse Spotter Carl, Dec 28, Charles Town R (euthanized Mar 13) – “knee fracture”
Via Leone, Jan 30, Charles Town T – “condylar fracture”
Meet the Genius, Feb 1, Charles Town R (euthanized Feb 19) – “suspect pelvic fracture”
Ed’s Quick Cat, Feb 23, Charles Town R – “slab fracture”
Lite the Storm, Mar 13, Charles Town T – “shoulder fracture”
Rapid Rabbit, Mar 14, Charles Town R (euthanized Mar 15) – “P1 fracture”
Mr. Marvin, Mar 16, Charles Town R – “dislocated fetlock fracture”
Zoe’s Castle, Mar 20, Charles Town T – “shoulder fracture”
Nite Court, Apr 9, Charles Town T – “tibia fracture”
Misty Fly, May 17, Charles Town R – “open fetlock dislocation”
How’s My Boy, May 18, Charles Town T – “sudden death” (four years old)
Terrafirma, May 23, Charles Town R – “suspensory rupture” (chart: “vanned off sore”)
Katys Miracle, May 23, Charles Town R – “open cannon fracture”
Weather, May 30, Charles Town T – “shoulder fracture”

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.

Raise the Mast, Jan 15, Charles Town – “broken back, barn area”
B Three, Feb 8, Charles Town – “died in stall”
Amos P, Apr 26, Charles Town- “head trauma, barn area”
Giggle Byte, May 6, Charles Town – “colic”

Through a FOIA request to the West Virginia Racing Commission, I have confirmed the following kills on that state’s two tracks in 2018.

Polished Sunday, January 19, Charles Town T
“comminuted P1 fracture”

Fibers and Roses, January 24, Charles Town T
“sesamoids fracture”

yet-to-be-named, January 25, Charles Town T
“condylar fracture, sesamoid fracture”

Dominic the Quick, January 25, Charles Town R
“ankle fracture/dislocation, P1 fracture”

Time to Shine, January 25, Charles Town R
“sudden death” (three years old)

Chico Grande, January 26, Charles Town R (euthanized February 5)
“suspect slab fracture”

Mrs Sport, February 1, Charles Town R (euthanized March 26)
“carpal fracture”

Industry Leader, February 16, Charles Town R
“sesamoid fracture, ankle dislocation”

Brenda J, February 21, Charles Town R
“DNF, recumbent, pelvic fracture?”

Je Ne Sais Pas, February 24, Charles Town R (euthanized February 27)
“slab fracture”

Turbulent Power, March 10, Charles Town R
“ankle fracture/dislocation, sesamoids”

Portent, March 14, Charles Town R
“both [italics added] ankles fracture/dislocation”

Ebony Warrior, March 31, Charles Town R (euthanized April 7)
“carpal slab fracture”

Sterling Justicia, April 7, Charles Town T
“humerus fracture”

More Stones, April 11, Charles Town R
“sesamoid fracture, ankle dislocation”

Beware of the Wave, April 28, Charles Town T
“tibial fracture”

Bound to Windsor, May 12, Charles Town R
“sudden death” (three years old)

Turf Prince, May 24, Charles Town R
“sesamoid fracture”

My Pal Archie, May 30, Mountaineer R
“sesamoid fracture, collateral ligament”

Valhalla, June 10, Mountaineer T
“carpus slab fracture”

O’Kelly, June 10, Mountaineer R (euthanized June 11)
“carpus slab fracture”

Permanent Campaign, June 13, Mountaineer T
“femur fracture” (hadn’t been raced since March 2016)

Navy Aviator, June 16, Charles Town R (euthanized July 2)
“carpal slab fracture”

Sweet Ms. Lynn, June 18, Mountaineer R
“luxated fetlock joint”

Nicos Way, July 2, Mountaineer T
“radius”

Somewhere Outthere, July 7, Charles Town R
“multiple fractures carpus”

Oh So Quick, July 10, Mountaineer R
“carpus slab”

Chatter Pattern, July 14, Charles Town R (euthanized July 20)
“pelvic fracture”

yet-to-be-named filly, July 17, Charles Town T
“comminuted tibia fracture”

Gingerbread House, August 14, Charles Town T
“humerus fracture”

Dionysus, September 2, Mountaineer R
“old bow”

Empire Blue, September 11, Mountaineer R
“flipped, skull, died”

Bye Bye Bentley, September 19, Charles Town T
“severely bowed tendon”

Catcher, September 21, Charles Town R (euthanized September 22)
“carpal slab fracture”

Obscene Britches, September 24, Mountaineer R
“metacarpal III fracture”

Category Two, September 29, Charles Town R
“open ankle fracture, dislocation”

Pennsyltucky Lilly, October 5, Charles Town R
“open tibia fracture”

Lazy Daisy May, October 10, Mountaineer R
“flipped at start; C1, C2 fractures”

Shamrock Green, October 11, Charles Town R
“sudden death” (four years old)

Buffum’s Belle, October 13, Charles Town R (euthanized October 17)
“carpal slab fracture”

Looking At You, October 16, Mountaineer R
“comminuted MCIII fracture”

Little Poncho, October 18, Charles Town R (euthanized October 19)
“carpal slab fracture”

Blixt, October 19, Charles Town R
“sesamoid fracture, dislocation”

Ice Princess Emily, October 23, Mountaineer R
“sesamoid biaxial”

Argentum Puteus, October 24, Mountaineer R (euthanized October 30)
“hock”

Lockupthebourbon, October 27, Charles Town T
“carpal slab fracture”

Shakethenickelbush, October 27, Charles Town R (euthanized October 30)
“lacerated tendon, infected”

Raven’s Sonde, November 1, Charles Town R
“compound, comminuted cannon [fracture]”

Bay Dawn, November 2, Charles Town R (euthanized November 3)
“sesamoid fracture”

Love to Party, November 8, Charles Town R
“shattered MCIII”

Silent Ceremony, November 21, Charles Town R (euthanized November 23)
“condylar fracture”

Midday Man, November 23, Charles Town R
“displaced condylar fracture”

Iron Johnny, November 24, Charles Town T (euthanized November 26)
“[two] bowed tendons”

Kevsdadsdude, November 27, Mountaineer R (euthanized November 28)
“carpus slab fracture”

K’s Jordan, November 27, Mountaineer R
“acute sudden death” (four years old)

Stella Nova, December 5, Charles Town R
“ankle fractured, dislocated”

Just Charge It, December 6, Charles Town R (euthanized December 21)
“carpal slab fracture”

Weekend Liberty, December 7, Charles Town R
“sesamoid fracture, dislocation”

Crony Capitalism, December 8, Charles Town T
“MCIII fracture” (hadn’t been raced in over 3 1/2 years – but back in training)

Court Date, December 8, Charles Town T
“P3 rotation through sole”

Take Your Chances, December 8, Charles Town R
“MCIII fracture, fell, died (probably neck fracture)”

Holy Chrome, December 10, Mountaineer R
“sesamoidean ligament rupture”

Drinx On Me, December 19, Charles Town T
“shoulder fracture”

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.

Canadian Pistol, January 12, Charles Town
“in stall December – knee injury” (last raced May 2017)

Forint’s Castle, April 6, Charles Town
“flipped, head injury, euthanized” (last raced March 24)

Secret Endeavor, April 19, Charles Town
“severe OA fetlock bone cyst” (seven years old, last raced July 2017)

Windsor’s Sunshine, May 2, Charles Town
“colic – euthanized” (last raced February 28)

Readyreadygo, August 24, Charles Town
“colic – died” (last raced May 19)

Thirstycountrygirl, September 22, Charles Town
“equine protozoal myeloencephalitis”

Civil, September 24, Charles Town
“colic – died”

Triple Black Jack, October 1, Charles Town
“founder – euthanized” (five years old, 26 races, last August 26)

Love Rules All, October 15, Mountaineer
“colic” (54 races, last September 24)

Mo Bourbon, November 28, Mountaineer
“fetlock septic” (last raced August 10)

Alexander’s Cowboy, December 5, Charles Town
“injured in stall”

Teton Classic, December 22, Charles Town
“colic – euthanized”

Printscess Hunt, December 27, Charles Town
“head trauma, died in stall” (last raced December 12)

Running Wildcat, December 27, Charles Town
“cast in stall, broken jaw, euthanized” (nine years old, 64 races)

Nuke Laloosh, December 28, Charles Town
“colic – euthanized” (last raced December 12)

Through a FOIA request to the West Virginia Racing Commission, I have confirmed the following kills on that state’s tracks in 2017. Unless otherwise noted, immediate cause of death was limb break of one kind or another – underlying cause, of course, horseracing itself. Unless otherwise noted, horse was, in the Commission’s words, “humanely destroyed.” Final note: this staggering toll comes from but two tracks.

Ground Control, January 12, Charles Town, race 8
“ankle dislocation”

First Notion, January 14, Charles Town, training

Latent Fire, January 20, Charles Town, race 4

Becky’s Boy Brian, January 26, Charles Town, training

Chromed Out, January 27, Charles Town, training
(coming off a last-of-11, 47 lengths-back at Gulfstream)

Boparoundtheclock, January 27, Charles Town, training

Gotta Try, February 10, Charles Town, training

Northern Exchange, February 15, Charles Town, race 3

Mr. Ripken, February 15, Charles Town, race 4

Bullet Thief, February 24, Charles Town, race 1

Windsor Pitch, March 2, Charles Town, race 6 (euthanized March 4)

Adorable Man, March 3, Charles Town, training
“sudden death” (two years old, being prepped for first race)

Groom Scholarship, March 18, Charles Town, race 6
“ankle dislocation”

Don’t Be Coy, March 24, Charles Town, race 2

Blanchfield, March 30, Charles Town, race 5
“ankle, open dislocation”

Spring Ahead, April 3, Charles Town, training

Cyclic, April 8, Charles Town, race 5
“ankle dislocation”

Zephyrous, April 20, Charles Town, race 5
“sudden death”

Martha Again, May 3, Mountaineer, training

Be Wild, May 6, Charles Town, race 2
“shattered pastern”

Savanali, May 6, Mountaineer, training
(coming off a “fell, DNF” in only race three weeks prior)

Oshie, May 14, Mountaineer, race 7

Sky Changer, May 17, Charles Town, race 1
“shattered carpus”

In Giants’ Boots, May 21, Mountaineer, race 9 (euthanized May 30)

Dutchie Baby, May 24, Mountaineer, race 6

Slip the Cable, June 8, Charles Town, race 8

Avenue Road, June 10, Charles Town, race 5

Amber Dubai, June 11, Mountaineer, race 1 (euthanized June 12)

San Nicolo, June 11, Mountaineer, race 3

Madam Machen, June 14, Mountaineer, training
“contact with manure dumpster”

Fiveoclocksomwhere, June 29, Charles Town, race 5 (euthanized June 30)

Ciao Amore, June 30, Mountaineer, training

Timna, July 1, Charles Town, training (euthanized July 27)

Do the Nae Nae, July 9, Mountaineer, race 5
“collapsed and died” (three years old)

Pagan Exchange, July 13, Charles Town, race 5 (euthanized July 18)

Belle’s Candy, July 15, Charles Town, race 3

Noble Change, July 16, Mountaineer, race 6

Atlantic Bull, July (illegible date), Mountaineer, training

Odie My Man, July 22, Charles Town, training
“sudden death” (four years old)

Win Tuscany, July 24, Mountaineer, race 7

My Brother Johnny, July 28, Charles Town, training

Zipping By, August 3, Charles Town, race 5

Generous Woman, August 7, Mountaineer, prior to race 7
“skull fracture, paddock”

Shem Creek, August 8, Mountaineer, race 9 (euthanized August 9)

Golden Panther, August 9, Mountaineer, training

La Dominadora, August 12, Mountaineer, training
(in July, was raced twice in nine days – finishing a combined 76 lengths back)

Triple Net, September 2, Charles Town, race 6 (euthanized September 4)

Holy Zendaya, September 9, Charles Town, race 5
“shattered [leg]”

She’s Lit Up, September 11, Mountaineer, race 2

Mucho Paso, September 15, Charles Town, race 3
“sudden death” (three years old)

Bullet Bobby, September 15, Charles Town, race 6
“died after involved in spill – internal injuries”

Lighthouse Reef, September 16, Charles Town, training
“sudden death” (four years old, last raced August 10 – last of 9, 43 lengths behind)

Rolling Tizway, September 20, Mountaineer, race 2

Wildwood Nafir, September 27, Mountaineer, race 9

Tap Step, October 4, Charles Town, training

High Dive, October 7, Charles Town, training

Mashpee Pond, October 15, Mountaineer, race 6 (euthanized October 16)

Tevere, October 21, Charles Town, race 1
“fracture” and “dislocation”

Turkey Creek, October 22, Mountaineer, race 7
“collapsed and died” (three years old)

Caspian Winner, October 23, Charles Town, training

Ferdie’s Fedora, November 2, Charles Town, training

Windsor’s Clouds, November 2, Charles Town, race 9 (euthanized November 3)

Peggys Music Maker, November 3, Charles Town, race 2
“fractured hip/pelvis”

Hazel Meadow, November 8, Mountaineer, race 1
(this was her second race in 10 days; trainer/owner, Burton Sipp)

Muay Thai, November 18, Charles Town, race 1 (euthanized November 25)

El Comander, November 19, Mountaineer, race 7

Francesca Cristina, November 21, Mountaineer, race 7

Twilight Danz, November 22, Charles Town, training
(two years old, being prepped for first race)

Lizzie’s Cat, November 24, Charles Town, training
(two years old, being prepped for first race)

Mountain Hawk, November 24, Charles Town, race 6 (euthanized November 28)

Green Time, November 25, Charles Town, race 2

Officer Ridge, December 1, Charles Town, training

Our Ship Is In, December 7, Charles Town, race 6

Forrest Grump, December 9, Charles Town, race 1 (euthanized December 13)

That’s Who I Am, December 9, Charles Town, race 8 (euthanized December 11)

Bad Grammar, December 16, Charles Town, race 5

Not My Style, December 30, Charles Town, training
“sudden death” (four years old)

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.

Comeonletsplay, January 12, Charles Town
“septic” (last raced October 8)

Little Sparrow, March 28, Charles Town
“colic” (one year old)

Mac North, April 6, Charles Town
“colic – died” (apparently, not euthanized; last raced March 10)

Individuality, May 22, Mountaineer
“colic, laminitis” – yes, both colic and laminitis (three years old, last raced April 28)

Anthony the Saint, June 30, Charles Town
“chronic edema/lameness” (three years old, last raced April 8)

Shadows of Love, October 1, Charles Town
“colic” (last raced September 10 – last of 9, 42 lengths back)

Mias Mark, October 6, Mountaineer
“flipped in washrack, fractured skull – dead on arrival” (had been raced three times – all last place, combined 90 lengths back; trainer/owner, Burton Sipp)

Ana Ruth, October 28, Charles Town
“died – possible infection/poison” (39 races, last one September 14)

Myarchangel, October 30, Mountaineer
“flipped in street, fractured skull” (two years old, coming off first race October 23)

D’forest Diva, October 30, Mountaineer
“found dead in stall” (last raced October 15)

Goldies Nugget, November 21, Mountaineer
“foreign body pneumonia” (last raced October 31)

Isle Master, November 22, Charles Town
“colic” (two years old)

Prospector Road, December 27, Charles Town
“colic – died” (apparently, not euthanized; three years old, last raced December 15)

Through a FOIA request to the West Virginia Racing Commission, I have confirmed the following deaths at Mountaineer in 2016:

Nofinancingneeded, April 20, training, “collapsed and died”

Margin, May 2, race 6 (euthanized May 16), “MCIII fracture”

Luck of Irish, May 3, race 9, “biaxial fracture – humanely destroyed”

Early Glory, May 10, race 1, “slab fracture – humanely destroyed”

Sue’s Nice Shadow, May 22, training, “accident in gate – humanely destroyed”

He’s a Delight, May 23, prior to race 4, “flipped in paddock, cranial fracture – dead on arrival”

Georgia Glitter, June 1, race 2, “biaxial fracture – humanely destroyed”

Bruno Cino, June 8, race 7, “spinal fracture – humanely destroyed”

Timely Pursuit, June 19, race 1, “biaxial fracture – humanely destroyed”

Gorgeous Sunrise, June 19, race 7, “slab fracture – humanely destroyed”

Amanda in Front, July 5, race 7 (euthanized July 14), “slab fracture”

Yari, July 20, race 4, “biaxial fracture – humanely destroyed”

Shakespeare’s Girl, July 27, race 1 (euthanized July 28), “slab fracture”

Awesome Group, July 30, race 1, “biaxial fracture – humanely destroyed”

Holey Molar, August 27, race 2, “biaxial fracture – humanely destroyed”

Fonepferesh, September 13, race 1, “biaxial fracture – humanely destroyed”

Why Argue, September 17, training, “suspensory”

Dreaming of Bella, September 19, race 8, “vascular accident”

Fan Demon, September 27, race 4, “biaxial fracture – humanely destroyed”

Hotrod Justice, October 10, race 6, “biaxial fracture – humanely destroyed”

My Silver Badge, October 11, race 9 (euthanized October 27), “biaxial fracture – humanely destroyed”

Kerisma, October 23, race 4, “biaxial fracture – humanely destroyed”

Profitable Lover, October 25, race 7 (euthanized November 4), “slab fracture”

Freudian Fantasy, October 25, race 9, “biaxial fracture – humanely destroyed”

Da Big Dawg, October 29, race 9, “sudden death” (10 years old, 82nd race)

Zee Note, November 1, training, “fractured pastern – humanely destroyed”

Suzy’s Storm, November 6, race 2, “biaxial fracture – humanely destroyed”

Way Out Willie, November 6, race 3, “slab fracture – humanely destroyed”

Flatter Talk, November 15, race 2 (euthanized November 22), “slab fracture”

Jo Dancer, November 20, race 2, “humerus fracture – humanely destroyed”

Suspecttommy, November 22, race 3, “compound fracture MCIII – humanely destroyed”

In addition, the following horses died on track grounds from what the industry calls “non-racing” causes. While this may be technically true, morally they are no less casualties of this vile business than the ones above.

Classic Kate, April 13, “penetrating abdominal wound – humanely destroyed” (was last raced March 23)

Silver Pigeon, July 19, “colic – humanely destroyed” (four “career” races: 12th, 7th, 9th, 9th)

C.C. Water Back, August 6, “enteritis – died” (yet-to-be-raced 3-year-old)

Mango Tart, August 15, “colic – humanely destroyed” (7-year-old, 29 races)

Bay Apache, August 26, “colic – died [not euthanized]” (was last raced just 19 days prior)

Holy Highway, October 18, “died from pneumonia” (7-year-old, 52 races)

Phoebe Moon, November 4, “colic, enteritis – found dead in stall” (7-year-old, 56 races – last one just two weeks prior)

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

Through a FOIA request to the West Virginia Racing Commission, I have confirmed the following deaths at Charles Town in 2016:

Al’s May Girl, January 22, training, “MCIII fracture”
Dancing Wish, January 30, training, “compound condylar fracture”
Grand Mast, February 19, race 8, “sesamoid fractures, fetlock dislocation”
Big Hearted Deb, February 20, training, “MCIII fracture”
Caramel Creamsicle, February 25, race 6 (euthanized February 26), “slab fracture”
Purses Galore, March 3, race 4, “sudden death after race”
Imaflashyfellow, March 5, training, “shoulder fracture”
Pure Habit, March 11, race 7, “ankle dislocation and fracture”
Mommy Did It, March 11, race 8 (euthanized April 8), “sesamoids/tendon tear”
Cockeyed Cowboy, March 24, race 1, “open fracture, dislocation both front ankles”
Mrs Loud Mouth, March 26, race 6, “MCIII open fracture – shattered”
Chicsdigtheshark, March 26, race 7 (euth March 28), “MCIII, sesamoid fractures”
Ozzy, April 6, training (euthanized April 7), “scapula, humerus fractures”
Ace the Limit, April 8, race 2, “bilateral sesamoid fracture”
City Exit, April 8, race 4, “carpal fracture, partial fracture MCIII”
Malbros, April 23, race 7, “sesamoid fractures, dislocation of fetlock”
Nite Thunder, May 19, race 9, “sudden death during race”
View Tree, May 21, race 1, “open carpal fracture”
I Got Good Case, May 26, training (euthanized May 27), “ruptured tendon”
Such a Storm, June 2, training, “disarticulated carpal fracture”
Bravelikebetty, June 8, race 6, “sesamoid fractures, dislocation of fetlock”
Aplaingirl, July 2 (in Delaware race 2) (euthanized July 11), “slab fracture”
My Mans Out West, July 6, training, “sudden death” (two years old)
Aly’s Tap, July 21, race 6 (euthanized August 18), “carpus slab fracture”
Im a Corky One, July 22, race 8 (euthanized July 28), “multiple carpus fractures”
Leslie’s Dreamgirl, July 23, training, “open condylar fracture”
Sexy Boy, July 23, race 2 (euthanized August 20), “bowed deep flexor tendon”
King Windsor, July 29, race 2 (euthanized August 5), “condylar fracture”
Lew’s Legacy, August 5, race 5, “multiple carpal fractures” (first race)
Jennymeister, August 29, training, “open tibia fracture”
Illhuffanillpuff, September 7, training, “sesamoid fracture”
All About Attitude, September 28, training, “condylar fracture”
Michelle’s Trip, October 13, training, “P1 fracture” (57th race)
No Problem Paddy, October 13, race 3, “fell, died on track – neck fracture?”
Full Moon’s Mass, October 15, race 8, “carps shattered”
Sparkling Jewel, October 29, race 5 (euth December 12), “fetlock arthritis – chronic”
Hunt Basket, November 2, training, “open condylar fracture”
Miss Mountineer, November 16, training, “scapula fracture”
Boo Boo Dancer, December 7, race 5, “MCIII compound, comminuted fracture”
Really Mistya, December 9, race 6, “ankle dislocation and fracture”
Mean Streets, December 14, training, “complete fracture [of] tibia”
AK’s Candy, December 22, race 8, “ankle fracture/dislocation”
Little City Girl, December 31, training, “puncture wound, infection”

In addition, the following horses died on track grounds from what the industry calls “non-racing” causes. While this may be technically true, morally they are no less casualties of this vile business than the ones above.

Scarlet Coal, January 28, “colic – died [not euthanized]” (three years old)
Zumba It, January 31, “endotoxic shock – died [not euthanized]” (four years old)
Outtanker, February 8, “colitis” (four years old)
Packet Cat, February 15, “colitis” (four years old)
Longhairedhippie, February 20, “colic – died [not euthanized]” (four years old)
Page’s Promise, March 6, “botulism” (41 races)
Polar Sunrise, May 3, “died [not euthanized] in stall” (last raced two weeks earlier)
Malzahn, May 28, “founder” (four years old, last raced in March)
Waverly Force, June 4, “neurologic disease” (three, coming off first race)
J. Russell, June 16, “septic, laminitis” (three, never raced)
Generic, July 22, “founder” (three, never raced)
Comprehend Mystery, August 16, “EPM” (three, never raced)

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