We anti-racing activists are forever being lectured (by the other side) on the supposed primacy of the “equine athlete” in their beloved “sport.” The horses, they say, are loved, even pampered – “just like members of [their] families.” In fact,…
It is no secret that I hold the likes of Ray Paulick in contempt. Because they are seen as respectable journalists, and because they are often critical of the racing industry, Paulick, Joe Drape of The NY Times, and others…
While the following harness rulings do not directly involve horse abuse, I thought they’d provide some insights into the quality of people working in the horseracing industry (and, thus, around the horses). First, this from Michigan (regarding an incident in…
At the “International Jockey Concussion, Safety and Wellness Conference” last week, the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) and the Jockeys’ Guild announced a partnership with an “athlete-specific” company to provide jockeys with mental health care. Said HISA CEO Lisa…
The following ruling from Delaware came down last Friday and was published this week: “Owner/trainer Ney Pessanha appeared at a hearing before the Board of Stewards on September 17 in the matter of improper or inhumane treatment of horses in…
Some of you might remember this post from 2020 about a former star (Puxa Saco) landing in a kill pen. Toward the end of that post, I reproduced this tweet from prominent breeder Carrie Brogden: “Has basically paid for our…
Hoosier Park in Indiana is back in action, and so is the pathological abuser Jordan Ross. For those who might need a refresher on Mr. Ross, all this happened last year: Apr 1: “While driving Fashion Baby, Jordan Ross did…
Outside of “star” horses and/or those occurring at major races – i.e., when lots of money is involved – the only racing kills reported by mainstream media are the ones where riders are also injured. It’s always, and only, about…
Earlier this month, I relayed the story of an Arizona regulatory vet, Victoria Lowe, allegedly suggesting to trainer Chip Woolley that he send his 10-year-old mare, Piper Rose, to slaughter. Well, the “investigation” (actually multiple investigations, as both the Arizona…
I have already described the killing of Tyler’s Tribe as criminal. Now, as we learn more about his death and hear more from his trainer (and co-owner), Tim Martin, I feel that word is too generous. In a Thoroughbred Daily…
A pro-racing website reports that about a month ago it received a call from trainer Chip Woolley, who at the time was stabled at Turf Paradise. Apparently, Woolley’s 10-year-old mare had been scratched by a HISA-sanctioned Arizona vet on March…
Last week at the CHRB’s monthly meeting, after Equine Medical Director Jeff Blea gave his death report, this exchange between Blea and Chairman Greg Ferraro took place: Ferraro: “Our injury rate, death rate, is creeping up. Do you have any…
