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Below is 3-year-old One in Vermillion prior to the $600K Sunland Derby at Sunland Park yesterday. You’ll note that the “vet check” prompted by Vermillion’s thrashing in the gate lasted all of three seconds. You’ll also note that while normal – read: rational and compassionate – people see a terrified child equine being forced to do something he clearly does not want to do, the announcer sees a “very excited” horse who – insert laughter here – is “throwing quite a fit.” Vermillion, by the way, finished second-to-last, 13 lengths back – “never fired,” said the chartwriter.

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Horses “vanned off” U.S. tracks, Mar 20-Mar 26:

Trophy Chaser, Parx
El Rafa Q, Sunland
Kyle’s Degree, Tampa Bay
Lt. Junior Grade, Oaklawn
Storm Risk, Turfway (also “bled”)
Ritzy A.P., Aiken
Aruba, Gulfstream
Whirlaway Party, Louisiana
Stellar Point, Turf
Syzslak, Turf
Mia’s Authority, Gulfstream
Bellamundo, Sunland
Fun Paddy, Turf
Older Brother, Turf

And while not reported as “vanned,” the following…

Rig It Right “fell over fallen foe, DNF” at Sunland
Rominski “bled” at Laurel
King Bubble “fell, DNF” at Aiken
Three O One “fell, DNF” at Aiken
Girl Dad “fell, DNF” at Aiken
Calibrachoa Kid “displayed blood from his mouth” at Fair Grounds
Sign of Peace “bled post race” at Turfway

While not all the “vanned” end up dead, most do, as borne out by our subsequent reporting. “Bled” almost always indicates pulmonary hemorrhage.

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In the $250,000 Latonia Stakes at Turfway yesterday, Vezpa “went wrong” and was subsequently “vanned off.” That, many of you surely know, is the Kentucky chartwriters’ go-to euphemism for dead. And indeed the six-year-old from Brazil is.

Killing its “athletes” every day – this is horseracing.