Patrick’s Blog

Facts, as the great John Adams once declared, are stubborn things.

And facts are what we present here. We firmly believe that if those coming to this site do so with an open mind, a fresh lens, they will see horseracing not for how it has been sold – as sport, “The Sport of Kings” – but rather as the cruel and deadly (gambling) industry that it is.

Everyday Obituaries


Two Kills at Churchill Downs, Another One at Golden Gate

From the Churchill Downs stewards: Nov 9: “English Treasure fell approaching the finish and required the assistance of the horse ambulance. It was [later] determined that he had suffered a catastrophic injury to his left foreleg.” Dead. The “he,” by the way, was actually a she. But who can be bothered with details like that….

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Another Kill for NYRA – 2-Year-Old Latest Victim

Clavinet, training at Belmont Tuesday, according to the Gaming Commission: “broke down on the gallop out, euthanized on the track.” He was two years old. This is the 62nd confirmed kill (surely there have been more) at New York Racing Association tracks (Aqueduct, Belmont, Saratoga) this year. How’s that for state-of-the-science “safety”?

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Allred Horse Killed at Los Alamitos

According to the chart, Cactus Jack finished his race at Los Alamitos Sunday unscathed – albeit last. In fact, we learn from the CHRB, he was injured at some point and euthanized the next day. He was four years old, and this was his 19th time under the whip. Complicit in the kill: breeder/owner Ed…

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Everyday Cruelty


Again, It’s Not Just the Outright Killing

From the stewards at Churchill… Nov 10:”The claim [sale] of Heartbreaker was voided when horse was placed on Vet’s List while in test barn.” Nov 12:”The claim [sale] of East Shore was voided when horse was placed on Vet’s List while in test barn.” “The claim [sale] of Watasha was voided when horse was placed…

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Just Everyday Cruelty…

In the most recent harness rulings, this at Yonkers Nov 2: “While driving Straight Up Cool, Jason Bartlett was observed kicking his horse at the top of the stretch. This is Mr. Bartlett’s 4th such violation within a 365-day period and carries a penalty of $1,000 and a 10-day driving suspension.” Not sure whether it…

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Vet: “I feel that Rockinhippiechick suffered tremendously in her final moments.” And The Stronach Group Is to Blame.

As I’ve written regarding California’s missing “vanned off” horses: Much is being made of California’s lower kill numbers. One of the things the industry, led by The Stronach Group (TSG), is supposedly doing is more surgical repairs. But history says that the equine post-surgery survival rate is very low (think Barbaro). Problem is, the injured…

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The Disgusting Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance

In a press release earlier this month, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) gushed over a risible $50,000 donation from The Stronach Group on Pegasus Day at Stronach-owned Gulfstream Park. Risible not only because the day featured two million-dollar-plus races, but, more important, because Stronach is a multi-billion-dollar corporation. $50,000 for aftercare. But back to the…

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Testimony on Belmont Park Proposal

Ahead of an Economic Development hearing in the NYS Legislature today, I submitted the following written testimony on the Belmont Park proposal: To call the proposed $455 million loan to the New York Racing Association (NYRA) to rebuild Belmont Park a boondoggle would be understating it. First, this massive loan would be repaid through the…

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Racing’s Corporate Welfare


More Subsidies Evil

More of the obscenity that is horseracing subsidization… Parx, again, is a racino, with slots money not only jacking up overall purses but also allowing first-last payouts. Here’s what that looked like Wednesday: race 1:Alonzo Mosely finished 19.75 lengths back; his exploiters – Leslye Bouchard, et al. – took home $2,420. Hornswoggle finished 19.75 lengths…

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How Do They Sleep?

Belterra in Ohio is a taxpayer-funded racino, with the free-flowing cash from slot machines also allowing first-last payouts. Now, consider these results from Tuesday: race 1: Marvin’s Express finished last, 27+ lengths back; “connections” (Jennifer Tooley, et al.) pocketed $801. race 2: What’s So Funny finished last, 19+ lengths back; “connections” (Robert and Marion Gorham)…

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Giving Voice


Coverage of the Hiteman Case

Owing to the hard work of our executive director, Nicole, and our Indiana Coordinator, Sandy Jey, the criminal case against Dale Hiteman is being extensively covered: Fox Indianapolis NBC Indianapolis NBC Indianapolis (TV broadcast) WIBC Indianapolis The News and Tribune

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Criminal Investigation Begun in Hiteman Case

I’ve heard from many of you that the Madison County Prosecutor’s office has responded to your entreaties regarding Dale Hiteman. Thought I’d share my own interaction. First, my email to them: Dear Deputy Prosecutor Hanna: I am sure by now your office has been made aware of a horse beating committed by trainer Dale Hiteman…

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Our 2nd Annual #Vigil4Horses

From our executive director, Nicole Arciello… I invite you to join a powerful event on September 9, 2023. As part of our mission to end horseracing, #Vigil4Horses raises awareness, honors lost lives, and advocates for a compassionate future. Everyone is welcome to participate virtually and make a difference. Event Details: Event: 2nd Annual #Vigil4Horses Date:…

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