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….
11-Year-Old Killed at Mountaineer; 2-Year-Old Killed at Finger Lakes
11-year-old Field of Courage returned to the track last night for the first time since July of 2022. Apparently, his exploiter, owner/trainer Dennis Van Meter, just had to squeeze a few more bucks out of the long-abused horse. Perhaps he was behind on his car payment or something. Whatever the reason, it didn’t quite work…
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”?
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…
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…
Horrific “Spill” at Evangeline Yesterday
3-year-old Bellas First Rogue at Evangeline yesterday. The chart merely said, “fell,” but… https://youtu.be/uvnsueGFIvg
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…
Charles Town, Belmont Notch Kills; Indiana Lets Another Welter Go Free
The 1st at Charles Town last night, in the cold, terse telling of the chartwriter: “Dimelo Papi was bumped leaving the gate then gave chase, raced evenly in the stretch but pulled up lame on the clubhouse turn and was consequently euthanized.” Dimelo was three years old; ’twas his fourth time under the whip. Complicit…
Recommended
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…
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…
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…
Hey, NYRA: If You Rebuild It (Belmont), They Still Won’t Come
In an effort to secure a nearly-half-billion-dollar bond package from the state to rebuild Belmont Park – a debt that would be repaid with already-existing subsidies – the New York Racing Association (NYRA) has launched a new PR campaign, complete with a glossy power point. Amid a swarm of impressive numbers – the usual suspects:…
Racing’s Corporate Welfare
“Hit the Rail Repeatedly” – But His Exploiters Still Cashed In
I’ve been writing a lot recently on the extra level of evil made possible by the industry’s massive corporate welfare. Awash in free cash from casino gaming, tracks are able to pay first through last. So, it doesn’t matter what condition a horse is in before the start nor what happens to him during the…
Horse Finishes Almost 92 Lengths Back; Abusers Cash In ($1,200)
Kentucky Downs holds what is called a boutique meet, running only seven days a year. It also boasts some of the highest purses in America. How? Well, The Mint Gaming Hall – a racino – has a whole lot to do with it. As Chris Larmey, a prominent horseplayer, put it (in Horse Racing Nation):…
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…
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)…
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
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…
“Requiem for the Racehorses”
Today, I present “Requiem for the Racehorses” – a beautiful, haunting song written and performed by the very talented Nicolette Aubourg. (You can show your support for Nicolette here.) Thank you, Nicolette, from the depths of my heart. https://youtu.be/dFhTpyXk0-c?si=X9YUrp8eUYrwWFWi Full Lyrics and Credits: “Requiem for the Racehorses” Another racehorse is euthanized here at…
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:…