In a FOIA request to the Nebraska Racing Commission, I have confirmed the following kills at Fonner Park last year.

Holy Cannoli, Feb 3, Fonner S
“Impaction colic that didn’t resolve – surgery not an option.” Holy was three years old.

I See Clearly Now, Feb 13, Fonner T
“Respiratory occlusion and lung collapse resulting in horse going into neurotic stress and seizure activity – humanely euthanized.” I See was three years old.

Zcat’s Chatain, Feb 15, Fonner S
“Arrived at Fonner [previous year] with pre-existing knee injuries. Condition worsened and became very painful, resulting in humane euthanasia.” Zcat’s was six years old.

Cyber Sneaker, Feb 16, Fonner S
“Developed severe pleurisy upon shipping to Fonner. Temps ranged 101-104. Treatment was given but passed away during the night.” Cyber was five years old.

Chicago Chrome, Feb 16, Fonner S
“Developed pleurisy en route to Fonner. Treatment was given but passed away during the night.” Chicago was five years old and had been raced nine days prior.

Hot Caviar, Feb 18, Fonner R
“Broke down in backstretch – open fracture.” Hot Caviar was four years old.

Twotwentyswift, Feb 23, Fonner T
“Broke down in morning training.” Then this: “This horse was diagnosed with lesions in both hocks as a yearling and probably had some issues in shoulder joint.” Twotwentyswift was just two years old.

Nelly Too, Mar 3, Fonner S
“Intermittent colic signs for couple of days. Found deceased in morning with blood coming from rectal area and small amount nasally.” Nelly was three years old and had last been raced Feb 25. Poor, poor girl.

Dial Uncle Joey, Mar 3, Fonner R
“Clipped heels and went down in first turn. Dead when vet arrived at scene – most likely broken neck.” Dial was three years old.

J Ps Harley Glider, Mar 3, Fonner R
“Fell over fallen rival [above]. Got up and ran loose only to run straight into the outrider’s pony horse [below] – sustained head and neck trauma.” J Ps was three years old.

You Be Gator Bait, Mar 3, Fonner R
“Sustained broken shoulder in direct collision with loose horse [above].” This was You Be’s 13th birthday.

Scotty Who, Mar 8, Fonner S
“Colic episodes on Mar 6 and Mar 7. Referred to clinic where treatment was done. Returned to Fonner, resumed symptoms, humanely euthanized.” Scotty was seven years old and had been raced 59 times, most recently Feb 18.

Long Cool, Mar 22, Fonner R
“Broke down going into the final turn – multiple fractures with complete instability.” Long Cool had just turned four.

Music in the Sky, Mar 24, Fonner S
“History of posterior issues, including lameness, tie-up problems, and abnormal gait. Multiple treatments by [multiple] vets. Horse worsened to point of incoordination in back end, knuckling over and laying down with difficulty getting up. Progressed to extreme sweating and muscle fasciculations. [After] 1-1 1/2 hours, agreement was made to humanely euthanize.” Music had just turned two. A baby.

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