This for Grandpa’s Kid at Belmont Nov 3, according to the Gaming Commission: “horse experienced inoperable colic…euthanized.” He was four years old and had been put to the whip 26 times, most recently Oct 3.
And from last week’s harness rulings:
Kentucky, Nov 3: “Artie Dick is hereby suspended from driving for 30 days for…brutal use of the whip: whipped the horse ‘Cloudbreak’ in an exaggerated manner continuously throughout the race…. Mr. Dick created a negative perception while compromising the integrity of Harness Racing in Kentucky.” That’s right, “brutal use of the whip creates a negative perception” and “compromises the integrity” of Kentucky racing.
Then there is this press release from the Louisiana State Police (edited for brevity):
“On Nov 7, Troopers conducted an investigation following reports of misconduct involving jockey Martin Osuna. The incident occurred at Evangeline Downs. The preliminary investigation revealed that Osuna falsified information on a racing document, prompting the issuance of an arrest warrant. Osuna was scheduled to participate in a race at Evangeline and was detained upon his arrival. During a thorough search following his arrest, Troopers discovered five horse shocking devices in Osuna’s possession. Osuna was arrested and booked on filing false public documents, falsifying information on a racing document, injuring public records, and five counts of unnatural stimulation of horses (a practice that is considered unethical and harmful to the animals).”
This is not the first time this scumbag has been busted for electric shockers (aka “buzzers,” “batteries,” “machines”). While reviewing photos in 2016, the Turf Paradise photographer noticed Osuna with one in his hand during a race. Ultimately, Osuna served but a 10-month suspension for that incident. I will provide updates on this latest one.
Osuna, from his booking…
