Through a FOIA request to the California Horse Racing Board, I have obtained the following details on some of that state’s kills thus far this year.
Truest of True, Jan 18, Santa Anita T
“Horse was pulling up when it sustained bilateral injuries and collapsed: catastrophic fractures of the second, third, and fourth metacarpal bones – [both forelimbs].” That’s two shattered legs. All six fractures were displaced and open – through the skin. Imagine that scene. Truest was three years old and being prepped for his first race.
Stroke of Vangogh, Mar 20, Golden Gate T
“Complete, displaced, comminuted tibia fracture; complete, displaced fibula fracture; severe hemorrhage; tearing of vessels and muscle fibers.” Also: “multiple stomach ulcers.” Stroke was two years old and being prepped for her first race.
One Two Tres Aces, Apr 19, Los Alamitos S
“Horse found in morning, slight signs of colic, fever, diarrhea. Two hours after treatment, horse was in distress, seizure, pulmonary edema – died. Severe ulcers (grade 3).” One Two Tres was two years old and being prepped for his first race.
