Through a FOIA request to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, I have confirmed the following kills last year at Plainridge Park, the only track left in MA. Note: The six deaths below are the most we’ve ever reported for Plainridge in a single year; and Plainridge, remember, is a harness track, where the horses are supposed to die less frequently.

Challenger, May 23, racing
“Challenger was racing when he appeared to be in distress at about the 1/2 pole, slowing down approaching the 3/4 pole, and coming to a walk before collapsing on the grass. The horse expired immediately, before the vet got to him.” Challenger was but five years old.

Stihl N, Sep 3, racing (euth Sep 4)
“[Multiple] fractures, euthanized at hospital [next day].” Stihl was eight years old.

Silent Warrior, Sep 24, racing (euth Sep 25)
“Fractured P1, euthanized at hospital [next day].”

Sidd Finch, Oct 21, racing
“Pastern fractured into multiple pieces; multiple complete rib fractures with pulmonary hemorrhage underneath.” Sidd was six years old.

Paternity Suit A, Nov 4, racing
“[Multiple] fractures, multiple pieces.” Paternity was 11 years old. Quite a life, huh?

Im Sir Blake A, Nov 11, racing
“Im Sir Blake A was racing when he broke down with obvious severe injury to left hind. He was treated with flunixin, removed from the track and euthanized.” How severe? “Long pastern was fractured into roughly 20 pieces.” And yet they transported him (out of sight) to be euthanized. Bastards. Oh, and the 9-year-old had previously endured an injury/surgery – complete with four screws – in the opposite hind leg.

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