Through a FOIA request to the Illinois Racing Board, I have confirmed the following kills at that state’s tracks in 2024 (this is part 2; part 1 here). Curiously, for the period covered by this request (second half of the year), the Board forwarded no deaths for Hawthorne, even though that track ran till October. When I asked about this (twice), I was met with silence. So, doubtful that what follows is a complete accounting.

Livbeth Lucky, Aug 31, Fairmount T
“Catastrophic breakdown during training: [multiple] open, complete fractures; suspensory ligaments of both right and left forelimbs torn.” Livbeth was three years old and being prepped for her first race.

Snoozer, Sep 4, Fairmount S
“Severe laminitis: distal phalanges of all four feet sinking with dropping soles.” “Severe laminitis,” all four feet. Poor, poor boy. Snoozer was five years old.

Euro Suprise, Sep 10, Fairmount R
“Catastrophic breakdown in the LH: open, comminuted cannon fracture – [multiple] bones protruding through skin.” Then this: “Other findings, such as chronic gastric ulcerations, are considered incidental.” Euro was seven years old.

Kall Kat, Oct 21, Fairmount S
“Developed neurological signs after last start [Jul 30]. Symptoms progressed. Started going down in the stall necessitating humane euthanasia.” Then this frank admission: “Symptoms were likely brought on by the stress of racing.” And finally: “ulceration in the mouth and gastric mucosa were likely incidental.” Kall Kat was four years old.

Gabriella Attack, Oct 24, Fairmount R
“Catastrophic breakdown: highly comminuted phalanx fracture – approximately nine fragments.” And this: “The jejunum contained numbers of adult roundworms that are thick, white, soft, and measure approximately 9 cm.” Gabriella was four years old. This is what a “catastrophic breakdown” looks like…

Teton Pass, Dec 4, Fairmount S
“Colicky Monday evening [Dec 2]. Trainer not here but attempted to find someone to haul to a clinic to treat. Reported that someone was coming, but horse died overnight [found dead].” Teton was three years old and was being prepped for his debut.

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