Through a FOIA request to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, I have confirmed the following kills at Suffolk Downs in 2016:
Silver Lime, July 9, Suffolk 1, “fractured proximal phalanx with joint luxation”
Candy Man Can, July 9, Suffolk 2, “fractured neck”
It should be noted that Suffolk Downs, which was (is) New England’s only Thoroughbred track, ceased regular operations in 2014. Since, it has run but a handful of dates per year. In 2016, the period covered by this report, Suffolk had six days of racing. Yes, that’s two kills (in back-to-back steeplechase races) in six days. Shame.
There can be no justification for the killing of animals for $2 bets. End it. Now.
Steeplechase racing is abhorrently cruel with a much higher death rate than flat racing. As Patrick has revealed: two (2) deaths in only six (6) days of racing.
Forcing horses to gallop at fast speed whilst jumping over obstacles is lethal for these magnificent creatures. They give their all but despite this the riders brutally beat them with whips when these horses are exhausted.
This cruel archaic activity needs to be banned world-wide. And the people involved (a minority group) are a sadistic lot who clearly get a thrill from watching these noble horses suffer fear, injury and death.
Makes me ashamed to be a human being.
Behind the facade of fancy hats, mint juleps, and entertainment atmosphere are racehorses dying in the dirt to increase wagering profits, fatten wallets and/or egos.
It’s a disgusting shame, and anybody who supports it are accessories to the killings.
China has become the new destiny for thousands of racehorses from Ireland.
While they are in-flight the finishing touches are being put on slaughterhouses and incinerators specifically designed for racehorses.
They will accommodate the deaths when they are no longer profitable.
Most will not make it out of there alive, but then most don’t make it out alive here either.
You keep saying that this is done in the name of a$2.00 bet, but let me remind you, it’s only a dime now, a measly$.10 to wager… It’s sad!!! Very sad!!!