WashPo OpEd: Horse racing has outlived its time

On March 13, 2020, The Washington Post published an OpEd entitled, "Horse racing has outlived its time". We do not know if it has outlived its time, but US horse racing including all breeding operations (which always seems to be left out of racehorse cruelty conversations) needs to be brought to a complete end. The…

More fairy stories from Calif Horse Racing Board

"No illegal medications or procedures were uncovered, mirroring an independent report of the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, which found no criminal wrongdoing". What? These people are (fill in the blank) unbelievable. Read on (if you have the stomach for it). The Paulick Report tell us: The California Horse Racing Board has issued its…

Forgotten Side of the Salix Debate: The Calcium Connection cont’d

WRITTEN BY JANE ALLIN Drug Interactions Anyone? This takes us to an even more insidious topic; the subject of drug interactions. As we are all aware there are always precautions associated with any medications, whether that be the so-called innocuous over-the-counter variety or more potent prescription medications. How two or more drugs interact, regardless of…

Forgotten Side of the Salix Debate: The Calcium Connection

WRITTEN BY JANE ALLIN It seems a day does not go by without some reference to drugs and breakdowns in the world of horse racing here in North America. While it is unambiguous that a drug culture permeates America’s racetracks where horses are over-medicated with the misaligned intent of keeping them on the track without…

Drugging racehorses: Economics collide with Veterinarians’ Oath

Cross-posted from the New York Times Racing Economics Collide With Veterinarians’ Oath Horse-racing veterinarians are both doctor and drugstore; the more drugs they prescribe, the more money they make. by WALT BOGDANICH, JOE DRAPE and REBECCA R. RUIZ (Sept. 21, 2012) -- Only after Bourbon Bandit broke a leg racing last November did his owner,…

Dullahan may be racing I’ll Have Another for HOY award

I really like Dullahan, and am so happy for his recent victory and third Grade I win this season. The colt now has automatic entry into the Breeders' Cup Classic. I can't remember where (probably on Twitter) but someone said that this puts Dullahan in a position to challenge Kentucky Derby (where Dullahan finished 3rd)…

Cheaters prosper at Florida’s Calder racecourse

"For horses and jockeys, the issue isn't just about fairness — it's life-or-death. Trainers who use powerful painkillers and stimulants to force horses to run through their injuries make accidents more likely." Cheaters prosper at Calder racecourse states the Miami New Times. Written by Michael E. Miller, this is an extensive report -- a 7…

Racing databases, high risk horse alerts and phasing out Lasix in Kentucky

High Risk Entry Alert At last, a potentially good use for one of the US horse racing industry's databases. Unfortunately the data they collect is given out on a voluntary not mandatory basis. Oh, well. Like everything else it seems, it is a start. And any tool that will spare some of these Thoroughbred racehorses…

Giant Ryan surgery for injury sustained on Belmont day on hold due to blood clots

With all the hoopla surrounding the scratch of I'll Have Another in the Belmont Stakes ending his highly anticipated attempt at the Triple Crown, coupled with the exciting rail-skimming victory of Union Rags in that very race, the life-threatening injury sustained by Giant Ryan became somewhat of a footnote to the day. Still, race fans…

Animal welfare activists say horse racing industry needs reform

CHUCK CONDER AND CASEY WIAN writing for CNN report: Nitro Active was breaking down. Because of injuries to his tendons and leg joints Nitro Active could barely stand, let alone race. His fate seemed clear. Like many spent and injured racehorses, Nitro Active was destined for euthanasia or a Mexican slaughterhouse supplying horse meat to…