California Horse Racing: Equine Fatalities Under Scrutiny
SACRAMENTO – May 8, 2024 – A new report scrutinizes equine fatalities within the California horse racing industry. The investigation, prompted by public records, reveals the unfortunate circumstances surrounding several recent horse deaths in California. The findings, encompassing case studies from Los Alamitos and Del Mar racetracks, expose concerning trends, including the presence of pre-existing conditions and the impact of track accidents. The analysis aims to promote safety and lead to preventative measures.
California Horse Racing: A Look at Equine Fatalities
California, a state renowned for its vibrant horse racing industry, also faces scrutiny regarding equine welfare.Public records obtained thru Freedom of Data Act (FOIA) requests shed light on the circumstances surrounding horse deaths within the state’s racing circuits. This report examines several cases from the past year, offering a glimpse into the challenges and concerns surrounding equine safety in the sport.
case Studies: Examining Individual Tragedies
Did you know? the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) is responsible for overseeing all aspects of horse racing in the state, including equine health and safety regulations.
Fearless King: A Young Life Cut Short
On May 23 at Los Alamitos Race Course, fearless King, a two-year-old, was found dead in stall – body [was] in severe rigor mortis state.
A subsequent necropsy revealed a grim diagnosis: This horse had a volvulus associated wiht a twist deep into the mesenteric root that involved most of the jejunum.
The report also noted skin abrasions with hematomas over the eye sockets and temples; pneumonia; gastric ulcers.
The sudden death of such a young animal raises questions about pre-existing conditions and preventative care.
Zees Empire: A collision and its aftermath
Just a week later, on May 30, also at Los Alamitos, Zees Empire, a seven-year-old, suffered a catastrophic injury. The incident occurred after multiple horses got loose,
resulting in a collision [after] multiple horses got loose: catastrophic humeral fracture – complete, displaced, comminuted; torn muscles; extensive hemorrhage.
The necropsy also revealed deep stomach ulcers [listed as ‘incidental’]; myriad 1-2 cm in length, white to pink, live (with undulant movement) worms free in the stomach contents and also attached to the mucosa.
While the collision was the immediate cause of death, the presence of severe stomach ulcers and parasites suggests potential underlying health issues.
Jayarebe: sudden Collapse at Del Mar
The circumstances surrounding Jayarebe’s death on Nov. 2 at del Mar racetrack remain unclear. According to the report, the horse pulled up, became ataxic, collapsed, and died spontaneously – cause not determined.
The post-mortem examination revealed osteochondral disease [three of four limbs]; history of RH lameness; moderate number of stomach ulcers [listed as ‘incidental’].
Jayarebe was only three years old. The combination of pre-existing conditions and the sudden nature of the collapse underscores the challenges in predicting and preventing such tragedies.
analyzing the Data: Trends and Concerns
Pro Tip: Understanding the terminology used in veterinary reports is crucial for interpreting the data. Terms like “volvulus,” “ataxic,” and “osteochondral disease” describe specific medical conditions that can contribute to equine fatalities.
- Age Distribution: The cases highlight a range of ages, from two-year-olds just beginning their racing careers to older horses with established track records.
- Location: Los Alamitos Race Course appears in two of the three cases, potentially warranting further investigation into track conditions and safety protocols.
- Underlying Conditions: The presence of stomach ulcers and osteochondral disease in multiple cases suggests the importance of proactive veterinary care and early detection of potential health problems.
