The Necropsy Reports are Devastating
On April 12, a 2-year-old horse collapsed midstride:
- “Complete, comminuted fracture of the scapula; large amount of hemorrhage.”
- “Stomach ulceration.”
- “Evidence of repetitive stress injury leading to catastrophic musculoskeletal failure.”
On July 12, a 3-year-old horse suffered:
- “Severe, comminuted fracture of the sixth lumbar vertebra with associated spinal hemorrhage.”
- “Collapse-related trauma.”
- “Gastric ulcerations typically associated with stress and high-concentrate diets.”
At first glance one might assume these young animals were victims of an abusive owner, with justice to follow. But no—their deaths were not isolated acts of cruelty.
According to the nonprofit advocacy group Horseracing Wrongs, the 2-year-old was Baytown Vegas, killed at Turfway Park, and the 3-year-old was Fire Me Twice, killed at Fair Meadows—one of eleven horses already dead at Oklahoma racetracks this year. In fact, thousands of horses die annually on racetracks, with many more perishing in training before they ever reach the starting gate.
Horse racing is often described as a genteel pastime—a sport of kings—draped in elegance, tradition, and ritual. But how does that glossy image align with 11,605 horses killed on US tracks since 1/1/14? There is no other so-called “sport” in which mass fatalities are brushed aside as business as usual.
Taxpayer Money on the Track: Subsidizing Suffering
As if this suffering weren’t enough, the industry is also heavily subsidized with public money. Horse racing in the United States receives substantial funding through Race Horse Development Funds (RHDFs) and similar programs, often sourced from gambling revenues. These subsidies support purses, breeding, and track infrastructure—even as thousands of horses are injured or killed each year.
Some examples of state spending:
- Pennsylvania: $200 million/year from slot machine revenue.
- New York: Nearly $3 billion in track subsidies over the years.
- Maryland: $400 million in bonds to rebuild Pimlico Racecourse.
- Texas: Up to $25 million/year from horse-related sales taxes.
What Can We Do to Stop This Cruelty?
First and foremost, we must refuse to support it—don’t bet, don’t attend, don’t be fooled by the false glamour of the “sport of kings.” Share the truth about the horses who are dying and expose the industry for what it is: exploitation wrapped in tradition. Demand that lawmakers stop funneling public money into an industry built on suffering. These horses cannot speak for themselves—their survival depends on us raising our voices, refusing to look away, and declaring that enough is enough.
We sincerely thank Horseracing Wrongs for their careful data collection, which provided much of the statistical information for this newsletter.
Stand With Us for Animals in Need
At Serenity Farm Virginia, we are committed to giving animals who have suffered at human hands a safe and loving home. Every gift, visit, and word of support helps us continue this mission and stand against cruelty in all its forms. Please consider donating, volunteering, or sharing our work so together we can create a world where no animal is treated as disposable.
Jo Bighouse, Founder & President