A Stop Horseracing Article from All-Creatures.org



'There's Lots for the Kids to Do' – Like Watching a Horse Fall and Die 'Immediately'

FROM HorseracingWrongs.org
October 2024

"Mommy, Daddy, why is that horse not moving? Why are they dragging him onto that van? Is he going to be okay?"

horseracing wrongs

From the Genesee Valley Hunt Races website:

"The Genesee Valley Hunt Races are like no other event in our area. What began over 125 years ago as a grand day of picnicking with friends and neighbors has evolved into a multi-faceted day of fun for young and old alike. It’s a day that combines tradition, community and family all in a beautiful outdoor setting on conserved farmland in the Genesee Valley. Tailgating remains a huge part of the day and it’s still the only event in the state where spectators can watch sanctioned steeplechase races over timber jumps!

"There’s lots for the kids to do (including stick horse races and pony rides), food and drink vendors, wine and craft beer tasting, shopping, music and more. It’s like an old-fashioned country fair with a race track instead of a midway, and there’s something for everyone to enjoy!"

Indeed, they mean it when they say, "bring the kids" – those little ones feature prominently on their homepage. But wondering how the twisted organizers and derelict parents explained this – from the Stewards’ Report for this year’s edition, held Oct 12 – to those young, inquiring minds:

"First Race: #5, Corky Lemon ridden by Brett Owings, and #3, Johny Swish [sic] ridden by Andrew Burke Ott, fell at the 15th. Johny Swish died immediately."

Johny – who was actually Johnny; they couldn't even bother to get his name right – had also fallen in his penultimate race, just two weeks prior at Shawan. The complicit, criminal rider was the same for both races, as was the trainer, Todd McKenna.

In the next race that day, two other horses – Master Seville and Hey Teacher – also fell, with neither completing the course. The stewards also reported that the third race "was delayed approximately 30 min until a second ambulance could arrive on course.” Yup, nothing says good, clean family fun like waiting for a second ambulance to arrive. Still, according to the gentleman who "respectfully" submitted the report, "The management is to be commended for not only producing a really good racing surface – best condition in years – but for its preparation and dispatch in handling the fatality."

"Mommy, Daddy, why is that horse not moving? Why are they dragging him onto that van? Is he going to be okay?" It's obscene, folks.


Posted on All-Creatures.org: October 25, 2024
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