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