Horse racing has been a spectator sport in the United States for well over a century. Racing fans love the thrill of cheering at the rail and watching the beauty, strength and athleticism of the magnificent and well-trained Thoroughbreds.
There is no animal that is more spellbinding.
Unfortunately, once their racing career ends, their life can often be not quite so beautiful. A horse’s racing career spans approximately one to six years. This represents a small portion of their natural lifespan, which can exceed 30 years.
Recently, the racing industry has taken some small steps to provide lifetime care and proper retirement for horses that are bred specifically for racing. Unfortunately, at the present time, these programs can only accommodate a very small number of racehorses. There are still far too many Thoroughbreds that end up in the slaughter plants of Canada and Mexico.
When racehorses need to be rescued many organizations and individuals step in, quickly put a plan together and move that plan forward since time is always very limited in these situations. But they can only save very few. The following stories are of three recent racehorse rescues.
Philotimo
Philotimo’s journey from the race track to emaciation took just six short months. His glory days on the track were over and there was no place for him anywhere. He was unwanted and was “free to a good home.”
He was given to a “good home” and then starved at that “good home.” The “good home” listed Philotimo on Craigslist for $2,500, which would be 100 percent profit.
Philotimo was rescued by Little Brook Farm in Old Chatham, where he is a permanent resident and is very much “wanted.”
Right Right
Right Right, a flashy Thoroughbred, was at Monmouth during the 2013 meet. He quickly became a barn favorite, easy to handle and a pleasure to be around. Right Right ran a few times at Monmouth, had a little luck, and it was decided to race him at Parx. He ran his heart out and came from very far out to win by a neck. His owners and trainer couldn’t have been happier and everyone headed home to Monmouth.
The next morning he was found with a very painful, swollen knee and the vet was called immediately. An X-ray confirmed that he had slab fractured his right knee during the winning race. His owners were called and told the news. The good news was that surgery would not be necessary and he would be able to race again but would need six months of stall rest first.
Even though Right Right had just run an amazing race, the owners quickly decided they wanted him euthanized, since resting horses do not generate any money. He was only 3 years old.
His trainer, barn manager and vet were shocked that his owners would discard him with such complete indifference. His life had no value to them. He was disposable.
But he was not euthanized. Those who loved him, respected him and worked with him every day took control of the situation and rescued him.
Right Right now lives in Colts Neck, New Jersey with his rescuer. He is fully recovered and will soon be back on the track as his barn managers’ stable pony. He is perfect!
Alta Spirit
This horse was named Alta Spirit after he was rescued by his current owner from Camelot, a kill auction in Cranbury, New Jersey. They know he raced, but his owner(s) had his lip tattoo removed with acid so that neither his ownership nor racing history could be traced.
All that is known is that he arrived at Camelot on a trailer loaded with Thoroughbreds from Kentucky. He had pneumonia and what appeared to be numerous injuries related to racing. He was rescued by an individual who paid his bail of $250 (the price a meat buyer would pay for him at the auction) and was given a strong name to help him heal. Alta Spirit is living in a private home in Galway with the individual who rescued him.
If you are a racing fan or just love horses, you have the influence to make sure there is a lasting and permanent home for every Thoroughbred born specifically to race. Locally, ask NYRA to develop a comprehensive retirement fund for each registered Thoroughbred.
This money could be earmarked from betting fees and general admission fees. Allocate a portion of every fee paid for foal registration to supplement this retirement fund. Eliminate all breeding incentive funds (breeding incentives were just increased in New York). This will reduce the number of “unwanted” racehorses by forcing breeders to breed fewer horses but better quality horses. Urge NYRA and all racing organizations to publically and politically demand an end to horse slaughter and push for legislature that will prevent slaughter-bound horses from being transported to plants in Canada on New York state roads.
To truly understand what retirement means, consider visiting any not-for-profit Thoroughbred retirement/rescue organization and offer your financial support, offer your business services and volunteer your time or skills.
