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June 15, 2010
Source: Paulick Report |
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PA COMMISSION INVESTIGATING PENN NATIONAL TRAINING INCIDENT
The Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission is investigating a May 29 incident at Penn National racetrack in Grantville, Pa., when there allegedly was no state veterinarian on the grounds or horse ambulance available to come to the rescue of a horse injured during morning training hours. The horse was euthanized later that morning.
Pigmaleon, a 9-year-old Chilean-bred who won 11 of 54 starts and $85,304, fractured his left hind leg while exercising at what his trainer, Michael Pappada, called a “moderate” speed at approximately 6:30 a.m. In a letter to Penn National general manager Frank Quigley and copied to others, including Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission chairwoman Corinne Sweeney, Pappada said no horse ambulance was available to transport the injured horse back to his barn. “Because of this, he was forced to walk off of the track and up a partial hill and this made the fracture even worse giving him no chance for survival,” Pappada said.
Compounding the situation, Pappada wrote, “There was no state veterinarian on duty to examine or euthanize the horse.” Pappada said Pigmaleon was euthanized at 7:50 a.m., an hour and 20 minutes after the injury occurred. No one came to dispose of the horse’s body until 10 a.m., he added.
“This is simply unacceptable,” Pappada wrote to Quigley.
“We are investigating what happened and we are concerned,” said Joseph Mushalko, operations director for the Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission. He said tracks are required to have horse ambulances manned during training hours. Mushalko said he hoped to complete the investigation prior to Thursday, when the commission holds its regularly scheduled monthly meeting at 11:30 a.m. at the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture headquarters in Harrisburg.
Christopher McErlean, vice president of racing for Penn National, declined to comment on the May 29 incident.
Owned by Rancho Alegre, Pigmaleon was coming off an eighth-place finish at Penn National, racing for a $4,000 claiming tag on May 18. He won two starts back at Mountaineer Park Aug. 30 while carrying a $5,000 claiming tag.
Following is the text of Pappada’s letter to Penn National’s general manager:
Dear Mr. Quigley:
I am writing in regards to an incident that occurred at Penn National Race Track on May 29, 2010. At approximately 6:30 am a horse of ours named Pigmaleon went to the track for training. As he was training at only a moderate speed he broke his left hind leg at the cannon bone. Injuries happen in this game as a racetrack owner for 30 years; Penn Gaming should surely know this. However, I found it appalling that there was no track ambulance available to transport the horse back to our barn. Because of this, he was forced to walk off of the track and up a partial hill and this made the fracture even worse giving him no chance for survival. Furthermore, there was no State Veterinarian on duty to examine or euthanize the horse. When our vet, Dr. Nodine, was called, she informed us that she was on her way and would be approximately thirty minutes until her arrival. Over an hour after the accident happened the horse was euthanized at 7:50 am outside of a barn where no one came to dispose of him until 10am. This is simply unacceptable.
The main concerns that are in question are how the track can be operating for training with no horse ambulance or veterinarian to assist with injured horses in early morning training. It is very disheartening that a horse that has been in our care for over four years with a very successful racing career was sent to take advantage of the prosperities of an "improving" multi-million dollar operation at Penn National only to lose his life in such a horrific way. I could only expect that the horses and horseman that have made the operation what it has become today be given the proper respect and amenities it deserves to deliver a quality product to the public.
It’s also disheartening to hear the excuses about what happened. As a horseman, I consider and respect my horses as they are part of my family, not just an easily disposed of machine. It is my sincere hope that this is not taken lightly. It is time for action. No horse or animal should go through what Pigmaleon went through that morning. It will be much appreciated if you would make the necessary improvements in regards to this situation and ensure the safety of all horses at Penn National.
Sincerely,
Mike Pappada
Cc:
Michael Perchart
Jorge Augusto
Christopher McErlean
Dr. Corinne Sweeney
Jeffery Cassel
Rob Marella
Ray Hamm
Frank Quigley
Todd Mosteller
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