A Freedom of Information Act request to the Maryland Racing Commission revealed that 27 horses died at Maryland racetracks last year alone, many suffering catastrophic injuries such as comminuted fractures, hemorrhages, and degenerative joint disease. Most of these horses were young, often just two or three years old, being prepared for their first races. Several cases highlighted poor veterinary care, with some horses never receiving full exams and others enduring prolonged pain before euthanasia. Common findings included severe musculoskeletal injuries and parasitic infections, underscoring the harsh physical toll of racing on these animals.

Since 2014, a total of 425 horses have died at Maryland tracks, reflecting a grim pattern of sacrifice for the sake of gambling and entertainment. The report calls into question the ethics of the horseracing industry, emphasizing the needless loss of intelligent and sensitive animals for relatively trivial human pursuits. It challenges society to reconsider the cost of this sport and whether it aligns with humane values.