Katie Bo Lillis’ book Death of a Racehorse: An American Story offers a nuanced, journalistic exploration of the thoroughbred racing industry, focusing on the complex relationship between humans and racehorses. While acknowledging the sport’s problems—such as doping scandals and the frequent fatal injuries to horses—Lillis challenges the simplistic view of the industry as cruel or greedy. Instead, she highlights the emotional bonds between horsemen and their animals, the economic pressures shaping care decisions, and the broader societal questions about how working animals should be treated, especially given that racehorses are seen less as livestock and more as sentient beings by the public.

Lillis aims to bridge the gap between those inside the racing world and the general public, many of whom only have a superficial understanding of the sport. Her work goes beyond focusing on individual trainers’ ethics to examine the entire incentive structure, regulatory environment, and cultural patterns that influence horse welfare. She argues that trainers often operate within a system prioritizing profit over animal health, and that responsibility for a racehorse’s well-being spans its entire life and involves many stakeholders. The book raises urgent ethical questions about the standards of care in racing, especially as the sport faces declining support amid concerns over horse safety and doping.