A FOIA request to the Delaware Department of Agriculture revealed 20 horse deaths at the state’s two racetracks in the past year, though the list excludes stall deaths and is likely incomplete. The fatalities involved horses ranging from two to ten years old, many of whom were being prepped for their first races. Causes of death included fractures, sudden death, falls, and infections, highlighting the physical toll and risks associated with horse racing.

Since 2014, a total of 210 horses have died at Delaware’s tracks, according to Horseracing Wrongs, underscoring ongoing concerns about animal welfare in the industry. The report questions the justification for these losses, suggesting that the sport sacrifices intelligent and sensitive animals for minimal financial gain, and calls for reflection on the ethics of horse racing in America.