The article by Mary Johnson exposes the brutal realities faced by Thoroughbred racehorses, particularly focusing on the Camarero Racetrack in Puerto Rico, where many horses suffer severe injuries, neglect, and premature death. Two Kentucky-bred mares, Kayseri and La Macacoa, exemplify this cruelty: Kayseri was raced until debilitating joint disease forced euthanasia, while La Macacoa was abandoned and later euthanized due to neglect after failing to perform. The article highlights systemic failures in the racing industry, including inhumane transport conditions and the routine disposal of horses once they are no longer profitable.

Johnson emphasizes that the problem is not isolated to Puerto Rico but is linked to the broader U.S. racing industry, with a significant percentage of horses killed there being Kentucky-bred. Despite Kentucky’s reputation as the “horse capital of the world,” the industry tolerates widespread suffering and death, revealing a deep contradiction between the sport’s image and its harsh realities. The article calls out the industry’s indifference and the ongoing, systemic cruelty that is an inherent part of horse racing.