It takes a man to make a Devil.

In a typical maniac Monday at New Holland, there are those small treasures of fate that happen.  Fortunately for Lightening's Diablo he was a recipient of that streak of fate.

Lightening Diablo was sold for $50,000 as a two year old in training at the March 2008 Barretts Sale.  The son of 2005 Kentucy Derby winner, Monarchos out of Housebuster stakes placed mare House Virgin broke his maiden at Hollywood Park first time out under Doug O'Neil and went on to earn a 2nd in the Lost in the Fog Stakes, and a 3rd in the Santa Rosa Conniver Juvenile Stakes, within 3 months.  Lightening Diablo continued to race under Doug O'Neil until Decemeber of 2008. 

At some point he made his way here to the East Coast, and last raced under Annette Aulbach.

I am sure that he was placed into what thought was a secondary career for whatever the reason, and that he would have a long fulfilling life.  Sometime in between then and now Lightening Diablo ended up at what is known as the largest Kill Auction east of the Mississippi, New Holland, PA.   

Lightening Diablo was consigned to New Holland by one of the well known kill buyers, good ole' Bruce Rotz, strange.  How did he end up with Bruce?  There is no secret that a lot of horse owners, and traders alike "cash in" horses that are not profitable, or just need of quick disposal and fast cash.  The question is who cashed in this Multiple Stakes Placed horse?

Lightening Diablo is now safe with a group of individuals that will keep him protected, and ensure that he does not end up back in the circuit.  We are thankful for the diligence that seems to lack among the owners, trainers, and breeders.

This horse could have of been a another statistic also had fate decided not intervene.

The horse above pictured is Green Wave Uly (Kentucky Bred 2010 model), his sire is Yes It's True out of mare Unkatzable (daughter of AP Indy) who was sold in foal (to Yes It's True) for 340,000 at the Keenlanad sale in November of 2009 as part of the Overbrook Farm dispersal.

Somewhere along his 9 starts, with only one win and two seconds, his last race being in Beluah Park coming in at fifteen and half lengths behind with the comment on the race card being "failed to menace", he left the hands of Gerado Carrillo-Dominguez, owner Richard Sheets, and breeders KatieRich Stables, to end up in a $2500.00 claimers race in March of 2013, a far cry from 8 months prior when he was put into a $16,000.00 claimers.   Green Wave Uly ended up in the clutches of Mark Bliss.  Who seems to be making a point of taunting Penn Gaming's Zero Tolerance Policy.  Testing the boundaries and limitations of what little protection exist for the thoroughbreds.

While according to the policy Mark Bliss has done absolutely nothing wrong, the horse did not get purchased with the intentions of slaughter at the sale, he even goes as far to write on the papers (if found in slaughter lot please call, if you don't want the horse please call, etc. etc.).

Mark even goes as far to not only consign the horse(s), he even chooses to stick around for the festivities of the sale.

If this isn't a quintessential middle finger to Penn Gaming, obviously I am Mother Theresa.  Green Wave Uly sold to well known trader and dealer Jesse Austin, and while Jesse is no kill buyer, he is a trader and dealer, which ultimately can leave many horses back into the pipe line, auction circuit putting them at great risk to end up in back of the truck on the way to Canada.  Luckily for Green Wave Uly, fate decided it was not his destination and was purchased privately in the parking lot by a unknown individual.

Once again while Mark taunts the Zero Tolerance Policy, it's painfully obvious, that there are too many loop holes to allow this type of behavior and conduct. 

So, why bother having one at all?

Apparently the devil isn't afraid to sit on the alter. Now is he?

What's a Little Pull and Push?

What's a little Pull now and again?

Not too long ago Penn National's Zero Tolerance Policy was put to the test, it involved a Thomas McClay colt and a well known low level horse dealer.   Here we are again witnessing  this very same policy being put to the test.

Pull the horse featured above was consigned to New Holland Sales Stables on Monday July, 22, 2013.  He was allegedly consigned to the pit of hell also known as New Holland, by license owner Mark Bliss who races at Beulah and Penn National under Twenty/Twenty Stables.  Before being dumped at the well known kill auction, Pull was listed with Canter on two separate occasions once in PA and Ohio, all while still being raced.   His last race was in Ohio in the beginning of April this year under Charles Lawson. Between then and now Pull landed in Bliss's clutches.

This was the end result.

That's a pretty bold policy on their part.  So, this raises a interesting question, as Pull was sold with his Jockey Club Papers and ended up in Frank Carper's pen, is Bliss tip toeing on the line in the sand?   Or once again is this policy not being enforced?  Hear no evil, speak no evil, see no evil?

And speaking of that very same policy that I posted.  I would love to know the turn out of the investigation into the Prince Michael colt that was sold to Phil Shirk.  After all Phil's reputation on the back side succeeds him.

A interesting point to be made, since Phil Shirk purchased that horse for one dollar only to consign to the New Holland that Monday, didn't Ed Price indirectly sell the horse to slaughter?  After all there was never any secret that Phil Shirk works for well known kill buyer, and flipper Brian Moore.

Maybe it's time for a little push, ya?

The Stalking Horse Bid.

Recently this has appeared on a major social media website.  

Of course the kill buyer is not a bad guy at all.  Despite past quotes such as "if it burned it burned."  in reference to the recent truck fire that left 30 head of horses to perish, and regarding TBs going to slaughter "if they put ten dollars a week to feed the homeless people and mistreated children, you know, this would be a totally different".  Seems as if these quotes don't exactly line up with with what Pro Kill Buyer supporters are saying.  I leave you with this.

A picture taken some time ago outside of what was once the one and only collecting station.  It seems as there is now a additional one.  

you may at this point draw your own conclusion, but I know what side I stand on, and it's not enabling the kill buyers to expand their operation.  I assume it is nothing more than the Devil in the details.

Cheers.

The Cat's Meow

           Seems as if things in PA are finally coming full circle.  Especially on the tracks for Penn Gaming.   As browsing earlier today, I came across a rather interesting post.  I was ready to break out the booze, and sing from the roof tops.  But, I shall wait patiently until more becomes uncovered.  

       But, if you follow my "the Truck is Coming Saga" and all things shady when it comes to the flippers and shippers, this name should ring a bell.  Seems as Phil Shirk just can't stay off the radar now can he?  Paulick Report there it is folk, right there.  That is correct you read it right.  And for those of you that didn't click on the link, let me just quote it here for you "Ed Price has resigned as VP Pennsylvania Horse Breeders Association after Thomas McClay horse he sold to Phil Shirk went to New Holland kill pen."   Well let's put a face with the name Phil Shirk, as Phil has made news on my blogs before for his known neglect, and mistreatment of a Standardbred left in his care.  He is also well known for his man handling, and often brutal ways of  dealing with horses.  So, without further ado.
        That my friends is Mr.Phil Shirk, and if you do some googling, you can even pull his DOT number for his "hauling" business.  

           Anyone that knows these low life dealers, know they just don't show up for only one horse.  What it leads to me ask, is one since Mr. Price sold this very horse to Phil Shirk, I would be curious as to know what happened to others?  There is no secret that Phil Shirk has been in bed with Brian Moore for a long time, after all Phil Shirk is a hustler in the horse trade, and what better way to make a quick buck than to get in bed with one of the local Kill Buyers.  (why do I feel like I am seeing a trend here amongst people?)  There is no secret that Brian has what is referred to as "direct ship" pen, horses that are from the backside of Penn National, horses that are never to be identified, horses that are never to be spoken of, and horses that are to be disposed of quietly.  It's the racing industry's dirty little secret, not so secret now, is it?  Was this a hauling job for Moore?  I mean when you look at the bigger picture, it would make sense.  As Brian Moore is very well known as a kill buyer, and would easily be recognized by his trucks and trailers.  So, what is a business man to do, simple, send in a henchman to pick the load up, after all there has to be away to get around that pesky zero tolerance policy right?   That is how it is done.  Very clear, very black and white.  The only grey area would be, was that horse left with Phil as payment from Moore?   After all, we know no one does shit for free.  Keep Brian's face in mind when you decide that it's time for your horse to go to auction, or your horse isn't running the way you would like.  My friends for something to haunt your dreams, here is Brian Moore himself. 

                                   

   Of course and I must not forget his right hand man, as seen at Middleburg, Unidalla, and of course good ole New Holland.  I present Chuck Beam or known as Chuckie Beam.

           
                 Remember these faces, know who to look for especially on the back sides of the tracks.  Know where your horses go, and even if it's not your horse, speak up, let it be known.  Often too many times people stay quiet about what goes on, so how does the problem stop if know one is willing to speak up?

             

Take the Call.

This should be self explanatory.  

         While browsing the local social media websites, I came across one of the most preposterous things I have seen in a while.  Which when it comes to the broker programs, you would think that you have read it all.  No. 

      Sundew Saves made a shocking revelation, one so great, that I spit out a perfectly good mouth full of stout.  After mourning the loss of what seems to be wasted alcohol, I decided to blog about it.  

              According to those that run Sundew Saves, there is a lack of horses at New Holland, there for driving up the price the kill buyer(s) must pay to fill his (their) loads.  And there are according to the dealers just not that many horses around.  Hmmmmmmmmmmm...

Ponder that a minute, that's right ponder it, contemplate it.  Bullshit.  Is that what came to mind with you?  Because it has to be one of the most absurd things I have heard in a long time, next to "we don't make any money off these horses" line.  

          What twat waffle fails to realize, and many of her blind followers, is that there was a very large sale at Mel Hoover's auction on 2/2/2013, that ran threw over two hundred head of horses.  At that sale of course, was Mr.Sunshine himself Bruce Rotz, Chuck Beam who purchases for Brian Moore, and a host of other low life dealers.  You can read more about that auction here at Animal Angels. ( I encourage you to read, and pay close attention to the fact that not one, but two horses had a severe case of Strangles.)

             Well, this leads to me believe two things.  One, being the absolute most important, is that making such a bold statement, will only lead people to pay a even more absurd amount of money for these broker horses, after all the higher price has just been justified in their minds.  Two, anyone who purchased horses from AC$H, should really be careful as I did spot some horses from the Hoover sale in their broker program, and that means they do run the risk of having Strangles, or being exposed.  (of course buyer beware, Bruce was there buying horses up also, however it would be nothing new, as a large majority of horses coming from Bruce are sick, lame, or a combination.  The healthy fat ones are the ones that you don't see, as they are shipped, after all he has contracts to fulfill.)  Seems as the apple doesn't fall far from the tree there, now does it Sundew Saves??

                   So, in conclusion here, you the general public will justify paying a absurd amount of a horse that was bought with intentions of resale.  I know, I know...that's not true at all, or so I have been told, thank you anonymous for sending me pictures of horses that had the green tag slapped on them, that were sold in the broker program recently.  But, I counter that..first pretty pictures justifying the cause of these people lining the pockets of these crooks.

     

        This is one of the pictures sent to me privately.  Horse appears to be in good condition,  however it doesn't mean that all is golden in the Land of Oz.    This said horse presented signs of illness, so the vet would not sign off on the required USDA paperwork to ship her.  Loss of money for Bruce?  NOT A CHANCE!  This is why the broker programs exist.  He didn't lose a dime off this horse, in fact he made his money back, and a little more.  

           I would like to ask this, since the status of this said horse changed, along with a few others, did you notify the auction house Bruce?  Did you pull a coggins within the required amount of time by the statues set forth by the state of PA?

         The slaughter of horses is a bit intricate, with a number of regulations that rarely get followed, ok, not rarely, never.  Why aren't they enforcing these said regulations?  Because there is only a small group of individuals jumping up and down, filing complaints, exposing the truths, and fighting the good fight.  While the rest is busy ensuring that there is no shortage of cash flow into the bloody hands of these crooks, and killers.  Here is another thought, I have seen a number of increased Thoroughbreds making their way threw Bruce's collecting station.  What changed in less than a year? After all Richelieu and Bouvry made public statements saying they were backing away from accepting TBs. Funny, I have seen Bruce purchase a number of tattooed TBs at auctions, not just New Holland (remember there are more than just New Holland in PA), ones that never appeared in this broker program.  Care to explain that one?  Should we talk about the backside of tracks, that you are still receiving horses from?  

 You want to know Bruce's thoughts on saving horses??  Here have a good read on the DRF.  Pay close attention to the last paragraph.  Not exactly the compassionate man, that Chicken Little and Sundew Saves paints him to be now is he?


                      Time for your daily affirmation.  Keep putting that money in the hands of these people and you have just allowed them to have a endless supply of monies to purchase even more horses,  think I am wrong, visit Ohio sometime, and look at the increased number of equines Andio is able to purchase since he can pawn of the lame, or sick on the general public, all it takes is a tug at the heart string, and plea, let's not forget the threat of that green tag being slapped on the withers.  Think about the bigger effect that  John Q. Public is having on the industry by relentlessly supporting these broker programs.  Be part of the solution, not the problem.   

              

Lip Service

     If you get anything from the racing industry, chances are it's nothing more than just lip service.  Turn a blind eye, a deaf ear, and keep racking in that cash.

           Over the years there have been reported cases of abuse and neglect, dumping, slaughter, hidden ownerships, all in one industry, the racing industry.  Despite the proof set forth, and witness accounts, the Jockey Club, including the State Commissions and the tracks seem to resort to hear no evil, see no evil, and speak no evil.  Apparently denial is not just another river in Egypt.  

         Despite the rules and regulations set forth by the tracks, there always seem to be hundreds, upon hundreds of horses slipping threw the cracks.  Public out cry, and demanding that policies be enforced seem to fall on deaf ears, or some bullshit public statement to pacify those that don't really know what is going on.  

          Here we have our latest tragedy down in Louisiana, I present to you the Ryder Ridge River Farm saga.  Look for yourself.  Lip service, not just from the track, but also from the local police.  Well, these pictures seem to paint a different story now don't they?

    Each track has their own set of policies, and regulations that need to be upheld, and those do vary from state.  But, this is unacceptable.  However this is the wonderful statement that ;
                                            Delta Downs has received a number of comments in the past several days from individuals concerned about the care of horses. We want all of our Facebook friends, and the community at large to know we are totally committed to supporting humane policies and practices regarding the treatment of horses, especially those in the care of individuals holding a license to race. We have conveyed your concerns to the State Racing Commission, and will continue to do whatever we can to support these authorities and their commitment to the responsible, effective, and humane regulation of racing in Louisiana.

           There have been numerous rumors of neglect over a period of time, and this is what they have to offer up.  I mean isn't this bad for business?  Why would you continue to let someone like this run horses at your track?  And where is the humane society in all of this?   Why did it get to this point?  How did the authorities allow it to come to this?  Apparently in a interview, the local sheriff had been monitoring the situation?  From his car, just driving by?  Or just a phone call?   Call me silly here, but I am fairly sure doing a drive by is not sufficient, or taking the word of a person is not either.  

      Of course we all know that there is two sides to every story, but I do believe in this case there is only one side, and that side is pretty damn evident.  Wouldn't you agree?

       This would of been shoved under the rug, pushed aside, and remained rumors had it not been for Remember Me.  Any assistance they have offered to help the equines has been rejected.  

              What happens now?  More horses starve death,  more shallow graves, more lip service?  Once again Equine Welfare put to the side, not just here, but everywhere.  This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Equine Welfare.  

They Don't Come Cheap

   Since the other morning's rant about AC$H, and the standardbred world.  I have been inspired to touch on a subject.  One that I do see a lot of.  Chip In for the purchase of a horse.  I see these pop up a lot, not with one particular group or another, but many groups. Fund raising for trailing expenses, the purchase price, etc.    

                Think about it this way.  If you cannot afford the rock bottom price of $500.00 dollars, which is a very reasonable price, dare I even say low price (if being sold privately, which, I guess well these are sales we are referring too.) of said horse that you want to save.  How do you intend to provide long term care, or even acute care, teeth floating can run between $80.00 in the upwards of $200.oo, not including the fact that you may have more dental problems that require repeat treatment.  Farrier services can vary also starting at $30.00 for a trim, and up depending on corrective shoeing, again we go back to a possibility that getting the hooves back to good shape can require more than one visit.   Vet services, most of the time we do a farm call, 50 to 65 dollars right there, shots 100 plus sometimes, sound checks, bute, antibiotics, holy sh*t right there could add up to 200 dollars or more.  So, there it is, and that doesn't include boarding fees (if that is the route you have to use), hay (and we all know there are many places suffering from extremely high hay cost), grain (and that can get higher if the horse requires a specialty grain), bedding, straw or shavings.  Water buckets, feed buckets, halters, leads, bridles, bits, saddles, saddle pads, riser pads if you need them, new brushes, shampoo, show sheen, detangler, treats, etc.  Are you picking up what everyone is laying down??  All of these things add up.  
                           Naturally some of you will say, but I have a saddle already, and pads, brushes, show sheen, bridles, bits etc.  But, the starting up cost of getting one of these horses that you don't know from Adam, will most likely come out to the purchase price, that person X is fund raising for, so if you cannot afford that measly 500, how in the world are you going to be able to pay for a animal that could potential cost you thousands, and to be fair I haven't added in the training fees if you end up with a behavioral challenged horse.  Food for thought on that one my friends.

                     These are the chances one takes when buying blindly.  When you get the chance to go to the sales, you have a chance to see the horse move, even if it is a flurry of 20 seconds of some jackass cantering the crap out of the horse in the ring. (Something else we shall touch on in another blog, a subject that holds a special place in my heart.)  And you can check the teeth, look at the hooves, look for any open wounds, signs of cushings (have seen a lot of them popping up), signs of strangles or other various illnesses, or even signs of the horses being drugged, yes it happens more than one thinks.  And then you will see just how high the mark up is on these horses when going threw programs.  I know many live a in fairy tale world of bliss, but that is one of the ugly truths of horse dealing, in fact the ugly truths of horse dealing, I could write a novel, or hell maybe a manual.  

                            If you want a free horse, go to the track, take a look around and speak with the racing barns, owners, trainers.  Often times you will land a horse with minimal issues (if any at all) UTD on shots, coggins, and a health certificate, trimmed up, and a known history, that is the way to go.  Do not get me wrong, I am sure there are some shady people in the racing world, in fact I know there.  But, there are people that are honest individuals and would like to do right by their horses.  Sure on some of these occasions, you will have to retrain the horse, call in a professional etc.  But, the start up cost is minimal.  Leaving you with that extra dollars for other things.  You have a horse that has been exposed to heavy equipment, hoards of people coming in and out, handled from the ground up and down, will stall with no issues, pick up feet, etc.   Who in the world doesn't want a horse like that?  (*disclaimer I am no means saying that this way is all rainbows and unicorns, but seems like a good option*)  You want that feel good moment of saving a horse, by going this route you have done so.  You prevented a horse from going to one of the many hell holes we call auctions, becoming transportation that will eventually be discarded, and even ended up on the back of a truck and on it's way to Canada or Mexico, and landing in a so called Broker Program.  At what cost to you as the "rescuer" pennies on the dollars compared to some of the train wrecks I have seen people buy blindly.   

                   Going threw the track(s) or vocation programs eliminates a lot of the price, and the fact is that you are saving two lives, not condemn two, three, hell four more.  You adopt a horse from a vocation program, or retirement fund, you have just opened up space for another horse to come threw.   Just food for thought again.

        Feel free to check out some of these available horses threw various retraining programs.  These are just two of many listings, however there is no shortage of better oppurtunties out there to adopt a horse in need, and in the process prevent another from ending up in a bad situation.  

New Vocations
The Canter Program (nationwide listings)