Two experienced Thoroughbred racehorses, both recently ill and with last-minute offers for retirement homes, tragically died at the racetrack this past weekend after officials insisted they compete one final time. These horses clearly deserved much better care and consideration.
On December 1st, 10-year-old Bucks Sam, who had earned over $440,000 during her career, was preparing for her final race at Parkes. She was praised for her condition leading up to the $5,000 event and was expected to retire to a permanent home with Pennsylvania breeder Dr. Mike Chovanes. Sadly, Bucks Sam suffered a fatal injury near the far turn and had to be euthanized. Jockey Maddie Roland was reportedly shaken but unharmed.
Bucks Sam overcame botulism as a foal and was named for her lively spirit. Over her career, she made 87 starts, winning 10 times and placing 37 times, though often struggling financially. She raced last under owner and trainer Daniel Velasquez at odds of 9-1 but never completed the race.
Dr. Chovanes expressed grief and frustration, noting the cruel insistence on one more run despite preparations for her retirement, saying, “It’s very sad that there are still people claiming $5,000.”
Similarly, Mid-Day Image, a 9-year-old gelding with over $540,000 in earnings, was fatally injured in a $5,000 race at Woodbine on November 28, one of three horses to break down there in recent days. Jockey Konrad Vandlov from Denali Stud had offered to help retire the horse safely by October 30th. Despite efforts to secure a home, the horse was rushed back to racing and was unable to survive his last start.
Mid-Day Image began racing for breeder Patricia Generadio, winning significant races and earning more than $300,000. After changing hands through several owners and declining in value, he was finally purchased by Bruno Schickendanz and trainer Norm McKnight. He raced six times at Woodbine before winning on a $4,500 claim on October 31st but did not survive his subsequent race.
Both Woodbine and Parkes tracks enforce age limits for horses — Woodbine prohibits racing horses over 10, and Parkes restricts those over 11. Bucks Sam and Mid-Day Image were nearing the end of their racing eligibility, making these tragic endings all the more heartbreaking.
The author questions why horses are pushed beyond their limits when aftercare options exist, challenging excuses like “This horse loves competing” or “Horses don’t feel pain.” They argue for a cultural shift in the racing industry to prioritize the well-being of horses and end their careers before serious harm occurs.
While there were efforts from some parties to ensure care for these horses, the failure to prevent their deaths reveals deeper unresolved issues within the sport’s culture.
This article was first published by the Paulick Report on December 2, 2025, in the Horse Care section.
Fan Take: This news is a painful reminder for horse racing fans about the urgent need to prioritize horse welfare over the sport’s financial incentives. It signals that without change, the industry risks losing public trust and facing tougher scrutiny over its treatment of equine athletes.
