A driver followed harness racing trainer Stanley Whittemore’s horse trailer for nearly two miles, repeatedly honking to get him to stop after one of the horse’s legs fell through the trailer floor, according to documents obtained by the Paulick Report. Whittemore reportedly did not pull over until he reached the Windsor Fair stable gate, where multiple witnesses said he kicked the horse and used a shovel to try to make it stand, Maine State Harness Racing Commission records show.
The horse involved, a 5-year-old gelding named Vogue Blue Chip, was euthanized due to a severe injury to his right hind leg, as detailed in the veterinarian’s incident report. Whittemore was also the horse’s owner; according to U.S. Trotting Association records, Vogue Blue Chip had 78 career starts with four wins, 11 second-place finishes, six thirds, and total earnings of $42,551.
Whittemore received the harshest punishment allowed by the commission for conduct detrimental to racing: a $1,000 fine and a one-year suspension. The initial report described the events before Whittemore entered the fairgrounds merely as an “unfortunate accident” involving the horse trailer. However, the commission’s investigation provides a much fuller picture.
State steward Greg Kirby noted in his report that stable gate workers said another vehicle was behind Whittemore’s trailer for nearly two miles, honking to prompt him to stop. Whittemore only stopped at the gate, where a worker informed him the horse’s leg had fallen through the trailer floor. Kirby wrote that Whittemore then “used a shovel as a pry bar and started kicking the horse to get him to stand up,” despite the leg being trapped.
Two additional witness statements supported this account. Jamie Cates observed a vehicle following the truck and trailer, sounding its horn to signal the driver to stop. After the trailer halted, Cates saw Whittemore kicking the horse as it struggled to rise and using a shovel through the trailer front as both a hammer and pry bar to free the horse’s legs.
Luke Percy gave a similar description, saying he saw Whittemore kick the horse twice and shout, “Get the f**king thing up,” before attempting to pry the horse’s leg free with a shovel. Veterinary technician Kaela Frith reported that upon arrival, Vogue Blue Chip’s right hind leg was visible through the trailer floor and dragging on the pavement.
Veterinarian Dr. Casey Whitehouse noted the gelding was standing but clearly lame on the injured leg. After sedation and examination, Dr. Whitehouse found an exposed cannon bone and a fracture, leading to the decision to euthanize the horse.
Following a hearing on September 4, Kirby concluded that Whittemore’s trailer was inadequate for hauling an animal weighing around a thousand pounds and questioned how he could have been unaware of the vehicle attempting to signal him. Kirby expressed deep concern over Whittemore’s actions in kicking and striking the horse with a shovel and criticized his decision to leave the injured horse at the fairgrounds, indicating a lack of compassion and remorse.
Kirby recommended Whittemore receive the severest penalty available under commission rules: a one-year suspension and $1,000 fine. The Maine State Harness Racing Commission confirmed their animal welfare department was alerted and given a detailed report at the time of the incident.
The Paulick Report reached out to the Maine Animal Welfare Program to inquire about any investigation or referrals to law enforcement but had not received a response by press time. Whittemore’s suspension spans from September 8, 2026, through September 7, 2027.
Fan Take: This incident highlights the critical importance of proper horse care and responsible handling within the sport. For fans and participants alike, it serves as a stark reminder that trainers must be held accountable to protect the welfare of these athletes and preserve the integrity of harness racing.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
