https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/230890/grade-1-winner-i-want-revenge-dies
The most interesting thing about the article is that a virus caught at the Keeneland sale was the cause of his death. I do hope there will be some follow up on that.
Yes, I wondered about that too! Sales seem like a great place to incubate something. Lots of horses close together, people moving about getting close to horse after horse and possibly carrying things from horse to horse.
Anyone know what the protocols are for vaccinations? Especially the pregnant mares and weanlings–are there limits to what they can be vaccinated against?
I saw this earlier on BH, so sad, he was a magnificent horse.
A couple of years ago I bred my mare to him, she sadly did not get in foal to him,
I had already decided on another stallion but went to look at him anyway, when they led him out of the barn my mind instantly changed.
There was a quality about him that the great horses have, his picture truly did not do him justice.
I Want Revenge’s Wood Memorial was an unforgettable race, showing his heart and brilliance, this is such sad news.
I feel for all the people who loved him.
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How terrible. I feel so sorry for his connections. He was quite the magnificent race horse in his prime. I remember the disappointment I felt when he was scratched from the Derby.
Surely he was vaccinated under the usual protocol for horses.
I wonder what virus was responsible and if it will be announced publicly.
Keeneland requires a coggins, EVA, and health cert within 30 days of sale, EHV-1 vaccination given between 14d and 120d before sale.
​​​​​PDF: https://www.keeneland.com/sites/default/files/Health%20Cert%2C%20Registration%2C%20Medication.pdf​​
Consignors may collect more information on each horse regarding vaccination and worming dates to pass on to the new owner. Protocols vary by farm, but most horses were current on EEE, WEE, Flu, Rhino, Tetanus, rabies, and perhaps strangles and botulism as well.
For as many horses that sell through Keeneland, disease is quite rare. Most consignors temp horses 2x daily and the horses are under constant scrutiny, so illness is noticed very quickly and treated promptly.
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Any guesses what this could be? I know that it would only be a guess…
My first thought was pleuropneumonia, commonly called “shipping fever”. Very sad.
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Thanks Mara. That didn’t occur to me.
very sad for all involved. I know the buyers were extremely excited about having him and sounds like they threw everything and the "“kitchen sink” at this illness and immediately started treatment when he arrived. Terrible loss.
