Twice An Angel
TWICE AN ANGEL (9L293, M, 2013)
DRAGON AGAIN – DARLING ANGEL – ARTSPLACE
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| Finish Order |
| Metro Glide, Mrs Krabappel, Anytime Anyplace, Jasmine Ivy, Oka, Cruisinwithmybaby, Esteemed Members, TWICE AN ANGEL did not finish. |
I N M E M O R Y O F
T W I C E A N A N G E L
B Y T I M F I N L E Y
TWICE AN ANGEL was a well-bred Standardbred mare, who was tough, and had speed. She worked hard at her job, but she will never enjoy retirement or the pleasure of motherhood. She was put to death as a result of giving it all she had in a race.
TWICE AN ANGEL was an eight-year-old pacing mare by Dragon Again, out of an Artsplace mare. TWICE AN ANGEL boasted 177 lifetime starts, had 24 wins-23 seconds-24 thirds. She earned a record of 1:52 4/5 on a 5/8.
TWICE AN ANGEL deserved more than just being killed and hauled away in a trailer after her huge, hard-working, heart made its last beat.
Some people make choices that can lead to their deaths. Standardbred racehorses have no choice. Although most are competitive by nature, they are made to work – work so hard that they bleed internally. Their deaths should not be shrugged off as if they were nothing more than machines to be used and abused.
In every sport, if a player is injured or dies while performing, it is investigated, and the athlete is revered as he/she receives prayers from across the nation. In Standardbred racing it is, “What the hell. Cost of doing business.”
Because I love Standardbred horses, and the racing of that breed, I became concerned. It is no secret that drugs are commonplace in Standardbreds when they are sent to race, which is unfair to the horses, the fans, the sport, etc. I decided to get involved in cleaning up the poor image.
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On May 4, 2021, I sent a letter, which follows, to the New York State Racing Commission requesting a thorough investigation in the death of a Standardbred racehorse named TWICE AN ANGEL, who was euthanized following her breaking down in the midst of a race. I realize racehorses break down, but in this instance, there had been a recent search of the property of the mare’s trainer. He was found guilty of possessing drug paraphernalia. To me, that threw up a red flag that perhaps the mare had illegal substances in her system, which caused her to push herself beyond her physical capabilities.
Hence, the following letter:
TIMOTHY D. FINLEY
46 Lisa Lane
Lake Worth, Florida 33463
561/480-8964 or harnessracingaction@gmail.com
May 4, 2021
Lisa Lee, Inspector General
New York State Gaming Commission
Office of the Inspector General
Church Street Station
P.O. Box 1748
New York, NY 10008-1748
info@gaming.ny.gov
Regarding: Was Standardbred racehorse, TWICE AN ANGEL, doped to death?
Greetings,
My name is Tim Finley, and I have been involved in the wonderful sport of Standardbred racing for nearly five decades. Although my personal stable of horses has been small, my interest in the sport has been monumental.
I need your assistance in helping me to understand a situation involving a horse that was euthanized following a race at Monticello Raceway for an article that I am currently writing, which will appear on my non-profit website www.harnessracingaction.com. This website is designed to bring news to those within the Standardbred racing industry that may not be found on other websites that cover news in the Standardbred sport. The website is not a gossip column but is designed with a purpose to advocate change within a dying Standardbred industry.
Following my reporting an article from the website of PETA regarding the deaths of racehorses, I became very interested in the death of a Standardbred mare named TWICE AN ANGEL, who competed in her last race on March 22, 2021, at which time she made a break in stride, according to the video replay and the race results posted on the USTA website. Horses breaking stride is common, so few people paid attention to the fact she had to be euthanized.
There is currently overwhelming news regarding the doping of racehorses, so I decided to investigate to see if this nice mare had been doped prior to the race.
I began my search by investigating the record of the trainer of record for TWICE AN ANGEL to see if he had charges brought against him for doping. Here is what I found:
02/24/2021 Y 04/26/2021 IR Possession of hypodermic needles, syringes and/or injectable and/or other drugs
Additional Details:
Mr. Sowers is a licensed trainer of the NYSGC and has been found to be in violation of Rule # 4120.6 which states no person shall be in possession of any equipment which may be used for hypodermic injection or other infusion into a horse or any vial, bottle , or cartridge designed for such purposes. State Investigators conducted a random barn search on 2/24/21 and this was the result of that search. Mr. Sowers has waived his right to an appeal therefore , he has been suspended from participation for (30) days, beginning 5/3/21, reduced to (15) and been fined $1000.00 reduced to $500.00.
Ironically, Mr. Sowers was the trainer of TWICE AN ANGEL for the race in which she perished. Because old habits are hard to break, I am wondering if the judges took into consideration the possibility that TWICE AN ANGEL had illegal dope in her system. Could Mr. Sowers have used his knowledge of chemistry to try to gain an advantage? Hmmmm!
My questions to you are, as follows:
1. Are horses that must be euthanized following a race tested for drugs?
2. Because Mr. Sowers was found guilty, why was he permitted to continue training? Why was his suspension and fine reduced after he waived his right to an appeal? Had he received an immediate suspension, TWICE AN ANGEL would probably be alive today.
3. Is it Monticello’s policy to permit trainers who use dope to continue racing at their facility?
4. Was TWICE AN ANGEL under the care of a veterinarian? If so, was the veterinarian asked to submit his/her records of treatment to the horse? We all know that vets commonly “patch-up” lame horses to keep them racing.
5. Is there something that I am overlooking? I realize there are accidental catastrophes in horse racing, so I want to have my facts straight before printing my article. If this were simply found to be an accident following your thorough investigation, I would appreciate you advising me of same. However, if your investigation was not thorough and complete, I believe I am also entitled to know of your mistake.
A reply at your earlies convenience is appreciated. My email address is harnessracingaction@gmail.com
Respectfully,
Tim Finley
Outspoken advocate for the reformation of Standardbred racing
CC: Travis Tygart, the CEO of the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) usada@usada.org
NOTE: As of June 20, 2021, I have not been satisfied with my answers from the New York State Gaming Commission, so in memory of TWICE AN ANGEL, I will continue to seek the answers she and her fans deserve. Stay tuned for updates.
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N E W Y O R K S T A T E G A M I N G C O M M I S S I O N D O D G E S A N S W E R I N G M Y Q U E S T I O N S
B y T i m F i n l e y
Latest update on TWICE AN ANGEL, as of June 20, 2021
As a Standardbred horse lover, I made a promise to the late pacing mare TWICE AN ANGEL to make certain her death was purely accidental and that she did not have any substances in her that caused her to race beyond her natural physical capabilities, ultimately resulting in her being euthanized while laying painfully on a racetrack.
Please be advised:
- I did not own TWICE AN ANGEL at any time. I merely enjoyed watching her tireless efforts.
- I do not know her trainer of record, so have no grudge against him.
- I am not doing this to blacken the eye of the sport, but to show people that we police our industry to assure there is no foul play.
- Some may believe I am carrying this too far. I am doing it for the hard-hitting mare who was euthanized, plus because I am adamant that those of us involved in Standardbred racing must take a personal active part in assuring the sport is scrutinized. Requesting the assistance of the FBI is absurd.
- My original letters to the New York State Gaming Commission can be seen on under the Twice An Angel tab in the top yellow ribbon. Because I did not receive a reply from the Gaming Commission, I took my concerns to the Governor of the State of New York.
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After sending a letter to the New York State Gaming Commission and receiving no reply, I decided to contact Governor Cuomo. That letter follows:
June 15, 2021
Tim Finley
46 Lisa Lane
Lake Worth, Florida 33463
harnessracingaction@gmail.com
Dear Governor Cuomo,
I have been active in Standardbred racing for 45 years, but in the last ten years have been very concerned about the “doping” problem. I built a website to address this, plus other matters in the Standardbred Harness Racing Sport. I write newsletters for this site which report both the negative and the positive. The “doping” of horses and resulting deaths of horses has me disgusted.
On May 4, 2021, I sent a letter to the New York State Racing Commission requesting a thorough investigation in the death of a Standardbred racehorse named TWICE AN ANGEL. She was euthanized on the racetrack after breaking down during a race. More horses could have been killed as a result of the accident, plus people could have been badly injured or killed. Furthermore, this mare was being trained by a man who was recently charged with possessing doping tools. Yet, he was allowed to continue racing.
As of this date, I have had no reply from the Gaming Commission. I am prepared to exhaust all resources, including hiring someone to approach the people involved (racing management, racing officials, the Gaming Commission, politicians, etc) requesting a video interview. The “doping” of horses must stop.
Please respond to this and let me know what you will do.
Thanks,
Tim Finley
NOTE: My letter to the Governor was effective.
R E P L Y F R O M T H E N E W Y O R K S T A T E G A M I N G C O M M I S S I O N
Merton, Wendy (GAMING) <Wendy.Merton@gaming.ny.gov>
Attachments (below the email, is the attach response as printed)
Jun 18, 2021, 11:47 AM (22 hours ago)
to me (Tim Finley)
In response to your recent inquiry to Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, please see the attachment.
Thank you.
Wendy Merton
Assistant to the Executive Director
New York State Gaming Commission
1 Broadway Center, Schenectady, NY 12305
(518) 388-3400 | Wendy.Merton@gaming.ny.gov | @NYSGamingComm
www.gaming.ny.gov
Attachment follows:
June 18, 2021
Timothy D. Finley
46 Lisa Lane
Lake Worth, Florida 33463
Dear Mr. Finley:
Your recent correspondence to Governor Andrew M. Cuomo regarding the standardbred mare Twice An Angel, who was euthanized on March 22, 2021 after sustaining an injury to its left front leg while competing in the Third Race at Monticello Raceway was forwarded to this agency for our consideration and response. The Commission has certain regulatory jurisdiction over the operation and conduct of horse racing activities. Your previous communication regarding this horse and its trainer was addressed to the Gaming Inspector General, who operates independently of the Commission.
With respect you your most recent inquiry, please be informed that the circumstances of each horse fatality – whether on-track or simply on racetrack grounds – is reviewed and analyzed. Most are subjected to a complete necropsy examination at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Animal Health Diagnostic Center. Frequently additional laboratory testing is also conducted. The Commission’s review of circumstances generally includes collection of veterinary medical records, interview of trainers and assistant trainers, veterinarians and other equine caretakers, and review of racetrack surface parameters and weather conditions.
Most significant to the Commission is analysis of individual risk factors, which we use to understand the causes underlying the injury and to develop better metrics for welfare and safety. Our risk management program is an iterative process that utilizes a real time assessment and monitoring, identification of multiple layers of risk, development of targeted interventions and protective factors to address that risk, and follow-up monitoring to adjust the program. In short, the Commission seeks to identify common factors that can be targeted for mitigation of risk as well as individual corrective actions to prevent injuries in the future.
While I appreciate your narrative regarding the implications of allowing the trainer of Twice An Angel to continue to train as possibly leading to the injury. Your timeline is, however, inconsistent with fact. Please note that your initial correspondence correctly indicates the injury to TWICE AN ANGEL as having occurred on March 22, 2021. Your narrative also correctly references the date of the barn search leading to charges of violation of Commission Rule 4210.6, Possession of hypodermic needles, syringes and/or injectable and/or other drugs, as having occurred on March 24, 2021 – two days after Twice An Angel suffered her fatal injury.
As to suspension of a trainer’s license pending a necropsy and investigation when a horse sustains a catastrophic injury, should the Commission find that a trainer’s actions or neglect contributed to the injury or death of a horse, we administer the appropriate sanction – which may include summary suspension – in accordance with the State Administrative Procedures Act. By rule, the Commission revokes the license of any trainer who has administered a substance prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Association, with narrow therapeutic exceptions, or who administers any other drug in a manner that is not an accepted veterinary practice or validated by an evidence-based treatment plan. Commission Rules forbid the administration to any horse that trains or races in New York of any drug except within the context of a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship. In 2016 the Commission adopted the Multiple Medication Violation penalty structure as part of the National Uniform Medication Program. This Program includes a point system for repeat violations. The Commission will act in accordance with the State Administrative Procedures Act to suspend or revoke a trainer’s license for continual, multiple medication violations.
A review of the Commission’s public-facing Rulings Database, which contains a searchable listing of all adjudications during the past three decades finds the trainer of Twice An Angel, Phillip A. Sowers, has not been penalized for any drug offense.
The Commission’s ongoing goal is to reduce the number of racehorse deaths and injuries to zero, and we have taken many productive steps toward reaching that goal. However, our work is not complete, and the Commission will continue to effectuate those changes that first and foremost protect the equine athlete.
We appreciate your interest in these matters.
Sincerely,
Robert Williams
Executive Director
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NOTE: The Gaming Commission provided me with a lot of rhetoric, but they avoided my specific questions. Consequently, I contacted them again, and will continue contacting them until the results of their investigation are made public.
J U N E 2 0 , 2 0 2 1 , M Y R E P L Y T O T H E N E W Y O R K S T A T E G A M I N G C O M M I S S I O N
June 18, 2021
Robert Williams
Executive Director, New York State Gaming Commission 1 Broadway Center, Schenectady, NY 12305
www.gaming.ny.gov
Regarding: Euthanized Standardbred racehorse named, TWICE AN ANGEL.
Dear Mr. Williams:
In response to your letter to me, dated June 18, 2021, regarding the death of the Standardbred racehorse, named TWICE AN ANGEL, there are a few unresolved issues, which I have painfully attempted to explain in this correspondence.
I have copied the infraction as posted on the USTA website, as follows:
02/24/2021 Y 04/26/2021 IR Possession of hypodermic needles, syringes and/or injectable and/or other drugs
Additional Details: Mr. Sowers is a licensed trainer of the NYSGC and has been found to be in violation of State Investigators conducted a random barn search on 2/24/21 and this was the result of that search. Mr. Sowers has waived his right to an appeal therefore , he has been suspended from participation for (30) days, beginning 5/3/21, reduced to (15) and been fined $1000.00 reduced to $500.00.
I presume the above to be reliable.
Mr. Sowers’ barn was searched on February 24, 2021, but the penalty was not imposed until April 26, 2021. TWICE AN ANGEL was euthanized on March 22, 2021, which was approximately one month following Mr. Sowers violation, and one month before the penalty was imposed. I think you may have misread the dates. According to the reported violation, the barn was searched one month before TWICE AN ANGEL was raced and euthanized, not two days after the race. Are we discussing dates here, or are we discussing the possession of drug paraphernalia, which casts a questionable image on the trainer?
Here is the important point. Rule # 4120.6 states: “no person shall be in possession of any equipment which may be used for hypodermic injection or other infusion into a horse or any vial, bottle, or cartridge designed for such purposes.” Common sense would tell us that a trainer who has these illegal drug paraphernalia in his/her possession is not planning to make a lamp from them for his mother. These objects are used to introduce substances into a horse, and the introductions are usually done illegally before competition. That was my concern. The trainer was accused and found guilty of having objects used to pre-race a horse. The question is: Did TWICE AN ANGEL have illegal substances in her system?
I appreciate all of the rhetoric you have provided in your communication, but you did not indicate what was done, if anything, to investigate the euthanizing of TWICE AN ANGEL.
You said, “With respect you your most recent inquiry, please be informed that the circumstances of each horse fatality – whether on-track or simply on racetrack grounds – is reviewed and analyzed. Most are subjected to a complete necropsy examination at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Animal Health Diagnostic Center. Frequently additional laboratory testing is also conducted. The Commission’s review of circumstances generally includes collection of veterinary medical records, interview of trainers and assistant trainers, veterinarians and other equine caretakers, and review of racetrack surface parameters and weather conditions.”
So, what was done to investigate this particular instance? I thank you for being specific.
Please refer to my original letter dated May 4, 2021, addressed to Lisa Lee, Inspector General, New York State Gaming Commission regarding this extremely unfortunate incident. In that letter, I asked the following:
1. Are horses that must be euthanized following a race tested for drugs?
2. Because Mr. Sowers was found guilty, why was he permitted to continue training? Why was his suspension and fine reduced after he waived his right to an appeal? Had he received an immediate suspension, TWICE AN ANGEL would probably be alive today.
3. Is it Monticello’s policy to permit trainers who use dope to continue racing at their facility?
4. Was TWICE AN ANGEL under the care of a veterinarian? If so, was the veterinarian asked to submit his/her records of treatment to the horse? We all know that vets commonly “patch-up” lame horses to keep them racing.
5. Is there something that I am overlooking? I realize there are accidental catastrophes in horse racing, so I want to have my facts straight before printing my article. If this were simply found to be an accident following your thorough investigation, I would appreciate you advising me of same. However, if your investigation was not thorough and complete, I believe I am also entitled to know of your mistake.
The questions, listed above, which were in my original letter, have not been answered. As a Standardbred horseman, I would like an answer. As a gambler, wagering on horses racing in the State of New York, I am entitled to an answer.
Sincerely,
Tim Finley
harnessracingaction@gmail.com
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I M A Y S E E M R A D I C A L T O S O M E
B y T i m F i n l e y
My efforts to be a part of cleaning up the sport of Standardbred racing probably seems radical to many, but that is the price I must pay if I want to be effective. No good deed goes unpunished. At least I am doing something.
Sweeping Under Rug
Most in Standardbred racing want to “sweep the unpleasant incidents under the proverbial rug.”
My efforts are to save the sport and to see it grow into a respected wagering and spectator sport supported by both wagering and advertising. Right now, it is subsidized because it cannot survive without welfare, but that will not last forever.
