MIAMI – TA fifth emaciated and injured Thoroughbred horse was rescued Saturday night by the South Florida SPCA.
The horse, named Foolish Treasure, was found wandering in southwest Miami-Dade near 195th Avenue and 202nd Street.
Foolish Treasure was identified by her tattoo and is in stable condition at the SFSPCA rescue ranch. She ran her last race at Tampa Bay Downs Racetrack in 2008, according to the organization.
"After 2008, she falls off the radar," said SFSPCA President Jeanette Jordan. "she stopped running during her last race so we suspect she may have sustained a racing career ending injury. She was just a commodity."
Tampa Bay Downs told Local 10 on Sunday night that it plans to make a donation to help with Foolish Treasure's care.
"Heartbreaking and it makes me very, very angry that someone could do something like this to such a gently peaceful beautiful animal." Jordan said. "Even in this terrible state that she's in, you can still see her beauty. I'm just glad we got to her in time before she was hit by a car or starved to death."
Local 10 searched for the history of the horse on the website www.equibase.com
It shows that her her last owner was Francis Rover, her last Jockey was Federico Mata, her last trainer was Manuel Criollo, and her last breeder was John Botty.
In the past five days, the SFSPCA rescued 10 horses, including five Thoroughbreds, one Quarter Horse and four ponies.
Jordan is asking for donations from the public to help care for the more than 50 horses currently at the rescue ranch.
Donations can be made on the SFSPCA website or sent to SFSPCA, 15476 NW 77 Court, #440, Miami Lakes, FL 33016.
The SPCA is also holding a special fundraiser at the Doral Championship in March. Net proceeds go directly to the South Florida SPCA. For information, click here.