In the heart of upstate New York, just a short drive from the famed Saratoga Race Track, a powerful movement is happening! A group that refuses to turn a blind eye to the suffering behind the glamor of horse racing. At the forefront of this movement is Horse Racing Wrongs, a nonprofit founded by longtime animal rights advocate Patrick Battuello. His mission is clear: expose the truth about horse racing and end this industry of cruelty.
Founded in 2013, Horse Racing Wrongs has become the leading voice against the horse racing industry in the United States. Using Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) data, Battuello has built the most comprehensive public record of racehorse deaths in the country. His work has appeared in The Washington Post, USA Today, Deadspin, and on major networks like HBO’s Real Sports, CNN, and ESPN. He has even testified before the New York State Senate, bringing hard evidence of the industry’s brutality to the state’s decision-makers.
This year alone, 79 horses have died in New York, a grim statistic that underscores the cost of an industry built on speed, profit, and exploitation. These animals don’t die quietly; they suffer catastrophic injuries, heart attacks, and fatal breakdowns on tracks across the state. The reality is this is NOT a sport. It is a blood sacrifice for entertainment and gambling.
Horse Racing Wrongs isn’t just one man. The organization thrives under the leadership of Nicole Arciello, Executive Director and longtime animal rights activist. Nicole’s journey began with Albany’s Animal Rights Blog, co-authored with Battuello for the Times Union. Her advocacy expanded to founding Albany Animal Rights, a local powerhouse that has consistently protested exploitative industries like circuses, rodeos, and fur farms. Her activism is paired with creativity. Nicole is also an accomplished vegan chef and baker whose work has been featured across the Capital Region.
The organization is further strengthened by a dedicated and passionate board. Lisa Kirk, with over 30 years of activism, has protested industries ranging from puppy mills to trophy hunting and once rescued a former racehorse named Twister who spent his final years in peace and love. Jennifer Sully, a veteran veterinary technician and Maryland Organizer for Horse Racing Wrongs, has organized countless protests and vigils while caring for rescued animals at home. Jennifer Christman, a licensed veterinary technician and animal law advocate, played a key role in shutting down a cruel coyote killing contest in New York and now manages the group’s Twitter presence. Susan Civic, a vegan since 1992 and practicing attorney, has long protested the racing industry, especially at Saratoga, and continues to champion animal rights from her home in Florida.
Both Patrick and Nicole live their ethics daily. As committed vegans, they embody the values of justice, compassion, and truth in everything they do. Their tireless efforts have inspired countless others to question the normalization of animal cruelty and take action—whether by protesting, writing letters, or choosing a cruelty-free lifestyle.
At CRVN, we stand in solidarity with Horse Racing Wrongs. We share their belief that no animal should be harmed for profit or spectacle. With Saratoga Race Track in our backyard, we see firsthand the dark underbelly of this industry.
With all its noise, its excess, and its VICTIMS.
We are proud to explore future collaborations with Horse Racing Wrongs to raise awareness, mobilize our communities, and work toward a world where animals are not used, abused, or discarded. The deaths of 79 horses this year in New York are not just numbers. They are tragedies, each one a preventable loss in a system built on violence.
Let’s turn that heartbreak into action. Let’s continue building a movement that centers empathy over exploitation. And let’s honor these horses by not staying silent! If you are ready to take action against the cruelty of horse racing, the Horse Racing Wrongs “Protests and Events” page is the perfect place to start. This page offers more than just protest opportunities—it also features speaking events and both online and in-person workshops designed to strengthen your advocacy skills. From learning how to effectively contact your state representatives to joining others in raising awareness in your community, these events provide practical ways to get involved and make a difference. Visit Horse Racing Wrongs Protests and Events today and take the next step in becoming a stronger voice!
