I am so upset with what happened to this horse. It is torture to the tenth degree what they do to these animal just to make a dollar. When will this all end?

Posted by: corrine koenig | May 4, 2008 10:41 AM

I know you'll think I'm crazy but I love animals so much I feel this is a disgusting "sport" if you want to call it that. I think in cases where the horse dies (and let's face it, it's only for money) the jockey, trainer and owners should die also. They are scum and what this jockey did to that horse is irreprehensible. This idot jockey should be banned from every being near a horse - what the heck - he'll get his money. Actually, the sport should be banned.
Also, the artical about anal and genital killing of fur bearing animals made me actually sick - my stomach hurts and I want to cry.

Posted by: Priscilla Beeman | May 4, 2008 10:53 AM

I hope that everyone at the Derby was so sick at what they saw and witnessed they vomited in their seats and I hope their sick feeling follows them around for a long time.
A long time ago when one of my co-workers was betting on the Derby, I told him what I thought and he stupidly said that horses were made to run. Ignornant people.

Posted by: Priscilla Beeman | May 4, 2008 10:57 AM

Maybe a few more mint juleps will help us to forget:(

Posted by: mattro2.0 | May 4, 2008 11:04 AM

HORSES & CLASS in the USA? The black football star goes to prison for electrocuting dogs. The white race horse owners get condolence letters when they murder their filly on national TV. What's wrong with this picture?

Posted by: Valerie Cohen | May 4, 2008 11:19 AM

1. Barbaro didn't die at the Preakness Stakes. He was injured there, but he did die of the injuries sustained. However, that was later. A dead horse is a dead horse and it's a horrible thing, but when you don't have your facts straight... the article loses all credibility.
2. Eight Belles was not killed in front of thousands. She was put down in the equine ambulance. It's still a tragedy, but do some journalistic work.

Posted by: Liz Morrissey | May 4, 2008 11:25 AM

How stupid is horse racing? Why don't we make people wear harnesses and be whipped because they're not going fast enough? Maybe THEN people will listen!

Posted by: bob | May 4, 2008 11:33 AM

I totally agree with your comments. I am just outraged at this senseless death of Eight Belles. Why do people insist on watching these races? It is hard to believe that we as a human race enjoy watching animals or even other humans suffer just so we can make money off of it. I wish they would make these races illegal. Of course the only way people will stop their involvement is if there is no money to be had.

Posted by: J Davis | May 4, 2008 11:39 AM

I am a faithful Peta member and an avid lover of horses, thoroughbreds in particular. I am always torn when these races come around because I am amazed by the grace, beauty and power of these horses but horrified by this sport and the tactics it uses to make money. Barbaro's death crushed me. This has finished off horse racing for me. I gave up show jumping several years ago for a lot of the reasons I will now no longer peek thru my fingers at a horse race and pray no horse gets hurt. There should be suspensions starting with the NTRA all the way down to the grooms that pack their feet. It's too much and it must end.

Posted by: Mary | May 4, 2008 11:39 AM

hi was screaming at the television with tears in my eyes while the vets surrounded Eight Belles with the several equine ambulances to block the view from the crowd, making sure to minimize the dirty truth about what happens on the track year after year.

what's worse, NBC pans to the winners circle, dancing and parading their greedy faces around the track while a poor, innocent, beautiful creature needlessly suffers and dies on the other end. just plain old bad sportsmanship.

i was in tears and will never watch this "sport" again. the anorexic/bulemic jockey's should feel hard fines that will hit their pockets since they clearly don't care about whipping these intelligent animals.

Posted by: agag | May 4, 2008 11:49 AM

Dear PETA:

I believe that PETA goals, in general, are noble. I also believe that steps can be taken to make horse racing safer. However:

When PETA makes claims like this: "it's a dirty business and no better than dogfighting" - you do a disservice to your cause.

The goal, in dogfighting is violence - that is the point of it. No one, and I mean no one, who loves horse racing wants to see any harm to a horse. At worst (and even this is debatable), there are some who are indifferent to animal suffering. Having been at a track when a horse broke down and was euthanized, I can say that the pall that falls over the crown, en masse, belies a very different attitude.

And, I can assure you, the tears that were shed by Eight Belles connections were not crocodile tears - and not only because of the money involved. Perhaps it suits your political interests to paint horsemen like Larry Jones as a monster, but that is sheer slander. Please, be above the fray.

Finally, while there are too many breakdowns, these amount to (thankfully) precious few deaths when considered next the total numbers of horses bred the US every year (though there are perhaps too many of those as well). Clearly, for the vast majority of horses, their bones can take it. Synthetic tracks may offer a better solution, but there have been breakdowns on these as well. And the horse I saw breakdown? . . . happened on the turf.

AJ Kreider
Miami

Posted by: ajkreider | May 4, 2008 11:50 AM

I agree one hundred percent. The "Sport of Kings" is precisely that: a diversion for the wealthy, with complete disregard for the noble animals which are sacrificed daily for purely inane and perverse pleasures.

Posted by: Gerard Monteux | May 4, 2008 11:55 AM

terrible. just terrible

Posted by: Russell | May 4, 2008 11:55 AM

terrible. just terrible

Posted by: Russell | May 4, 2008 11:55 AM

Greed and waste greed and waste a contnious cycle that benefits only those heartless people who couldn't care less for anyone but themselves and anything but their wallets.

Posted by: Rebecca | May 4, 2008 11:56 AM

Something should be done about
horseracing!!!! I get sick to
my stomach everytime I think
about it. Horses may love to
run, but should not be whipped
to run and make money for the
owner and rider. Where is the
protection for these beautiful
animals. Let them race with-
out the whips, and let the
jockeys earn their money.
Just think what that beautiful
animal must have felt just
before she died. Something
has to be done. At the least
whips MUST not be used.
Jan Blair

Posted by: jan blair | May 4, 2008 12:04 PM

How many more horses have to die at the Kentucky Derby before this barbaric spectacle is banised from our culture? We all heard the horror story about the race yesterday. Stop supporting this event. Look at the sponsors who have invested financial support to the derby. Don't buy thier products! Write to the Govenor of Kentucky to include KY Senators. Boycott Kentucky. Tourism dollars are big business. They will get the message when it hits their bottom line. We can make a difference so that Eight Belles did not die in vain.

Posted by: Rennie Barnaba | May 4, 2008 12:07 PM

All these poor thoroughbreds are bred for speed hence the weak bones, plus they are raced as 2year olds when far from fully developed in the skeletal regions. Very sad indeed. If not completely abolished stronger racing welfare issues should be put in place. . alas this will never happen whilst the dollar is King.

Posted by: keith | May 4, 2008 12:13 PM

"Despite the wealth associated with thoroughbred racing, for the horses—most of whom end up broken, cast off, or sent to Europe to be killed for the dinner table—it's a dirty business and no better than dogfighting."

Couldn't agree more. This says it all and is one of the biggest hurdles to overcome when it comes to ending this "sport". Dog fighting has a reputation of being violent and associated with other crimes so it is an easier argument for people to accept its brutality. Unfortunately, that is not the case with horse racing, where the wealthy owners give lip service to how much they love and care for their animals and most people see it as a "civilized" sport where it is socially acceptable to spend an afternoon at the racetrack. The commercials that air for the racetrack in my community even show a montage of sound bites of celebrities who have stopped by for a "day at the races", which adds another layer of legitimacy. Surely celebrities wouldn't lend their support to animal abuse. It is incredibly frustrating trying to convince people of the reality behind this sport.

Posted by: Gracie | May 4, 2008 12:22 PM

I am so very saddened by what happened to Eight Belles yesterday. I turned immediately to PETA to see what they posted. I would support whatever actions need to be taken to stop this barbaric so called sport.

Posted by: Cindy L Price | May 4, 2008 12:33 PM

I am so glad that peta is making people aware of the horrors of horse racing. What happened to Eight Belles yesterday if far to common. Most likely she had hairline fractures in her cannon bones before she ever left the starting gate. Barbaro suffered the same type injury as did Afleet Alex. On May 2 Chelokee suffered the same type fracture in the Alysheba Stakes also at Churchill Downs. This horse was trained by Michael Matz who also trained Barbaro. Are we seeing the pattern here? I could give you a long list of names of horses that have had this same injury. What about the ones that have soft tissue injuries or are left with joint and arthritis issues. I can guarantee you that more then one horse was injured in that race yesterday but they will suffer silently out of the eyes of the public. Ever wonder what happens to these beautiful animals after they can no longer make money? Many go to slaughter. Sorry guy, we know you made us millions but now you're costing us so you've got to go. Ferdinand, the 1986 winner of The Kentucky Derby
went to the slaughter house. He had won close to 4 million dollars during his career but could not produce foals with his same talent. Most people see nothing wrong with this sport because they are ignorant of the aftermath but shame on those that are fairly animal savvy and attend these races. Some of the same celebrities that have done anticruelty ads for peta have attended The Kentucky Derby. Peta has made huge progress in helping many other animals in bad situations. Hopefully this will start to open the eyes of the American public. This sport is all about the almighty dollar. Some of the richest people in the world own racehorses and therefore this cruel sport will most likely continue for years to come.

Posted by: Carol C. | May 4, 2008 12:35 PM

This makes me so bloody angry. Here in Ireland, Jockeys are treated like Gods'. Apart from my own immediate family, I have never met one person who sees anything wrong in horse racing. When a jockey falls from a horse during a race, there is so much concern for his wellbeing, when the horse gets horribly injured, most people only care about the money they lost betting on the race. I would be very surprised if Gabriel Saez is suspended, more likely he will be treated as a hero who went through a traumatic time. I hope that one day, somebody takes a horsewhip to him,and beats him to within an inch of his life. I only wish it could be me.
Sleep safely with the angels Eight Belles. May you find the peace and happiness you never had on Earth. RIP.

Posted by: Mary | May 4, 2008 12:56 PM

Dear Peta,

Please continue your involvement by lobbying for change. Please start with the horse racing association.

This beautiful horse's painful injury and death was due to racing as a 3 year old.
Young horses like her are simply not physically mature enough for their young bodies to handle the pounding and intensity that this long race requires. This fact and the the fact that the Kentucky Derby is a long race for such young horses has been known to the horse racing world for years yet nothing has been done to solve the problem.
If the horse racing association would simply change the age requirement to 4, this simple act would save horses from early injury.
To simply say nothing could have been done to save this horse is completely false.
The racing association could change the rule to 4 year olds.
To use common sense, to see the pattern of too young horses being raced and then getting injured, and destroyed should be enough to get the racing industry to change.
One reason that the "controversy "of raising the age limit to race just one more year remains a hidden debate and is not mentioned in all today's articles on the filly's death is....greed. The racing association and the media sponsers for the Derby do not want the public to suddenly realize that the racing world has known all this time that the Derby is a dangerous race for a young horse. A public who just saw a horse die on TV should be outraged that this horse is a victim of the racing association not being self governed enough to change to fix a problem. These horses are pushed beyond their physical maturity at 3 so these owners can get started on earning money.
How short sighted can humans be?
If they would simply just change the rules and make the age requirement 4 years old instead of 3, these horses would be much more likely to be healthy longer, and have a longer racing career.

Posted by: t minteer | May 4, 2008 01:14 PM

May Eight Belles spirit be at rest...

I admit that I don't know alot about horse racing, but I agree with one of Peta's main ideas- that animals aren't here to serve us or to do our bidding for our entertainment.
While I'm sure many people would say that horses love to race, I think it is better put that horses love to run and stretch their legs- but racing is a made up sport simply so people can gamble. And I don't mean to imply that all who are involved in horse racing are cruel, I'm sure many love horses and have dedicated themselves to the animals in ways that I have no knowledge of. But, even so, this tragic event is just another example of how an animal can be pushed beyond their ability and their needs can be so easily overlooked for human uses.
This brings to mind another tragedy of horse racing that I was just reading about again, that of the horses who end up slaughtered after their glorious racing careers. In most of these cases, race horses probably end up being sold to slaughterhouses unbeknownst to their previous owners, but it does happen, with the animals once again paying the price for human irresponsibility.

So many issues to consider, and it's just very sad that this beautiful girl died painfully and before her time.
There are already some nice tributes to her on Youtube.com for anyone interested.

Posted by: Susan | May 4, 2008 01:15 PM

I was watching the Kentucky Derby yesterday; not for the racing necessarily, but to view these magnificent creatures show themselves as they pranced around the arena. My favorite was the glorious filly, Eight Bells!! I realized at the ending of this tragedy that these beasts are pushed beyond their endurance; this racing must be stopped! Eight Bells gave too much of herself and died for the effort! Rest in peace my beautiful brave filly! I would like to make a donation towards stopping this playtime for the very wealthy; which resulted this day in the euthanization of a wonderful animal! For shame!

Posted by: Yvonne Marie | May 4, 2008 01:48 PM

I am so sickened by this tragic event that I seeked out a place to vent. I am not even a member of PETA! I was driven to tears when I learned about this beautiful animal being abused to death for profit. The agony felt by this poor ceature just rips at my heart.... I want to get involved to stop this abuse!

Posted by: Lori Bonomo | May 4, 2008 01:57 PM

I work in the racehorse industry. I am a groom. My job is to do everything I can to make the horses happy. I feed, water, clean, keep there stalls spotless, brush - and do everything they might need to be as happy as possible. This is a very tough job with long hours, I get up a 4:30 every morning and don't get to bed until 10 that night. 7 days a week. I sleep in a tack room no bigger than 7 by 7 feet.The wages are very low, 400 dollars a week. Many people would never do such a job, but I do it out of my love for animals. I'm not the only one, there are many hard working grooms dedicating there life to horse racing for low wages and hard working conditions. When you call it a dirty business only associated with weathly owners you are insulting me and basically spitting in my face. The rage I feel toward your organization cannot be put into words. I would invite you do follow me around for one day to see the hard labor I do to make sure these horses are happy before you write such harsh words about the racing industry.

Posted by: Sam | May 4, 2008 01:59 PM

Well I love Peta but I most certainly disagree about the Kentucky Derby being so bad. Kentucky LOVES their horses. The race is only two minutes long and a mile and a quarter isn't hard for the horses to run. Eight Belles's legs didn't break because they abuse them, they broke because they were weak. Thanks for listening.

Posted by: Gabriella | May 4, 2008 02:08 PM

God, this is horrible. Whom can we contact to support the suspension of Saez?

Posted by: Mary | May 4, 2008 02:13 PM

both horse and dog racing should be banned.
that is all i can say.

Posted by: ann | May 4, 2008 02:14 PM

I'm so sick over this cruelty, will it never end? That jockey should have known the horse was in distress rather than beating her. The wealth in horse racing is so unfathomable, how do you fight to end this, can it be done?

Posted by: Donna G | May 4, 2008 02:14 PM

Get them Peta!
Shame on jockey Gabriel Saez—for whipping poor Eight Belles mercilessly as she came down the final stretch, no doubt in agony from two front legs that were about to snap.
Shame on the Racing Industry!
Get them Peta!

Posted by: Holly | May 4, 2008 02:26 PM

Britain's leading Sunday newspaper, the Mail on Sunday, recently published this damning article on horse-racing. Horse racing is a disgrace.

http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/pages/
live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=559221&in_page_id=1770

Posted by: Antonio | May 4, 2008 02:35 PM

I hope all the people in the stands and who watched the race on tv enjoyed watching that poor horse run herself to death for their amusement and financial benefits.

Posted by: Kelley | May 4, 2008 02:43 PM

I am not a peta member or an animal rights activist. As a matter of fact, I am a guy who loves to watch sports and eat meat. However, I was shocked and dismayed after watching the Kentucky Derby. Minutes before the race, I noticed how small the feet and ankles of the horses were. I heard them speaking of Big Brown's weak ankle's. I also thought back to the Barbaro incident. Once I learned of Eight Belles accident and her ultimate fate, I was disgusted with horse racing all together. The site of the multimillion dollar owners in suits, all the pompous women in large hats, and the whole celebratory atmosphere..for what? It was all at the expense of the horses who do not benefit one bit from their hard work. The 2008 derby really opened my eyes, and I imagine it opened the eyes of other average all american joe's who love to watch sports.

Posted by: Ryan | May 4, 2008 02:54 PM

I'm so upset over the senseless death of Eight Bells that I can't seem to stop crying. I don't understand why we keep repeating history. Remember Ruffian, the Filly that raced to her death in 1975. If we know that young horses bones aren't fully developed and can't handle the stress of galloping at excessive speed, then why do we let them race? Thank you PETA for taking action!

Posted by: Amy Catalano | May 4, 2008 02:57 PM

Stop the races!!Why do we still need animals to suffer for SPORT? Horses are not born to run , they are whipped to run over and over again.

Posted by: Mary | May 4, 2008 03:04 PM

Stop the horse racing

Posted by: Cindy Brown | May 4, 2008 03:11 PM

The racing world is built on the bodies of horses like Eight Belles. Stuffed with drugs, beaten and abused, killed or tossed away when they don't make the cut (like the dogfighters do with their castoff pit bulls)

They overbreed in huge numbers, and that is why the racing world supports slaughterhouses, the last round of torture before they die.

THAT is what happens to MOST horses in the racing world. And no one gets to see it. It is all kept hidden from the losers that put money on these rigged races.

Posted by: kelly | May 4, 2008 03:23 PM

How awful!!! I am so sad about this!! I want this greedy, despicable jockey brought up on charges!! Scum of the earth!!

Posted by: shea77 | May 4, 2008 03:38 PM

I live in Louisville and I loathe the Derby. When all of my co-workers ask why I'm not attending any of the Derby events, I try to educate them about the cruelty of the horse racing industry. Although I hate to see animals suffer or die, with more of these horse deaths in the public view, maybe the Derby will start to be recognized as the cruel celebration that it truly is.

Posted by: Becca | May 4, 2008 03:59 PM

Truly a sickening spectacle. It grieves me deeply to think of all the racing fans who think nothing of the tormented lives these race horses are forced to endure, only whether they make a few bucks off their suffering. This "sport" -- although couched in legend and fabulous welath -- is absolutely on par with dog fighting, cock fighting, and bull fighting. All are vestiges of an earlier, inhumane culture. Anyone who partakes in them deserves jail time and needs an immediate soul transplant.

Posted by: Ron | May 4, 2008 04:06 PM

spectators and owners at horse races aren't animal lovers ---- they're money lovers!!

Posted by: bill | May 4, 2008 04:09 PM

My family has been involved in the racing industry for many years, and I have been exposed to it from a tender age. I watched the Kentucky Derby last night surrounded by friends and family, and felt their shock, as well as the racing world's, engulf me when Eight Belles broke down. My heart goes out to all of her connections, who cared for this filly deeply and made sure she had the best of everything throughout her short life.
I respect PETA's objectives and their desire to make the world a better place for animals. However, I feel that further research needs to be done on the part of this organization. To compare horse racing to dog fighting is not only hurtful, it is downright wrong. If you watched the pre-race footage, you would have seen Larry Jones, the trainer of Eight Belles, working his filly on the track in the days leading up to the Derby. You would have heard him call her sweetheart, seen him stroke her neck. The love for this filly was tangible, even through the television screen. She was in no way a cash cow. She was his reason for getting up in the morning, his livelihood, a piece of his soul.
My family operates at a defecit of hundreds of thousands of dollars. They have never made a profit off their horses since they started their business in 1999. While making a profit would be nice, it is in no way the sole purpose. If a 2500 dollar claimer with no racing talent needs surgery, or therapy, or simply a break, they get it. I know every horse's name, color, sire, dam, markings, personality. I love them with all my heart.
36,000 thoroughbreds are born in the United States every year, simply for the purpose of racing. If you succeeded in your ultimate goal of outlawing horse racing, you would deprive the world of these wonderful animals. I agree that horses are delicate, and attention needs to be paid to racing surfaces. Why not support the installation of Polytrack surfaces across the US? Why not support equine research and hospitals? To say that there is some cruelty existing in the industry, therefore we should get rid of it is as ignorant as saying since there are some cruel pet owners we should outlaw them. If more attention was paid to promoting safety in horse racing, a compromise could be reached. A sport that began long ago can continue to be appreciated, and the majesty of these animal's passion and athleticism can continue to be showcased.
Thanks for reading this.
PS. To demand the suspension of Mr. Saez, who was simply doing his job and is probably heartbroken, is like rubbing salt in wounds. Have a heart, and focus on the real problems.

Posted by: Kaitlin | May 4, 2008 04:29 PM

As a physician I can tell you this horse was probably pumped full of steroids which seriously weakens bones. One front leg fracture would make me question the use of steroids but BOTH legs fractured, I have no doubt. Peta, please make sure this death is investigated and a proper autopsy is performed.

Posted by: michelle bisutti,MD | May 4, 2008 04:33 PM

How can we stop the tragedy of horse racing? I have lived in Louisville (the home of the Kentucky Derby) my whole life. I have never supported horse racing, nor will I ever understand the "sport" that defines my hometown. It is PURE GREED. The news stations and papers here were at least "kind" enough not to show any close-up photos of Eight Belles lying on the ground (as the PETA site does). And the horse was blocked from the crowd and cameras shortly after she fell. Nonetheless, how can we stop this filthy, gluttonous, disgusting "sport" when it is supported and driven by so much money?

Posted by: Donna | May 4, 2008 04:56 PM

I stopped watching horse racing after Ruffian lost her life racing Foolish Pleasure. I made the mistake of getting involved again in 2006 and again swore off horse racing. This is a cruel sport and everyone responsible for Eight Belle's death yesterday should be punished. That horse pushed herself beyond her limits because she was being beaten by that brute. She gave her life in fear. Everyone involved horse racing should be ashamed of themselves and should reconsider what they call entertainment.

Posted by: Kelly | May 4, 2008 05:00 PM

I admire those who tend to the horses, that is a hard job. Like the greyhounds, these animals are used for sport and money. Bred to have long limbs that break easily. Why euthanize a horse who, some of us would adopt in a heartbeat? I don't understand it.

Posted by: Donna Restel | May 4, 2008 05:04 PM

I find it incredibly hard to believe that the article isn't concerned AT ALL about what happened to the rider. Are we to believe that he had it coming? That's certainly what it sounds like.

When we focus on the human implications of this "sport", it might just make people listen. A horse died. Why are you forgetting that the rider could have been seriously injured? Both the horse's death and the lack of concern about human beings make me very conflicted about PETA.

Posted by: Dante Fulci | May 4, 2008 05:07 PM

Thank you Peta! Keep up the good fight.

Stop horse and dog racing!

Posted by: Hadley | May 4, 2008 05:15 PM

I'm not sure how many of you have been around horses before...obviously not too many. I have been around horses my whole life. From helping with the foaling process to death. Horses are born to run and love to run...not because they are whipped, but because its in their blood. Turn any horse out into a pasture field and watch them run around...you can see this in a foal that is just hours old and not affected by a human influence. Race horses are like any other athlete and go through training to prevent things like this from happening. Its very unfortunate and nobody wants to see a horse go down. If you want to get rid of horse racing you might as well get rid of all sports all together.

Posted by: Abby | May 4, 2008 05:22 PM

"Eight Belles's legs didn't break because they abuse them, they broke because they were weak."

While that may be true, it doesn't make the human action of forcing a horse to run a race RIGHT. Knowing that horses naturally have weak ankles should be MORE THAN ENOUGH of a reason to simply stop this "sport." But why stop when the responsible parties are feeling no physical pain other than the pain of losing $?

Maybe the owners, trainers, jockeys should try walking around with broken ankles. Maybe then, they'd know how it feels for these horses.

Create awareness. Stop the racing.

Posted by: Kelly | May 4, 2008 05:32 PM

While what hppened to this filly was unfortunate, this kind of thing happens. You can not tell that the horse is injured until after the event because of adrenaline, even the horse doesen't know to inform you until it dies off. My family races standard bred horses (kart pullers) and unttil you have go down and dirty in these kind of sports you really wouldn't understand. They are bred for these sports what do you thing they would they say if you told them they could not serve their porpose. It may be like spending thousands on school and then being told you were useless in your chosen field. You "rights activists" speak of what you don't understand. Thoses of us that don't make 6 figures a year have a different outlook than those who make enough to do nothing but run their mouths. Horses are very exspensive the eat hundreds of dollars in food a month not to mention vet visits and other costly things. The way I see it outside of cats and dogs if it can't help pay for itself it doesn't need to be around me.

Posted by: Ryan McGuire | May 4, 2008 05:44 PM

you know i think it's a shame that it's okay to race a horse until he collapse and die but michael vick had to do time for a crime he didn't commit. peta was front and center at his trial but tell me this do you say anything about the horses??? first it was barbaro now another horse. oh but that's okay. go figure.......

Posted by: wendy | May 4, 2008 05:47 PM

What a shame! I can't understand the attraction to this "sport". Real men won't have anything to do with it.

Posted by: Gerald Kastner | May 4, 2008 05:48 PM

Funny how PETA got behind the Horse Slaughter Bill as well. It was supposed to ban all horse slaughter in the United States in effect shutting down both slaughter houses that were overseen for humane practices by the USDA.

What happened when they closed?

1. All horses are now shipped to Mexico and Canada where no governmental organization oversees the humane treatment in the Slaughterhouses.

2.Horses are being starved because owners that can’t afford feed or let go in the wild to eventually die.

Way to think things through PETA.

Posted by: AEG2010 | May 4, 2008 05:48 PM

P.S. 90% of us are good people who do not drug, beat, abuse, or try to hurt our animals in any way. We love them and treat them with the resect they deserve. My mother has been doing race horses for over 20 years she has never druged or abused her horses.

Posted by: Ryan McGuire | May 4, 2008 05:50 PM

This is absolutely unbelievable. Comparing horse racing to dogfighting, what a joke. I felt so horrible for that filly yesterday and I think it is tragic what happened but it was a fluke accident. She ran her heart out and gave everything she had. It was no ones fault what happened. She had to be put down because she could not survive and infection set in immediately. These trainers and jockeys love these horses, they are family members to them. I grew up around thoroughbreds and a lot of my friend's families owned horses. They are treated like kings and queens. This is totally disgraceful what I have read on here. What a shame.

Posted by: ryan | May 4, 2008 05:53 PM

I think its real bullshit that they did that. Ok yeah she must of been suffering but it would of healed. Instead of killing her, just let her stay at the farm and never race again. I think the whole sport whould be banned for the crulity it puts horses through for our so-called "entertainment"

Posted by: Dakota | May 4, 2008 05:57 PM

People should also contact Hillary Clinton and reprimand her for sending Chelsea to the race to bet on the filly in some sort of morbid symbolic political gesture. If Clinton is going to be our next president she should set a better example.

Posted by: John1123 | May 4, 2008 06:10 PM

I hate people who torture animals, they will rot in hell

Posted by: RC | May 4, 2008 06:15 PM

I was deeply saddened when I heard about the events that occured at the Kentucky Derby. I've never been interested in horse races, nor had any interest in horses. However, seeing the pictures of Eight Belles down on the ground and in agony completely broke my heart. The pain in her eyes deeply touched me and never realized the kind of pain and torture these animals go through just so these humans can continue to get even richer. I can't imagine doing to anything that would harm my beloved Chihuahua, so if these people claim to love these animals so much, why do they put them through this kind of torture? Pure hypocracy!

Posted by: CLAUDIA | May 4, 2008 06:16 PM

You all need to get a clue. The large majority of people posting comments here probably have never even seen a horse race in their lives. The call for Saez to be suspended is laughable at best. The jockey had nothing do with the unfortunate breakdown of a horse. You really are completely naive or clueless to think that if the horse had any problems before the race was finished. In the case of an injury such as the kind 8 Belles suffered, the horse wouldnt have made it near the finish line, nor in the manner it did, ears perked. Stick to boycotting KFC and complaining about celebs wearing fur and stay out of horse racing. You really just sound dumb attempting to do so.

Posted by: Pete | May 4, 2008 06:24 PM

There you go again. Don't make statements of fact such as the horse must have been in pain from having broken or been about to break its ankles prior to the finish line but the jockey whipped the horse so hard that she continued to race. How could you possibly know that to be the case? Isn't it just as plausible if not more so that the horse broke its ankles after the race? I agree with some of your goals such as improving the surface conditions and banning whips but the organization's credibility is hurt by making outlandish claims.

Posted by: James Bordonaro | May 4, 2008 06:33 PM

Eight Bells is just another horse sacrificed to the greed involved in all horse racing. Anyone who purports to love an animal does not race it as racing is inherently dangerous with a mature animal. Since a horse does not mature until 5 years of age getting on it's back at 1, racing at 2 and running for the Derby at 3 years of age does not qualify as "love" of a horse. Love of money and prestige is the reality of racing.

Posted by: Marceles | May 4, 2008 06:39 PM

For centuries we as humans have marveled at the beauty, strength, agility and athleticism of thoroughbred race horses. They selflessly give their heart and soul every time they run while the people connected with them make thousands of dollars. Their racing careers are often over by the tender age of three when they still have "baby" teeth and unless they have desired bloodlines they are often disposed of to the meat market.

The debate in North America continues over whether it is breeding or the racing surface that breaks them down so fast. However, no one ever mentions the fact that they start training and even racing at the tender age of two before they have completely grown and developed or that their training consists of galloping the same way round the track every day with no variety of surfaces or routine to build strength making their physical development uneven and one-sided. The fact that all thoroughbreds no matter what their actual birth date have a birthday on January 1st compromises them even more.

The "big" races including the Triple Crowns of both Canada and the USA, are for three year olds. If the minimum age to start racing was lifted and all the big races held off until the age of four or five, how many fewer horses would we destroy.

We have changed the minimum age of gymnasts being allowed to compete at the Olympics because of the damage done to so many young bodies when training so intensely at a young age why don't we do the same for horses.

It would mean that the return on investment would be delayed but even a horse with impeccable breeding is not a sure winner. How often do financial advisors suggest investing in a race horse as an investment strategy?

There will always be accidents and injuries as in any physical activity but perhaps given more time, these equine athletes would have a better chance to avoid injury due to undue stress and strain on undeveloped bodies.

Christine Richardson,

Posted by: Christine Richardson | May 4, 2008 06:46 PM

I'm against horse racing. Particully, in the US horses forced to race are only babies; 2 & 3 yrs old. Horses don't mature fully until 6 yrs old. As a result, their legs & feet bones are very fragile! I'd like to see the owners have toddlers run around the track with a jockey strapped to their backs!

Posted by: Greta Farnsworth | May 4, 2008 06:54 PM

To Liz Morrisey...

What exactly is your point?

You take PETA to task for stating that Eight Belles was put down in the equine ambulance and not "in front of thousands of people"

Huh?

The only FACT that needs to be straight is that horse racing is a cruel sport.

Tthousands of people who witnessed this horse get whipped across a finish line to her death has all the facts they need.

Posted by: liz | May 4, 2008 06:54 PM

PETA is misguided by holding only the jockey accountable for Eight Belles breakdown. OWNERS and then trainers and then riders are all responsible for the well-being of the horse. While I don't like the "sport", for now it will continue and since so many horses have died in the past couple years racing and in 3-day eventing, we need to look at why these owners and trainers are missing the cues that these horses are under stress. Who is writing the checks and pushing the trainers and riders who then push the horses beyond their limits? Horses don't quit on you. They don't know how to quit. It's up to their human stewards to look out for their best interests, and lately they have been missing the signs that these horses who have dired are being pushed beyond their limits.

Posted by: Christee | May 4, 2008 06:56 PM

It makes me want to puke to see all of these rich weasel celebrities show up at events like the Kentucky Derby, flaunting their wealth and making way over the top fashion statements. For what? to see a horse pushed to their limits and placed under extreme duress? It's got bad karma written all over it so sooner or later they will get theirs.

Posted by: Steve Acevedo | May 4, 2008 06:56 PM

Thank you Peta for asking for the suspension and investigation of Eight Belles jockey. I wouldn't be surprised if the investiga-
tion would reveal that he was negligent in his handling of this beautiful animal. THANK YOU PETA FOR BEING THERE FOR EIGHT BELLES!

Posted by: Pat | May 4, 2008 07:16 PM

How sick and sad. I wonder if politics had anything to do with it? I'm still upset over this tragedy. Let's stop this insane horse racing industry

Posted by: beachbum | May 4, 2008 07:19 PM

I just wonder: If Eight Belles could talk, what was that poor horse saying or thinking as she ran down that final stretch?

Posted by: Maria Lee | May 4, 2008 07:19 PM

Lets ban Football, Basketball, Soccer, Baseball every time someone gets hurt. Come off of it already. This stuff happens. I've seen how the horses are treated. And honestly, they are probably treated better than the household pets you love so dearly. Why not stop the clubbing of seals in Canada, and worry about this small stuff later?

Posted by: Edmund | May 4, 2008 07:20 PM

Sam, Thank you for your comments about the care you give to the horses. Some of the comments on here made me cry. Please please let's make sure we know the truth before we spread such sad exagerations. I, however, believe that the jockey was inexperienced and his quest for success took priority over Eight Belles safety. What about the owners responsibility and accountability, too?

Posted by: Pat | May 4, 2008 07:25 PM

PETA should not be asking "why did the jockey not feel anything during the ride?" Are you just assuming that the jockey was at fault? The trainers are pushing these horses too hard, the owners are in it for the fame and money. Don't shoot the messenger because you don't like the message. Do you think that a man/woman who aspires to be a jockey will starve themselves,forgo a family life, get up at 2am everyday for years to warm up,nurture, exercise, care for horses for little pay that they have NO financial interest in, move around the country,no recognition without a win because they hate horses! WAKE UP. Acknowledge the sadness in this tragedy, teach others to care for every living thing. Make your mark that way to leave on the earth.

Posted by: Docbarbaby | May 4, 2008 07:26 PM

You've got to be kidding-you actually want to hold the jockey responsible?...because he "WHIPPED THE HORSE UNMERCILESSLY?"
I'm sure my comments won't make it to this site, as reasonable a counterpoint though it is..

Um, first, it's not a whip, like you see in bad pirate and slave movies, it's a crop. And I wouldn't call it "merciless whipping", it's a signal to the horse, but even if you do away with it, which wouldn't be a big deal, it just gives you guys something to focus on...holding the jockey responsible is freakin' ridiculous.

She collapsed a quarter mile after the finish.. that can be blamed on breeding much more than an individual...
they aren't beating them mercilessly around the track-watch the race- almost the whole thing is run with these guys standing on the reigns trying to hold them back.

It's a tragic day, no doubt, but don't cast blame in the wrong place.

Posted by: kim hickman | May 4, 2008 07:28 PM

If you are going to ban animals from competing in sports, then you might as well ban the Olympics, since human beings are considered to be animals as well.

Posted by: axxis | May 4, 2008 07:41 PM

And a PS to my previous comment-I don't agree with everything PETA stands for-I'm not a vegetarian and my friends have sled dogs- but I applaude the work done to bring to light true animal abuses worldwide, as in the article on China's fur industry.

Posted by: kim hickman | May 4, 2008 07:43 PM

When I heard the race was this weekend I said a prayer for these poor helpless beautiful animals. I knew something was going to happen again. This has to be stopped. SHE HAD TO HAVE BEEN INJURED BEFORE THE RACE FINISHED AND THAT GUY JUST KEPT BEATING HER!! WHAT IS WRONG WITH THESE PEOPLE! RIP Beautiful Lady. You're with the Lord now and I hope you are rubbing noses with Barbaro and running and playing together. There was another horse hurt this past week and is given a 50/50 chance. We have to stop all animal racing.

Posted by: lauren | May 4, 2008 07:44 PM

I'm just an average person; I love animals. I followed the Barbaro saga constantly; prayed, donated money to his hospital and laughed watching him get well, bounce up and down in his brace and come back to his original life usinhg 4 legs. I hung his picture at my desk and an editorial with Barbaro in heaven running on all four healthy legs. For Christmas my husband gave me a memorabilia frame with several photos of Barbaro. I was shattered when he died; the will to live gone from his eyes. Barbaro was my hero; all heart, determination and love without condition for his handlers and doctors.

Yesterday I watched the derby with trepidation. All I could think of was Barbaro. When I heard a filly was running I was excited. One for the girls. When I saw her down I went into shock; I went into my bedroom and cried for a half hour. I watched the replay to see the bravest filly in the world attempt to overtake Big Brown; I wanted to see her in all her glory one last time.

As of this, I have made overnight decisions...I will NEVER AGAIN watch or condone a horse race, a rodeo, a horseshow or any other "show" like Greyhound racing that casts aside animals after they can't win, THAT FORCES ANIMALS TO DO SOMETHING THEY WOULDN'T NATURALLY DO ON THEIR OWN.

I hope others will join me. It takes you to make these insane sports continue.

Rest in peace Eight Belles. We love you.

Posted by: NS | May 4, 2008 07:46 PM

I normally don't get involved in PETA activities. But, after reading on MSNBC that PETA was the only agency trying to do something about the awful slaughter of Eight Belles, I applaud you and urge you on. Horse racing has to end! Certainly, betting has to come to an end. I don't care how much money they make! Pushing and whipping a horse when she is clearly already hurting is a disgrace! I am not what you would call an "animal rights activist" I am not even really political. But, this was just too much! STOP THE SALUGHTER NOW! MAKE THE ABUSER PAY! I am so disgusted. When will this grabage end?

Posted by: Bob Cabana | May 4, 2008 07:48 PM

I do not mind horse racing just like I do not mind marathon runners, though I would do it. I have 2 questions.
Are the jockeys US citizens?

In the prerace coverage the Filly never was trained to stop racing. that is a trainer thing not a jockey issue. The Filly bucked a bunch before th race like Barbaro did. Maybe we need to really look at this equine action..

Posted by: seaby | May 4, 2008 07:49 PM

How long did they make that poor Barbaro suffer? They kept trying to repair his leg then finally put the poor fella out of his misery. But it went on for months.

That's exactly what I thought of when I heard of Eight Belles' fate. At least she didn't suffer.

I watched the Derby only up to them leading the horses to the starting stalls. I saw them being led up and just marveled in their grace and beauty.

She was a beautiful, beautiful horse. Gorgeous. I am not a horse person either. But she stood out for me as a beautiful animal.

Such a shame. I hope that something will be done to spare other horses her tragic fate. I pray she did not die in vain.

Posted by: Tamara | May 4, 2008 07:51 PM

I had no idea that these horrors existed in the racing world. I know that this incident has had a profound effect on me. Thank you PETA for taking a stand.

Cindy Creel

Posted by: Cindy Creel | May 4, 2008 08:01 PM

I think you people are harsh peta should not ask to supend eight bells jockey. He did nothing wrong. I love horse racing. And thease thoroughbreds are bred to race. and this was an accident. But I will say that they should make artificial tracks mandatory.

Posted by: Alex | May 4, 2008 08:03 PM

Are you all kidding me? Horse racing is not inhumane at all. Your alls ignorance about the sport is only shown more with these comments. As a horse owner I cannot begin to tell you the love I have for all the horses I own and have ever owned. And that love does not stop with just the trainer. To watch the way a horse and jockey bond is truly special. And are you seriously comparing horse racing to dogfighting? That is just disgusting to even think about. The only similarities between those two things is that there is money gambled. Before you go bashing horse racing, why don't you try to get some facts instead of getting all of these stupid ideas and trying to cause an uproar so you can sleep soundly at night. Seriously, grow up.

Posted by: Jason | May 4, 2008 08:04 PM

I just wanted to say when I heard of this I got goosebumps - its a shame that a beautiful animal was whipped to death while everyone stood around and partyed for the winner - this sport should be stopped - cock fighting is illegal and the owners of the birds get fined or jailed for abuse - why shouldn't the owners and jockeys of these horses.

Posted by: Kathy Steinz | May 4, 2008 08:04 PM

Shame on the jockey for beating this horse just to cross the finish line. I detest this blood sport and everyone associated with it. Eight Belles you're the hero. You gave your life and they made a buck off of your pain and suffering. Shame on them.

Posted by: Linda Glandt | May 4, 2008 08:10 PM

As a person who has studied animals in particular throughbreds, I always find it hard when an animal especially one as majestic as Eight Belles is euthanized. As it was commented earlier, throughbreds do suffer more injuries than other horses, however they were bred for racing. The grooms, trainers and jockeys don't overtly abuse these animals because without these horses they would be out of a job.
Additionally, the throughbred injury does an excellent job of controlling the breeding program, to keep over-population to a minimal. Eight Belles death was a tragedy, however it is considered to be a freak accident. The likelyhood of breaking both cannon bones is unheard of. Most throughbred injuries are related to tendon problem, and small non-lifethreating fractures. Horses in general are constructed to have problems, and that is all horses, trainers work with race horses to minimalize the chance of serious injury.
I think that it is sad that a tragedy like this brings down a barrage of hateful letters, when this event outcome should be considered a tragedy.

Posted by: Dawn | May 4, 2008 08:13 PM

What happened at the Kentucky Derby on Saturday was tragic, there is no question about this. This blog and many of the comments in response to it, however, display an ignorance of the Kentucky Derby, the horses, and the people involved. What has been stated is true, "Kentucky loves their horses" and its much more than gambling. Many of you, the blogger included, have referenced isolated incidents (however factually inaccurate) to support your zeal for PETA's cause. Ethical treatment of animals is near to my heart, but what has taken place in this situation is an exhibition of overactive zeal with little regard for truth. Eight Belles died and that certainly was tragic, but the blogger and his/her supporters have merely used the death as a bully pulpit of deceit and actually shown disrespect to the horse and the people that did "love" her and treat her "ethically". Horse racing=dogfighting? This is just one more example of why PETA's basic cause is overshadowed and destroyed by sensationalist zealots. If it makes you sleep better to know you shun horse racing then fine. Just know that there are people still losing sleep over the passing of Eight Belles. They are the ones that actually "cared" for her and "love" horse racing.

Posted by: Matt Hendrickson | May 4, 2008 08:17 PM

Seriously?!

You should be informed before making statements like this. This makes you sound ill-informed and downright silly.

These horses are treated with GREAT CARE. They are multi-million animals and to think that they want them mistreated is crazy.

When they are "whipped" they are struck on the hind-quarters with the top of the whip (near the jockeys hand) so that it doesn't sting the horse and that is one of the toughest parts of their muscular body. This is done because if you actually startled the horse with a "sting" it could cause a misstep and break thier stride. So the horse was not "mercilessly" whipped.

Obviously those that are making ridiculous statements don't live in Kentucky... These horses live in million dollar "barns". They are treat VERY WELL!! Baths, massages, training, the best foods and medicine are routine for these animals daily. After retirement it isn't much different as then they are put into their own paddock... while the training and messages may not be as routine the other stuff still is for 2 reasons. The owners generally have an emotional attachment and they are breed frequently. (not a bad gig if you ask me!)

Yesterday was tragic. God made thier cannon bone about the size of human arm. When these 1200lb animals run on that it creates about 10,000psi of pressure. Eight belles hurt the legs slowing down, a freak accident that just can't be explained.

You should keep your focus on greyhound racing... these people love the animals and have forgotten more than you will ever know. You should be supporting these people not bashing them. Delve deeper before making ill-informed statements. The jockeys are treat worse than the animals.

Posted by: common sense | May 4, 2008 08:23 PM

I know that you have good intentions, but you have obviously not done your homework on the issue of horse racing. To compare it to dog fighting is very ignorant. The two are not comparable. That is propaganda being flung about. Horse racing is not like bull fighting, cock fighting, dog fighting, etc etc etc. Like another poster said, horses, their owners, trainers, and jockeys have a very close relationship. I would venture to say it is closer than any dog/cat/any other cuddly animal is to their owner. It is such a special relationship. To let your emotions over a dead animal take you to the point of ranting about a suspension of the jockey displays a lack of knowledge and self-control. If you are going to suspend Gabriel Saez, then you're going to have to suspend every jockey on Earth for doing the same thing. I'm sure that your ultimate goal is to rid the world of the "cruel" sport of horse racing and kill the passion that many people have for these animals and their majesty. I think they would rather die doing something they love with those they love, bringing joy to fans, than dying of old age at a ranch somewhere. No matter what you say, Eight Belles is going to go down in lore and talked about for years to come. "A Filly that beat 18 of the boys in the Kentucky Derby." That's something to be proud of. If you are going to humanize animals the way that PETA does, then why don't you give them the same measures of a successful life that we give humans. If you did that, then you can't get anymore successful than what happened Saturday evening.

I think that your time can be better spent elsewhere. Like saving dolphins trapped in tuna nets. Why don't you guys complain about the tuna trapped in the tuna nets? You guys only want to save the CUTE animals!

Posted by: Kyle | May 4, 2008 08:24 PM

Unfortunately this is yet another example of an innocent animal being sacrificed to satisfy human greed. Human greed is the root of all evil and is the direct cause of the slaughter of the beautiful innocent animals on this earth. Shame on anyone who would call Horse Racing a "sport".

Posted by: Mike G | May 4, 2008 08:27 PM

I am a horse racing fan but have had growing doubts about the sport because of the injuries to the horses. I came here to see if you had anything insightful to say about what happened to Eight Belles, but unfortunately I'm not getting much out of what I'm reading here. Blaming the jockey and trying to get him suspended is a ploy that I just don't respect at all. The horse finished strong and looked fine after the race until she broke down, and there is no evidence that the jockey could have done anything different to prevent her from getting hurt. I'm sure the jockey feels terrible about what happened. Getting him suspended is going to do absolutely nothing to remedy the inherent problems with horse racing.

Posted by: Mary | May 4, 2008 08:31 PM

While I love horses, and I feel for this horse, I think PETA is making something out of nothing here.

The jockey was just doing his job. Jockeys whip horses. Jockeys cannot feel when a horse's legs are about to break. Jockeys do not have ESP.

Horse racing is one of the oldest sports in the world. It's not going anywhere.

ACCIDENTS happen to animals and humans.

That's all this was. Don't blow it up into something else just to further your cause.

Posted by: Bob | May 4, 2008 08:31 PM

Posted by Horse Lover on PETA forums (and absolutely spot on):

It is amazing that a group will use a horrific incident to further their goals and political ideals.

Yes is it a tragedy this horse died. She was a magnificent creature. To turn a tragedy into a political statement is at least as bad of a situation.

Horses have been bred and used by mankind as a method of transportation for scores of centuries. And the racing of horses has been part of human culture for as long as men and horses have been together.

With regards to this particular incident, it had nothing to do with the jockey "allowed to whip the horses mercilessly". as the PETA release stated. This was one of two things - a tragic accident or a physiological problem Eight Belles had with her front legs.

I have been around horses my whole life. I have trained horses for horse shows in both beauty (halter) competitions as well as the riding classes where the talent of the horse and the rider work together. In all that time and experience I know one thing about horses - when a leg goes bad, they are in BIG trouble. A large part of this is due to the physiology or horses. In order for blood flow to return from the legs, it requires muscle movement. If they cant move their legs, the blood doesn't return to the heart and they soon start loosing the muscles in the legs due to lack of oxygen. This horse could not possibly have run for neatly an eighth of a mile after the race on two fractured ankles. When they broke, she went down.

Was this due to the fact she was on a track? Possibly but not necessarily. If this was due to a soft spot on the track (which would have had to be several feet long as the two front hoofs of a horse hit a fair distance from each other when at a canter or gallop)then this could have been a cause of the incident. If that is the case, It is ani accident. Trajic, yes. But we dont call to suspend people for accidents all the time like is being done in this case.

There is at least as much a chance this was due to an issue she had with her bones or ankles. She was previously in several races and showed no issue in those (that I know of). She was a trained athlete and it would have been obvious if she had issues with these ankles. That leads me to believe she may have had a bone issue. Once again, a tragic issue but not one for grandstanding.

It just amazes me that the cause of this incident hasn't even been stated and yet PETA immediately makes a grandstand case about it. I love animals and have ALWAYS treated them with love and respect. This incident, however, just proves to me why PETA is a group whose leaders need to check on reality.

Posted by: rathernotsay | May 4, 2008 08:32 PM

This is so devastating. I cannot stop thinking about that beautiful filly. I keep looking at her picture in the paper and can't imagine the pain. These horses are being bred to be super-horses, and they are not. I am sick of fancy hats and mint juleps and Kentucky Governors who praise the derby organizers. This must stop. This is not a way to honor an animal on the first Saturday in May.

Posted by: Rita | May 4, 2008 08:32 PM

The death of Eight Belles is a heartbreak...Everyone from little children to full grown adults are still crying over the loss of an animal that only tried her best to please humans...and look what happened to her.
I don't judge anyone else. I don't believe one person at the races wanted to lose that horse. However, it has happened before. If we dont learn from our mistakes, then we are doomed to repeat them. The officials must show integrity here and find out why this is happening and CHANGE the conditions that cause it.
Let us ALL honor Eight Belles by making her the very last horse to suffer in this unjust way! Let her death be the catalyst to END this horror!

Posted by: Mer | May 4, 2008 08:33 PM

IGNORANT PEOPLE:

Quote "How many more horses have to die at the Kentucky Derby?" No horse has broken down at the Derby since 1974. 30 years, 1 fatality, wow what a terrible track record. LEARN THE FACTS!!!!!

Posted by: Jeff W. | May 4, 2008 08:45 PM

I agree wholeheartedly with all your comments, and am relieved to hear that PETA is calling for the suspension of the jockey who STOOD UP after the wire. He is a first-time Derby rider to start with, and the right side of the televised shot clearly showed a forward shadow of his arms outstretched over his head, after the wire. He was quoted by AP as to the events that unfolded within seconds.
This is not Nascar.
Any driver going at full speed does not LET GO OF THE WHEEL, wonder why it feels, " funny," and slam on brakes.
He wrecked his ride, plain and simple. Tragic and horrible!I support PETA's crucial efforts to suspend the jockey and further investigate this so-called ," sport." It mimics slavery, in my opinion. I will not watch the next tarnished jewel of the Triple Crown on the 17th. I will not watch Big Brown and other poor horses whipped for profit. It is a disgusting practice fueled by greed; the only thing separating it from dog-fights are that deaths are not required, and should be unacceptable. May the public outrage and PETA bring this horrid practice to an end before another horse has to die on national television!

Posted by: One Disgusted RN | May 4, 2008 08:51 PM

Barbaro, Eight Belles only two of the most recent. What of those that are destroyed or negelcted because they did not have the speed th towners hoped for or what of Ferdinand - a great horse who ended up in a slaughterhouse in Japan?? No - I do not watch these races anymore nor will I allow them to be watched in my home.

Posted by: Karin S | May 4, 2008 08:51 PM

The only other forum that may get to the owners are either the Fox Hill website or the IHEA LLC, "corporation" which owns Big Brown. Look at that one---what a joke! A corporation. I cannot even stand to look at the cocky, IQ-of-his-shoe-size Rick Dutrow (trainer of Big Brown). It would behoove him to go back to his Barn 1 to sleep again and ponder what life would be like if Big Brown is also on the ground in pain only to be euthanized at the Preakness. Time for him to take an introspective look at himself just like he did in his drug rehab program?
I doubt that he would be bringing any fresh grass like the Jacksons did for Barbaro.
I doubt he would have the support on the UPenn website
nor his "corporation" would show up lest to pay a bill.
At least classy Michael Matz and the Jacksons seemed like decent human beings, albeit I have witnessed my last horse race.
Enough of these senseless tragedies. Enough.

I cannot watch another race.
Albeit just a horrible tragedy for that beautiful filly, but what better a venue than the Kentucky Derby for the nation and much of the world to have watched this. When will this end?

Posted by: D | May 4, 2008 08:55 PM

i am so sick about this,any "sport"using animals should be banned!some say horses like to race,yes but i am sure they don't like to be whipped!!! end the cruelty!love animals,i quess to some,money is more important than the welfare of animals! sad,stop the whipping!please,,

Posted by: kristen | May 4, 2008 08:59 PM

I watch in shock as this tragedy unfolded.
What a vulgar display of greed and indifference towards the suffering of this wonderful horse.
One minute she was alive and healthy and the next minute, after she made a lot of people alot of money, she was hurt and killed. ...and the party continued on.

How shameful does it get...fancy hats and all...

Posted by: Sharron | May 4, 2008 09:00 PM

Valerie Cohen's post hit the nail right on the head. You can't expect reasonable people to listen to you when you alter a story to fit your cause. Yes, both the Preakness and Kentucky Derby were directly involved in the death of both animals, but neither event went down the way PETA portrays. Your organization lives and dies by "The ends justify the means," mentality, which fools only the foolish. I could take horse racing or leave it, but if you want to make real changes for these animals you might want to seek more support than the minority of animal's rights extremists (note the extremists) in this country. Nobody likes what happened on Saturday, and I'd love to see a safer environment for these animals, but everytime PETA goes in guns a'blazin nothing ever changes. Horse racing is here to stay, find the middle ground.

Posted by: Christopher Gunnare | May 4, 2008 09:04 PM

Yes it is terrible that this animal died. However, for one of the posters here to call for the death of the jockey, trainer and owners as some type of restitution is just plain ignorant. As far as calling for the banning of the Kentucky Derby, good luck. This event has been going on for 134 years with the unfortunate deaths of several horses during that time. Prattling on about this will get you all nowhere. There is far to much money involved. Unfortunate as it may seem, this "sport" will continue on for another 134 years or longer.

Posted by: Bob Arrow | May 4, 2008 09:08 PM

It is all about the MONEY, MONEY, MONEY. Simle as that!!!! Eight Belles should never had died. She was just a baby. I hope that charges will be brought up to the jockey who kept whipping her right to the very end. DISGUSTING AND BARBARIC. I hope those people who were there and had parties got their money worth.

Eight Belles, I hope you are running pain free with Barbaro and all of your friends who faced the same fate as you!!

Posted by: Victoria Jean | May 4, 2008 09:10 PM

The comment posted proposing a boycott of the State of Kentucky needs the most serious consideration. A boycott would create media follow-ups on this issue, if it was disseminated through PETA's media connections, because PETA has a recognized ability to motivate publicity around an issue it stands up for.

If every animal rights activist in the world stopped supporting Kentucky and the derby's corporate sponsors, it may not make a great dent in financial bottomlines, especially in the derby revenues, but it would send an important message nonetheless. That is that PETA and the world's animal rights activists are going to take a moral stand against this sport for the sake of all the horses who have ever been and continue to be abused by it.

I believe PETA's calls for specific changes in its immediate response to Eight Belles' death undermined the moral stand that must be made, of stopping horse racing because it is an inherently cruel sport.
Thelist of changes may have been seen by the organization as a compromise needed because of the overwhelming odds that the sport will cease, still I believe that the public moral outrage from such a wide-viewing audience needed to taken of advantage. To give this sport's supporters room to wiggle at this moment in time does nothing to take advantage of a moment in history that called for total outrage with a threated worldwide boycott. In Belle's memory and for all horses still imprisoned miserably, PETA could have "Seized the Day."

Posted by: susan yacenda | May 4, 2008 09:19 PM

This is crazy. Not the factthe horse had to die but the fact he people actually care more about animals than people. I think I want to start an organization called EHOTWW pronounced "AGH" it means Everybody Has Opinoins Thats What's Wrong.

Posted by: crazy man | May 4, 2008 09:21 PM

I wish that some of you folks could open your eyes a bit to the reality of life. That was about a 2,000 lb. horse laying out there on that track, that couldn't stand up on its own because of its two broken ankles. What is there to do? Pick her up on your back and carry is off to a barn to hang there in a sling for a slim chance to ever walk again? The vet himself said that this was one of the freakiest accidents that he had seen, and that it was unheard of for this to happen. Give the industry a break, nothing they did killed this animal. Nature did.

Posted by: coreyky | May 4, 2008 09:25 PM

What took place during this year's Kentucky Derby was a complete tragedy. The mistreatment of these animals has been ignored for way too long. I am aquainted with the authors (Shane Sellers and Tricia Psarreas) of a recent autobiography titled Freedom's Rein. This book speaks about owners(one imparticular) and the fact that it is often known that some of these horses are injured and in no condition to be racing well before anything steps foot on the track. It shouldn't have taken something like this for people to stand up and take notice. Now that it has though, it is bound time to make a change!

Posted by: Sheryl | May 4, 2008 09:34 PM

Thank you PETA for speaking up........I'm devestated by the inhumaness of man.......the latest w/this beautiful horse.......we should ban animal races altogether........my heart is so heavy. Thanks for your courage in speaking out.

Posted by: Miriam Scott | May 4, 2008 09:41 PM

I was so upset and repulsed by what happened to Eight Bells that we immediately left the Derby party we were attending. I will never, ever watch another Kentucky Derby.

Posted by: jeanne walpole | May 4, 2008 09:43 PM

Quote from above-
How many more horses have to die at the Kentucky Derby before this barbaric spectacle is banised from our culture? We all heard the horror story about the race yesterday. Stop supporting this event. Look at the sponsors who have invested financial support to the derby. Don't buy thier products! Write to the Govenor of Kentucky to include KY Senators. Boycott Kentucky. Tourism dollars are big business. They will get the message when it hits their bottom line. We can make a difference so that Eight Belles did not die in vain.
Posted by: Rennie Barnaba

This is the first horse to ever die in the Kentucky Derby since it started in 1875, and as the longest running horse race ever I would say that means its a pretty rare event...

Surely as Animal guardians you have something better to do then boycott a state based on a horse race. Then again you would surely have to boycott Maryland, New York, Florida, California and all the rest that enjoy these events.

Maybe instead you should ban highways as there is roadkill about every mile or so. Or would that inconvience you?

Its a horse- and while I was very sad to see the events unfold after the race, it is comical that many of the people on this board are so upset when millions of animals are killed a year in this country alone. In Peta's eyes should all horse riding be banned? Even for police officers? And then we should ban sniffer dogs even though they find drugs and explosives? I am pretty sure Peta values animals over humans which is fine and your right, but man is it misguided.

And calling Hillary culpable to Eight Belles death is ignorant. Then all the people on this borad who watched it happen are just as guilty as she. If PETA wants to win thier cause, at least present the argument with intelligence instead of emotion fervor. It makes the whole group look as bad as religious fanatics.

Posted by: Elmer | May 4, 2008 09:50 PM

Someone need's to look at the farrier's that fitted both Barbaro and Eight Belles shoes to see if they were also at fault.. These two event's are much too similiar & unnecessary..

I read a comment about Eight Belles on another blog from someone that saw her exercising several day's prior to this Saturday & they said she was showing sign's of leg weakness during the exercising.. So the trainer is also at fault here..

Horse racing used to be the King of Sports now it is all about gambling.. If you want a horse to lose you bribe the trainer or the jockey or the horses handler's, or worse..

And how can Bo Derek claim to be supporting the cause of horse slaughter when she attended the Kentucky Derby and saw this poor horse suffer and get put down.. What an oxymoron that is..

My uncle was a jockey many years ago & rode for Sunny Jim Fitzsimmon's he was killed during a race when the horse stumbled & threw my uncle who got stepped on & crushed by the horse..

People & animal's shouldn't get killed or maimed during a sport event because then it is no longer a sport..

As I watched this race on tv Saturday & saw Eight Belles go down I knew what was going to happen to her & was so very angry at her trainer & the jockey.. The jockey I know could tell she was having a problem since the rider always know's their horse..

Posted by: NanaPat | May 4, 2008 09:52 PM

I would like to make a point known that I have a horse off the track. He is wonderful. Although there are some flaws in horseracing (steroids, abuse, ect) not all track owners are bad. I worked for one; he loved his horses and would never put them in harms way. Most horses on the track love their job; running is natural for them. Accidents happen; it's unfortunate for the death of
Eight Belles, but I've seen many good horses put down; it's a fact of life. She was not "run to death" as the fall happened AFTER the race.

Please, learn your facts before you try to get a jockey suspended for doing nothing wrong.

Barbaro had an infection that could not be treated which lead to his death.

p.s. the "whips" that are used do not actually hurt the horse. It's the sound that startles them and encourages them to run. It's not cruelty. I carry one with me everytime I ride.

Posted by: Shannon | May 4, 2008 09:58 PM

You know, I been around horses for 32 years, have owned and loved them...and I have worked for vets in the past. Eight Belles probably had some sort of injury in those ankles and I will PUT MONEY ON IT that they did a procedure called "blocking" - to simplify - it numbs the nerves so the horse can run. And, if it breaks down after, they don't care, because the horse has served it's purpose. You would be surprised how often that happens. It makes me SICK - I quit working for vets, and reported that vet and the owners when I left. My fiance bought my latest horse for me, and she was off the track - at the first bit of injury, at least her trainer pulled her off, and sold her to him, instead of choosing to abuse her. I am happy to say, she is sound, and loved. Not all trainers are heartless people... But, if they blocked her and ran her, she would have had the similar fate of Eight Belles. God bless her.

Posted by: Kelli | May 4, 2008 09:59 PM

There is so much ignorance on display in this blog it's unbelievable. I won't bother to point it all out, you'll keep repeating the same incorrect facts.

Posted by: Steve Elliott | May 4, 2008 10:02 PM

Sam, you may have to work a hard day to earn your wages, but you CHOSE to do that kind of work. Eight Belles did not have a choice. At least you are still alive today. You weren't the one to sustain broken legs all for human "entertainment". You weren't the one to get killed when you were of no use to your owners.

Gabriella, you said "a mile and a quarter isn't hard for the horses to run. Eight Belles's legs didn't break because they abuse them, they broke because they were weak." Your comments are horrific! So now it's the horse's fault for having weak bones?????? And I guess the whipping part somehow isn't abuse either... WTF?

Posted by: Michele | May 4, 2008 10:19 PM

Last night I looked for a place to post a comment. I couldn't believe PETA didn't have something to say. I posted on the ASPCAsite so I at least could sleep. Anyone who really believes these horses have an inate need to run as fast as possible with another animal on their back that whips them to run faster, on such tiny ankles, has such a distorted view of why we are put on this planet in the first place, that years of continued evolution will not make a difference. Perhaps it is the rediculous wearing of the hats that couse some brain function to be squeezed off. I am so tired of the folly of 'humanity'.

Posted by: nursiebear | May 4, 2008 10:21 PM

My rebuttal is directed to Sam, the horse groomer. Your hard work and dedication to your line of work is admiral. However, by your own calculations of the hours you work and your $400 weekly check, this supposed ethical and humane industry is not even paying you the minimum wage. Sadly, for the horses, they receive even less compensation and risk their lives day in and day out. Any industry that uses animals as a form of entertainment and monetary gain and does not even pay their dedicated groomers a living wage should be banned, embarrassed and criminally prosecuted.

Posted by: Ken | May 4, 2008 10:30 PM

You all need to get it together. Animals are here for human use. Regardless of how much you all want to complain about how animals are treated, guess what, it's called LIFE. Animals are not here to be treated as humans. They have no soul, they don't think, therefore, they are an inferior species, hence why humans use them for work, food, etc. That's how it works, and if you don't like it, guess what, nothing's going to change. Deal with it. I've been a farmer for 28 years. Without animals, we wouldn't survive. Whether it be food, plow animals, etc., we wouldn't survive without them. And it's not because we treat them like people. They're too stupid to be people, therefore, that's why they end up being food somewhere. If you can't handle that, eat a bullet because you're too stupid to be a human.

Posted by: Matt | May 4, 2008 10:32 PM

Dear Peta,

Race horses are treated like Kings and Queens. I response, they run like stock-cars. Horses do fall, and although it is sad, it happens. The owners cry, because over the 3 years that they have gotten to know the horse, they lost a friend. I live in Kentucky and there are many race horse farms. I have met many owners, trainers, and jockeys. All who care about the horses.

I attended the Kentucky Derby. When the horse went down he was holding the horse along with the owner who was rubbing its head. This showed how much they cared.

Now for the people who dont want to cash there tickets won with eight belles, they are just giving more money to Churchill Downs by not cashing it. So if you have a ticket CASH IT.

Finally, if PETA investigated the race horse retirement farms, they would wish they lived there themselves. Horses get tons of space to run around all day and play with other horses. The stalls are very nice and well kept and they are treated like household pets.

So to conclude. Race horses are paid back for what they do and they are treated like Kings and Queens.

Posted by: Josh | May 4, 2008 10:33 PM

I, unlike many of you, applaud the euthanization of Eight Belles. I bet a tremendous amount of money for him to win and he only placed? He should have been put down regardless of condition following that poor finish. Thank you.

Posted by: Wayne Gregskee | May 4, 2008 10:34 PM

Hey, look it is not the jockeys fault that Eight Belles broke her legs. Horses running on that tough dirt can get hurt very easily. Also when that happens it is all part of God's plan. Yes it may be very very sad but guess what nobody will ever know how that happend and it is so stupid to blame someone if you don't even know how it happened!!! It was a hard loss but... once again you cannot blame someone if you have no idea who it was! I am very angrey with your choice. The jockey did not break the horses legs just by whipping them. This is what I would tell that Jockey," You should fight because most of us know (including me) that it is not your fault that Eight Belles broke her legs!" I hope that the person who is charging the jockey is reading this because THIS IS THE TRUTH!

Posted by: not telling | May 4, 2008 10:40 PM

I am glad to see that PETA is taking on this issue. I was so saddened to see that this horse was killed. She was killed only because she could no longer race. Sure, her wounds could heal in time with care and nursing, but being a race horse, her owner had no longer a use for her. This is shameful and abusive.

Posted by: Jim | May 4, 2008 10:42 PM

Everyone attending or watching the Kentucky Derby is guilty to some degree of putting Eight Belles in an early grave. What a snobbish uppity "sport" that is no more than a smug display of wealth, animal abuse & greed by money grubbing horse owners & gamblers.

When are humans going to have enough empathy for the so called "lesser species" & stop the exploitation of voiceless victims.

Posted by: Gina | May 4, 2008 10:44 PM

I am not a member of PETA but now intend to become one. PETA's call to sanction the rider and owners of Eight Belles is right and just. My whole family is appalled by the horrible tragedy at Churchill Downs which never should have happened if the owners had made the obviously correct choices in the first place. Shame on you for putting your profit above the welfare of a beautiful animal.

Posted by: phyllis (filly) hawkins | May 4, 2008 10:55 PM

I understand that peta members are very passionate about the cause. I get it. What I don't get are the comments that say that the owners, trainers, and jockeys should be "killed the same way the horses died". I mean seriously? This shows you value the life of an animal more than a human.
I am very sad that she died. It is tragic. Eight Belles did not die racing. She was galloping as she would if she were in a field. The jockey was not whipping her when she fell.
I am sure that no one who is insulting the jockey, owner, trainer etc have ever had a chance to ride a beauty like Eight Bells. But for anyone who has had the opportunity to ride a race horse, this is what they live for. The same way my lab loves to swim, the horses love to run. That is what they want. The trainers (as a whole) treat these horses better than they treat themselves. As for the groomer who left the comment, a applaude you. Stand up for your profession. Stand up for the horses. What does PETA want to do with these beauties, leave them to pasture? These horses are much better off being treated as royality than being set off to pasture. Living in the horse capital, I know these barns and stables are much better than my own new house. Just get a clue. If you are going to comment to the media, know what you are speaking of. Barbaro was not put down at a race, he died later. And Eight Belles was humanily put down out of view of anyone but her loving owners, not infront of millions of viewers.
You are making your organization look worse than you already do by reporting inaccurate facts. Once again. get a clue.

Posted by: Katie | May 4, 2008 10:56 PM

First, for the record let me state that I am an animal lover and dog owner (although that is probably against what PETA stands for). I also find horses to be beautiful, majestic creatures created by God. But...

"whipping poor Eight Belles mercilessly as she came down the final stretch, no doubt in agony from two front legs that were about to snap."

Wow...little dramatic don't you think? Yeah, no doubt in agony from two front legs that were about to snap...hindsight is 20/20, come on. Amateur journalism and melodrama at its finest! That's the problem with all you activist types. You have no concept of reality and you blow everything out of proportion?. I find it ironic how this organization (and the people who support it) value the life of an animal over that of a human. You are more concerned about what happened to the horse than the jockey riding it who could have been seriously injured when the horse went down. And then there are the consummate bozos like Mary who hope that someone beats the jockey within inches of his life one day. Unreal. Double standards there Mary or are you seriously more concerned about the rights of animals than those of people?

While I was sad to see the tragic events of Saturday unfold as they did, I still came away with a grip on reality. Professional athletes (horses included) are at risk of serious injury every time they step out on the field or court, but you don't hear people calling for the heads of owners, general managers and coaches when a young basketball player collapses and dies after practice. Injuries and deaths happen...it is unfortunate that this happened on national TV because all it did was get all of the animals rights activists in an uproar over a rare incident.

For those of you who didn't watch or listen to what was said...many of the commentators and even the on site veterinarian said that they had never seen a horse break both of its ankles during a gallop...for all we know the horse could have had an aneurysm and collapsed. But leave it to PETA to condemn the jockey and dramatize the whole thing in the hopes of furthering your activist agenda.

Posted by: Ritt77 | May 4, 2008 11:01 PM

In regards to AJ Kreider's comments regarding the differences between horse racing and dog fighting, I would argue that he is incorrect on a major point. The goal in most dog fighting is not violence but money, just as in horse racing. The major similarity between the two "sports" is that the animals are used as a means to an end. Does the pain of breaking two ankles change depending on whether or not the owners want to see the animal hurt? The fact that horse racing spectators may not want to see the animals hurt does not make a difference - horses still are being abused and the pain that they experience is not lessened because their owners are supposedly nicer or more caring than dog fighters.

Posted by: Meredith | May 4, 2008 11:10 PM

I think that what made me most sick about this is that right after the horse went down the camera went to the owners of Big Brown. They were laughing and screaming and so happy. Even if they weren't aware that there was a problem, the camera crews were. They instantly started to downplay what was happening on the track. They sure weren't showing the people who were crying and concerned. That poor horse lay in the dirt agonized, trying to get back up while people held her down so they could put her down forever. And the pictures of the jockey make me sick. He just gets up and walks off almost immediately. Did he have no feelings at all for what that animal had just given up for him? The owner stated that he knew that the horse had run the race of it's life. Is that supposed to make anyone feel better about it? I've heard race fans coming up with so many stupid excuses, saying that those horses WANT to run. I'm sure they do enjoy running but I doubt they would keep running if they felt the horrible pain of their ankles getting ready to break. That horse had no choice. She was being whipped non stop at the end and no doubt kept going to make the humans around her happy and rich. These animals are bred for speed not a safe, sturdy body. It just makes me ill. I have lived in Kentucky most of my life and have been around horses since I was a little girl. Horses are intelligent and feel pain just like us. I think they deserve our respect and these owners should respect the animals that are lining their pockets. And the jockey should be suspended and lose his money from this race. From what I could see he showed very little regret about what happened and that makes me sick.

Posted by: Brooke Montgomery | May 4, 2008 11:11 PM

IT WAS A TRADGEDY AND A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT. THATS ALL IT WAS AN FREAK ACCIDENT.THERE WAS NOTHING THE JOCKEY COULD HAVE DONE DIFFERENT TO SAVE EIGHT BELLS FROM GOING DOWN. WHEN HE SAID HE FELT HER RUNNING FUNNY THE DAMAGE WAS DONE AND SHE WENT DOWN.