The counter-protestor's sign should have said "Horses are born to run - in circles while being beaten senseless by people in clown suits."

Posted by: Maya, CVT | May 7, 2008 04:57 PM

I still cannot believe that the human race became so heartless. How can we use such a nobil animal for our pure gratification and financial gain? I still wake up in the middlle of the night and cry and feel terroble for that horse. How can we bring such a great animal to the last drop of energy and with such a force? I cannot imagine - not in my wildest dreams. Does anyone agree that this has to STOP?

Posted by: Monica | May 7, 2008 10:11 PM

I don’t know if you are aware but there was an incident in Stratton Colorado where a dog breeder (Troy Tagtmeyer) was charged with 46 counts of animal cruelty when the sheriffs department found 41 apparently starved to death dogs and 6 in critical condition. I feel sorry for these dogs and I don’t really know what I can do. If you want to see more on this subject please visit channel 9 news in Denver website.

Posted by: Jon Cisneros | May 7, 2008 10:33 PM

The article itself is ok, but reading the comments posted along with it is quite disheartening. Why do people have so much hate for PETA? I just don't get it!!

Posted by: Leslie Phillips | May 7, 2008 10:36 PM

Have you actually read the comments after this article? All the people seem like inbred, retarded morons. Not very comfortable reading, knowing that there are people like that in the world. I'm going to make a suggestion that we should race them instead of the horses...

Posted by: Daryl | May 8, 2008 03:18 AM

WE NEED MORE PROTESTS AT ALL TRACKS. BUT WE KNOW THE PREAKNESS WILL GO ON VETS AND ALL INVOLVED CAN AND WILL BE BOUGHT OFF. FOR THE GREED FACTOR, THE EVENT SHOULD BE NAMED THE "GREEDNESS"
NOW FOR ALL THOSE HEARTLESS PEOPLE THAT SAY ITS JUST A HORSE, YOU FAIL TO UNDERSTAND IT IS THE PRINCIPAL OF ALL ANIMAL ABUSE, CRUELTY AND EXPLOITATION, ETC. SINCE SOME HUMANS HOLD ALL ANIMAL LIFE SO CHEAP. BUT WHEN HUMANS KILL FOR A CAR, YOUR SHOES OR WHATEVER THEY FEEL LIKE STEALING, AND THEY GO TO ABORTATION CLINICS LIKE GOING TO A CARWASH, WHAT KIND OF COMPASSION DO YOU THINK THEY WILL GIVE TO AN ANIMAL. THE WORLD IS ONE SICK SOCIETY. THANK GOD FOR PETA AND FOR ALL THE PEOPLE THAT ARE TRYING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR ALL ANIMALS. PLEASE CONTINUE TO KEEP UP THE PRESSURE. GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU.

Posted by: SHARIE DELLA | May 8, 2008 07:42 AM

Deadspin aside, I'm a little (not a lot) suprised and dissapointed at the insensitivity surrounding the unfortunate death of what so-called "Animal Lovers" call a beautiful animal (To me all animals are beautiful in different ways).

Just when you think people would rally around and say this is a real shame and support PETA and other animal activists on this issue, attacks toward those who are truly compassionate come flying from many media outlets and so-called "Journalists".

Take a look at this article -http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/story/523670.html. This columnist claims he knows what the animal is thinking. In short and in my opinion, he's basically saying "Eight Belles" wanted to be beaten to death.

Unfortunately, there is still a real lack of empathy toward others and we as human beings have a long way to go to create a peaceful world. Isn't that what we want?

BTW, Horses ARE born to run ... FREE!

Posted by: Eric Silberstein | May 8, 2008 08:30 AM

I think the owner of Big Brown
should be investigated.
He already was found guilty
of drugging 2 horses and they
were disqualified. Who is to
say Big Brown isn't running
on steroids or something.
And the bigger question is
why is Big Brown running again (in a 2 week period)
when they openly admit he
has bad feet. Are we waiting
for another tragedy at the
Preakness??????
When does the racing board
step in and refuse that these
horses with ailments, bad feet, prior injuries, cannot
run. Seems to me alot of
people turn a blind eye for
the "SPORT". Take a look at
Eight Belles down on the dirt
and call it a SPORT.
Shame on all involved.

Posted by: judi mueller | May 8, 2008 10:11 AM

but why?!!? why would you blame the jocky! he wasn't beating her so bad! Horses are born to run! I'm 13 and I'm In love with the sport of horse racong not because i like winning money but because of the horses! and so are most trainers and jockeys

Posted by: Danica | May 8, 2008 11:25 AM

Jon writes: "Why do people have so much hate for PETA? I just don't get it!!"

The reason you are a fringe organization, with little support from the majority of Americans (you know, those stupid people who just don't get it)is becuase your motives are highly suspect.

You issue a press release calling just for Congressional investigations on hoarse racing, but your web page actually calls for an end of the support in general. Its deceptive.

PETA needs to come clean and admit that any sport invloving animals (ie., dog/hoarse racing, horase back riding, hunting and fishing)or any business that invloves animals being harmed in any way (ie., all meat, chicken, fishing industries)needs to be banned. Killing, by PETA's definition is unethical. Thus, no sport, recreation or meating eating of animals.

I seen PETA protest involving lobster fisherman, carts and buggies in NYC, deer hunting and chicken farmers.

It might surprise all of you, but some people think very differently and there opinion is no less important that yours.

I have seen crimes involving theft, trespassing and threats of violence involving members of PETA. Your orginaization will not stop until all hunting, fishing, animal recreation, meat/fish/chicken/pork eating is banned.

But, like the majority of Americans, I'm just not smart enough like you to understand the issues at hand.

It will be interesting to see if PETA allows this to be posted. I also noticed PETA are allegedly open minded, except when it requires them to listen to the other side. Then they often, but not always, censor it.

Posted by: Bryon | May 8, 2008 11:38 AM

Leslie,

I wouldn't be the least surprised if some of these anti-PETA posters are actually industry shills pretending to represent the views of the average Joe. Animal-exploitive industries stand to lose a lot of money if PETA initiatives are enacted and, as proven countless times, they always put profit ahead of the humane treatment of animals.

Others may suffer from guilt, knowing what the right thing to do is, but being too lazy, too complacent or too unmotivated to do it. They then defensively attack others who do try to make the world a better place for animals.

Posted by: Mike Quinoa | May 8, 2008 11:48 AM

I'm a carnivore and I used to bet on horses for fun and to gain a few bucks here and there. But thanks to PETA, though I still love my steaks, I truly am angered by what happened to Eight Belles. I will stop supporting horse racing. My heart dropped to the ground after seeing the horse collapse. Anyone bothered to figure out what happens to horses that no longer make money for owners? Might want to research that. Keep up the good fight, PETA

Posted by: Archie | May 8, 2008 02:08 PM

First of all to answer your question, people hate the peta for SOME reasons. The first time I heard of them is when eight Belles died and they were trying to stop the art of horse racing. You guys need to focus more on bull fighting to me, because some this happen with accidents with horse racing.

"WE NEED MORE PROTESTS AT ALL TRACKS. BUT WE KNOW THE PREAKNESS WILL GO ON VETS AND ALL INVOLVED CAN AND WILL BE BOUGHT OFF. FOR THE GREED FACTOR, THE EVENT SHOULD BE NAMED THE "GREEDNESS"
NOW FOR ALL THOSE HEARTLESS PEOPLE THAT SAY ITS JUST A HORSE, YOU FAIL TO UNDERSTAND IT IS THE PRINCIPAL OF ALL ANIMAL ABUSE, CRUELTY AND EXPLOITATION, ETC. SINCE SOME HUMANS HOLD ALL ANIMAL LIFE SO CHEAP. BUT WHEN HUMANS KILL FOR A CAR, YOUR SHOES OR WHATEVER THEY FEEL LIKE STEALING, AND THEY GO TO ABORTATION CLINICS LIKE GOING TO A CARWASH, WHAT KIND OF COMPASSION DO YOU THINK THEY WILL GIVE TO AN ANIMAL. THE WORLD IS ONE SICK SOCIETY. THANK GOD FOR PETA AND FOR ALL THE PEOPLE THAT ARE TRYING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR ALL ANIMALS. PLEASE CONTINUE TO KEEP UP THE PRESSURE. GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU"
-daryl

Ok first of all, I DO care ALOT about animals but I also love horse Racing, and i still want to have it. They should not let horses in unless they are over 4 or 5, i agree with that. But alot of things are just nonsense what the PETA say like "Oh my god! A horse died on the track it was Abused I say ABUSED!!!!"

First of all, I dont see how these animals were abused for they were loved, well fed, and the horses loved the owners and jockys just because you whip a horse does not mean that it is abused. At horse riding lessions i see little kids whipped horses all the time and of coarse, I feel bad for the horse but you dont see the PETA jumping all over horse back riding lessions.

"Deadspin aside, I'm a little (not a lot) suprised and dissapointed at the insensitivity surrounding the unfortunate death of what so-called "Animal Lovers" call a beautiful animal (To me all animals are beautiful in different ways).

Just when you think people would rally around and say this is a real shame and support PETA and other animal activists on this issue, attacks toward those who are truly compassionate come flying from many media outlets and so-called "Journalists".

Take a look at this article -http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/story/523670.html. This columnist claims he knows what the animal is thinking. In short and in my opinion, he's basically saying "Eight Belles" wanted to be beaten to death.

Unfortunately, there is still a real lack of empathy toward others and we as human beings have a long way to go to create a peaceful world. Isn't that what we want?

BTW, Horses ARE born to run ... FREE!"
-Shairie

Like I said, animal lovers can love horse racing too!! I love seeing animals run aswell as I love to run.

"Have you actually read the comments after this article? All the people seem like inbred, retarded morons. Not very comfortable reading, knowing that there are people like that in the world. I'm going to make a suggestion that we should race them instead of the horses..."

-leslie

*pfft* I won't mind being raced and we are not retarded morons for we care about the animals we also hate seeing them die like that, that is why MOST of us derby fans would still like to see the derby but let them be a few years older!

"I still cannot believe that the human race became so heartless. How can we use such a nobil animal for our pure gratification and financial gain? I still wake up in the middlle of the night and cry and feel terroble for that horse. How can we bring such a great animal to the last drop of energy and with such a force? I cannot imagine - not in my wildest dreams. Does anyone agree that this has to STOP?"
-Maya

........ Ok then,I feel bad too. But the PETA should not jump on us like that. She was raced, she tripped, and then she died, everyone saw that!! People WOULD save them if there was a way, these are the only ways:

1: like I said wait until older

2: Ok then you want a horse with two broken ankles healed? Let it be tied to the ceiling freak out then let it get woarse!! That is why they did not do that to eight belles.

I hear poeple say "It is all just for the money that the animal die." Ok then, the reason why I disagree with that is that to me, it is for pride and being powerful. Running in a race like that knows that you are strong no matter what. Well...as time goes by, i will come back onto this website and see what is comming and I will post more comments so you can see what I have to say about the sport of kings, see you in a little while!!! :D

Posted by: Why should I tell you??? *DERBY SUPPORTER* | May 8, 2008 02:30 PM

I have to say, as an animal lover, and avid equestrian that PETA has gone over the edge. PETA seems to know little to nothing about horse racing or horses and it shows. Although Thoroughbred racing is not perfect and there are people that race horses that do not have the best interests of horses in mind, at the Kentucky Derby level, what PETA seems to forget is that these animals are worth millions of dollars and they get the best care possible from their grooms, trainers, exercise riders, jockeys and veterinarians. They are not abused or drugged. If a horse is off, then it rests and is not pushed because the horse is not worth anything if it cannot perform and if a trainer lames horses or is known to drug then owners are not going to use the trainer. You will not find any owners who will trust a million dollar investment in a shoddy trainer. As for whips, if you have never been around horses you have no reason talking about whips. A whip is an extension of the rider's arm, plan and simple. It is not a devise of torture and is not used as one under most circumstances. When it is used improperly, there are consequences. Mr. Saez did not use his whip improperly. Eight Belles' death is an unfortunate accident but it was an accident. If you take a look at the video of Eight Belles you can clearly see that the filly attempts to change leads, trips, knuckles over and falls straight on top of her front legs. Injuries to front legs are not uncommon in any horse discipline. Unfortunately, horses are made on "the legs of a spider". So please, take a moment and jump off your bandwagon or take the time to learn about horse racing. I have worked with race horses and they do love to run. Its in their blood and it's part of them and it's a very beautiful thing. As for an age at which a horse begins training, science says for most horses 2 is not too early for racing and 12 to 18 months is not too young for basic training (saddling, lungeing, ponying, jogging etc). Also, most horses do not race until the fall of their 2 year old year. As most foals are born between February and April, these horses are all at least 2 and a half years of age prior to racing. Care is taken with horses legs to ensure they remain sound including performing x-rays, bandaging for support and applying liniments and tighteners along with proper conditioning. As for limiting the number of races per season, back in racing's hey day (1940s-1970s) it was not uncommon for horses to race every week-end. Derby winners like Man-O-War, Citation, Secretariat etc. were raced much more frequently than horses are raced today and all raced on dirt tracks. The bottom line is working with horses, as with any other animal, can be dangerous and there can be accidents, however, the majority of people working with horses do everything they can to make the horse and rider as safe as possible. The Thoroughbred industry is continually working toward safer, albeit realistic, regulations for racing. If PETA wants to help, spend your energy combating the slaughter of horses. Unlike PETA's portrayals, the Thoroughbred industry is not the only industry that slaughters horses. In fact, the Thoroughbred industry has put into place the Ferdinand Fee to raise money to prevent race horses from being slaughtered and actively supports Thoroughbred rescue groups and re-training facilities. However, the American Quarter Horse Association is pro-slaughter and is actively working to reinstate slaughter facilities on American soil. The Amish are also very large slaughterers and at every small horse and livestock auction across the country you can find "kill buyers" bidding on horses. To conclude, as a lover of horses, an avid equestrian and trainer, I ask that you either unbiasely inform yourself about the horse community and it's practices, stay out of our business if you are unwilling to inform yourself and put your energies into something productive like S. 311. Thank you for your time.

Posted by: kssherwin | May 8, 2008 02:46 PM

Oh yeah kssherrwin?

I was in "your business" and you are a lying sack of you- know-what.

Your lies and coverups just attempt to conceal the fact that underlings like YOU make money off this abuse too.

You are an enabler that helps supports the whole charade.

It is thanks to peons like you, making peanuts to shovel manure, that the lies of your masters get perpetuated

and the abuse of these animals keeps going

You know full well what a mess the racing world is, and the horses pay the ultimate price

Posted by: kelly | May 8, 2008 03:46 PM

Liniment equals expensive rubbing alcohol that is an old folk treatment for INJURY.

The damage is already done when you start smelling the liniment

Posted by: kelly | May 8, 2008 03:49 PM

"A whip is an extension of the rider's arm, plan and simple. It is not a devise of torture and is not used as one under most circumstances."

Are you kidding me?

Posted by: Dan | May 8, 2008 04:04 PM

Guess what guys; it gets worse. Horse and rider are in jeopardy if Big Brown is allowed to run in the Preakness Stakes. The horse is bred by a sprinter who did not produce distance race winners.

The horse is trained by a trainer with a history of medication violation.

The horse has a history of injuries to his leg.

The horse is being asked to win two distance races within two weeks; he's previous starts have been spaced.

Posted by: Charles Buckley | May 8, 2008 07:00 PM

I'd like to join the protest, as I'm a PETA contributor and I live just a few miles from the track. Where are protesters meeting, and when? I apologize if this is posted elsewhere.

Posted by: ahava | May 8, 2008 07:06 PM

Ok the quote that said *attending a horse racing is like attending a dog fight." That is the most non-sense (not street scense non-sense) I have ever heard about horse racing.

Dog fighting: trained and build to kill other dogs for fun and entertainment that is why pit bulls are so mean and that is how they got there name.

Horse racing: Trained to run to a finish line (in case you moreons dont know what the heck hore racing is) and win a race, kinda like track. Only horses die on *accident!!!!

*accident means that somthing happened unexpectedly.

Think about what horse racing fans have to say, and if you listen closely, you would understand and hear wisdome fly in your ears.

Posted by: Why should I tell YOU???? ***Derby supporter*** | May 8, 2008 08:54 PM

Some people are really misguided. It's wrong to sit on someone's back and whip them. Whether they're a human or a horse. End of. Think about it for a couple of seconds and even the most stupid of people will realise.

Posted by: Daryl | May 9, 2008 03:55 AM