Charge the Owner with Cruelty! See Paul Moran's blog entry prior to the race....

Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Eight Belles deserves better
Louisville, Ky.

Where are the animal rights activists when you need them?

Eight Belles was entered in the 134th Kentucky Derby on Wednesday. Success would demand that she run 10 furlongs faster than 19 males. There is the most remote possibility that she will succeed, this covered by one of life’s immutable truths: Anything can happen in a horse race.

What is far more likely is that Eight Belles will be permanently scarred by the experience.

Three fillies have won the Derby, in 1915, Genuine Risk, Genuine Risk, in 1981, and Winning Colors, whose victory will mark its 20th anniversary on Saturday.

Regret, though she was generally unsound, was an extremely fast filly whose regularly defeated males. But Genuine Risk and Winning Colors were nothing like Eight Belles. Both were big, rugged fillies who competed against males on even physical terms. Winning Colors defeated males in the Santa Anita Derby before the Derby. Genuine Risk prepped for the Derby in the Wood Memorial, in which she finished third.

Eight Belles has nothing in common with those fillies.

She is, however, a beautifully conformed filly, light-framed and feminine. Her misfortune is not trainer Larry Jones, who skirts the issue uncomfortably. A trainer who criticizes the decisions made by an owner will not be training for long. Though he came here a year ago with Hard Spun, who was runner-up to Street Sense, Jones shows no symptoms of Derby fever and he seems uncomfortable discussing Eight Belles’ chances in the Derby. Owner Rick Porter, however, is apparently beset by Derby fever.

Unlike the three fillies who have won the Derby, Eight Belles has never faced males nor has she attempted a race beyond 1 1/16. She has won her last four races, one in New Orleans, three in Arkansas but none in Grade I company. She would be formidable in the Oaks on Friday, in which Jones has Proud Spell for more reasonable, less vain connections who are probably concerned with the welfare and well being of their prized filly.

There is no reason beyond vanity to run Eight Belles in the Derby, either. As a breeding prospect, her value may be increased but a broodmare can produce only one foal a year. Breeders found it almost impossible for Genuine Risk to conceive and Winning Colors has had no impact as a broodmare.

The only thing that might have saved Eight Belles from the cruelty she is about to endure was a poor post position but the draw put her connections sixth in order of selection, assuring a favorable position in the barrier a day after she drew the outside post in a field of 12 entered in the Oaks. She will face the firing squad from post five.

Porter has enjoyed great success, having owned the very good filly, Jostle, a Grade I winner in 2000, Round Pond, winner of the 2006 Breeders’ Cup Distaff and Hard Spun, who he sold for an enormous amount of money last year. Porter should know better. He should also show a bit of compassion for a very nice, still developing filly who, if he sends her into the teeth of a buzzsaw on Saturday, may very well leave he career in the shadows of the twin spires. If so, it will be a sad, sad day. –PM

Posted by: Maura | May 5, 2008 02:15 PM

What a tragedy. Are we really surprised to hear this, with all the mishandling, and cruelty surrounding the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority, and everywhere horse racing takes place. KHRA needs to make many changes starting like yesterday. I hope they listen to PETA.

Posted by: Pamela L. | May 5, 2008 02:16 PM

I am in total agreement with what Ingrid has asked for.
We signed petitions in San Diego and asked Del Mar to put down the polytrack.
They listened to us.
The track was finished last year at a cost of 9 million.
Now we hope someday we can do away with all race tracks.
It pays to be involved.
Peace, for all animals!

Posted by: Judith, Freedom Fighter for Animals | May 5, 2008 02:46 PM

What century do we live in where we still whip animals to get them to do what we want? it makes me ill thinking about those poor creatures. "They love to run" my ass....

Posted by: Laura | May 5, 2008 02:55 PM

The trainer for Eight Belles should have known and acted with foresight and compassion for this beautiful horse. He has a cruel side as I've observed some of his behaviour in the past.The jockey was only taking orders which doesn't excuse his not taking responsibility but believe the trainer is mostly responsible!
Thanks,
Colleen Trumbo

Posted by: colleen trumbo | May 5, 2008 03:32 PM

It's simple:
No one Allowed under the age of 5yrs.
No Drugs
No Whips

An a decent place to retire after their 'career'
Not on a plate after being murdered in a way that you could not even imagine.

Otherwise, it's like sending our 7 year old children out to compete in the Indy 500...yeah It might be entertaining for some...but would it be the right thing to do?
No, horses have not properly developed there bone structure and the strength needed for these preformences.

Posted by: Michelle | May 5, 2008 03:35 PM

I made a post in the Entertainment, Horse Racing, Eight Belles PETA BLOG. But I want to add that I agree with the al the Sports Writers that are saying to the men of Horse Racing, "Come on now boys, you have been exposed; so start cleaning up the act." Enough is enough. Most people need to visually see a racing whip. They are over an inch thick with a metal core. Not many respond to whip abuse, at least not for long, and they start to fight back; which then makes them dangerous as pleasure horses when the race career is over. I know, I have had several to rehab into nice riding horses, but in later years show one a whip and they become very aggressive and rightly so.

Posted by: Mary McCrea | May 5, 2008 05:20 PM

I am so proud that PETA immediately responded to this tragedy. I did the same on my own... writing people involved in the Kentucky Derby itself (not knowing whom to contact). I also checked this site today and sent the letter provided. I hope that enough people speak out so that these animals can be protected. Horse racing is barbaric!

Posted by: Patty Oliver | May 5, 2008 05:54 PM

McKelvey, (the famous TV star survivor and favourite to win) also died after sustaining an injury in the Grand National Race in England in April. It was reported that he was the 174th horse to die this year. Horse and dog racing has always been pretty sordid behind the scenes but thanks to some animal rights groups and now PETA things will have to change or they will now be looked upon as another form of blood sport!

Posted by: Maureen | May 5, 2008 06:01 PM

There has got to be something more important to be doing than trying to worry about an injured horse. Maybe that's just me.

Posted by: Joe | May 5, 2008 06:55 PM

I'm not sure who Paul M. is but he must know a bit about horseracing. Trainer L.Jones should have read Paul's post prior to the race on Saturday. I am a licensed race trainer, and I can't agree more with what Paul had to say in his 4/30 post. It breaks my heart about what happened to Eight Belles. But blaming Saez is not the answer. Getting owners and the tracks to recognize that young horses are not ready for the demanding work load required for racing is what needs to take place. 2 and 3 years old is too young. Yet, the big money races are held for 2,3 and 4 yr olds. Synthetic surfaces will help, but the bottom line is the responsibility of the trainer. It is always the trainer. Too often the owner gets sweept up in the fact that he has a "star" athlete in his barn and the trainer feeds in to it. The whole ordeal was unfortunate, both for the industry and especially for Eight Belles. A horse that has the body to win and the heart to win, will race its guts out to win. Perhaps what happened Saturday will affect what happens in the future.

Posted by: Leslie Bickel | May 5, 2008 07:06 PM

A few points:
1) The jockey is not to blame, because he's put on orders. The owner/trainer should be held accountable, not the jockey.

2) Unfortunately, thoroughbred horses are bread and trained so that they build up muscles, but not bone density.

3) Being put down in front of a crowd is just not right. Imagine a six year old girl who want a pony watching this being scared for life.

4) Races like the Blockhouse Steeplechase have already banned the use of whips. Also, horses must be at least 4 to race.

So why hasn't the derby caught on?

Posted by: Christina | May 5, 2008 07:12 PM

I have raced and bred TB race horses. And I agree with PETA's letter to Kentucky Horse Racing Authority.
I don't believe in racing young horses-especially big/tall young horses, their bones are not strong enough yet. What were they thinking running her before the age of 4? The Horse racing industry would have all horses they needed to fill races-if they would put a ban on running 2 year olds and limit 3 year old racing. We will never know how many great race horses there could have been. Because they were broke down at such an early age. Race Horses put there lives on the line when that gate opens up. Where is the respect they deserve?

Posted by: Linda Anderson | May 5, 2008 07:42 PM

PETA, I support your actions much of the time, but calling for the suspension of Eight Belle's jockey is a misdirected attack on the wrong individual. Believe me, this young man did everything right. I ask that instead you focus your considerable influence on the entire horse racing industry especially the breeders, who are moving more and more toward horses with fine bones that while perhaps will allow for some increase in speed, more often result in breakdowns both on the track and off.

I ask again that you not attack this young man, and instead go for the big guys who are ultimately responsible for this tragedy.

Thank you.

Posted by: Horse Woman | May 5, 2008 08:00 PM

I am appalled at what happened. And have never been a member of PETA...where do I sign-up? This is disgusting...is there anything I can do?

Posted by: Barbara | May 5, 2008 08:08 PM

Horses are not fully mature until at least age 5. Thoroughbreds are very large bodied proportionately for their bone structure. Although these althletes receive some of the best conditioning and veterinary care in the industry in most cases, they start very stressful work at too early a stage in their development. It is greed driven and notin the best interest of the equine participants.

Posted by: Kay | May 5, 2008 08:18 PM

Someone in my family owns race horses and it is strictly a money making investment. Most owners will run an injured horse in a lower allowance or claiming race hoping someone will claim it. If the horse is not injured they will race it in a smaller purse race and make big bets on it. The owners, trainers & jockeys are all in on this scam. Ban horse-racing now.

Posted by: Anne | May 5, 2008 08:24 PM

I made a point of not watching the Kentucky Derby this year to protest the needless death of Barbaro. You can imagine my outrage when I learned that another horse has been been killed because of this so-called "sport of kings".

How many more beautiful animals have to die before this cruel sport is finally outlawed?

Posted by: David R. | May 5, 2008 08:26 PM

Most likely this will probably be censored out as PETA is always right and never wants to hear the other side of an argument but I will write it anyways. All of the posts I have read so far are obviously from people who know nothing about horse racing. I agree it is tragic that Eight Belles had to be euthanized but if you knew anything about horses you would realize this to ease her painful suffering as soon as possible because there is no way that she could be saved. Without being able to put weight on both feet evenly a horse, any breed, can get lamitis, a painful and deadly disease. A horse has only one artery in each leg and if that is damaged, which in most leg injuries it does the blood supply is cut and irreversable damage is done. You can't suspend the horse to heal them either as they will thrash about and seriously injure themselves or others. These injuries happen. Horses legs bear a lot of weight and regardless if they are racing, giving recreational rides to children, or just walking in a pasture if a horse takes a bad step they can easily break their legs. It is not the breading or training that makes them weak, they just are, it was the way they have been throughout history. I do agree with the argument about how the tracks need to be all synthetic (polytrac) or turf. Dirt is dangerous but over the course of a season, with how many races are ran, very few horses actually break down.
To how the horses are treated. Obviously you have not done any research. These horses are treated much better than most people are. They are investments and are will taken care of. Also, most definately they are not butchered at the end of their lives. You don't slaughter a million dollar investment. I have been around horses and horse racing for 30 years seeing the good and bad. Yes some of the small tracks need to be looked at for the abuse of horse as most of them are bought and sold for a fraction of what derby horses are. Most of the time these horses are ran until they ultimately die which I am completely against. But don't judge all of horse racing on what happened Saturday. Most trainers and owners care greatly about their horses. Look at Barbaro for example. Even if he had made it through the surgery that the owners spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on they knew he would never run again. They did it out of compasion and love for their horse. It wasn't about the money. If you say it was for the breeding money you are wrong again. They can extract the horses seman and freeze it (in todays thoroughbred world horses are inseminated).
On to the jockey. You are calling for him to suspended. He did nothing wrong. I watched the replay at least 20 times and that horse was not hurt before the end of the race. If she did have microfractures there is no way he would have known. She was still competitive and happy as she slowed to a gallop at the end of the race. If she was in pain there is no way her ears would have been pricked like they were, and she would have been favoring her leg. The jockeys care as much for the horses as everyone else does. I guarentee if he Saez thought anything was wrong he would have pulled her up in a heartbeat. For the whipping...these horses are not whipped like you are making it out to be. If any of these jockeys "mercifullesly" whipped any of these horses they would never ride again. The jockeys show them the whip, which means they brush the end against their flank in a circular motion to let them know it is time to make thier move.
Please before you make any crazy accusations get your facts straight.

Posted by: Jackson Meyer | May 5, 2008 09:34 PM

I am a member of Peta; Today May5th,I was at delaware race track To call Jocky of eight bells horse killer. asst,trainer called me stupid an to shut up.he also told me to craw under a rock and die. I said some choice words back .these are the type of people that are takeing care and making decisions on where they run. I only pray that something is done to stop this curelty.

Posted by: Christine L Ellick | May 5, 2008 10:09 PM

I live in Lexington, Kentucky, am an avid horse racing fan, and on many levels disappointed with Chruchill Downs. They epitomize corporate greed in virtually everything they do.

I too agree poly or cushion track should be mandated. Keeneland Race Course and Turfway Park have already installed the surface. Churchill Downs for many reasons is resistant saying the main reason is the ‘tradition’ surrounding the Kentucky Derby.

You may not know this, but one of the most traditional portions of the Kentucky Derby is the singing of My Old Kentucky Home, the State song. However, in order to be politically correct the song was change to rewrite the words “the darkies are gay” as it is demeaning towards African Americans. A song older than the Kentucky Derby can be changed to come into the mainstream, yet the surface the horses run on cannot.

If you want to be effective on this issue, you need know what is the motivating factor to those you are trying to court. Expanded Gaming.

The Governor is trying to run legislation to allow for a constitutional amendment, which would allow for slot machines at all race tracks and selected other sites. Unfortunately, opposition is stalling his vision to add needed revenue to a strapped budget.

I have to believe if PETA supported the Governor’s expanded gaming legislation, which allowed for a gaming license and a share of gaming revenues for tracks which installed and raced on poly track would become a very economically motivating factor for Churchill Downs.

My guess is 30 days after legislation passed; a new surface would be under construction… Identify what you want, plan a strategy and execute. You can get what you want here; you just need to know how to leverage your support.

Posted by: Brian | May 5, 2008 10:14 PM

I never thought of horse racing to be dangerous until today, Owwwwwww My Goshhhhh! how disturbingly sad!!! that this horse ran to it's death, I don't know whether it was proud of itself and ran to win, and pushed itself too far, or like the other comments stated being whipped to run, but wouldn't the horse buck you or throw you off, I thought horses were very intelegent and wouldn't let anyone beat them like that, (I don't understand?) but one thing and I too agree now, that horse racing like this should be banned, but we all know too well with the money involved it will not, but I will surely stand for their protection till it is banned, I was so touched, I cried here at work. & this is the second year in a row now, goodness gracious when are these people going to learn, this is absolutely outragous, i also agree with what other people are saying, what is the difference between this and dog fighting, and anyother animal suffering for human entertainment. I know GOD speaks of man being over animal, but not to the animals suffering surely, This can't be right, I wish we could end this all.
No animal testing
No animal fighting or racing
No animal abuse or slaying, they say a dog is mans best friend, well so is the next animal and the next.
No No No. More it's all to end and end now..............

Posted by: Uk | May 5, 2008 10:22 PM

I have the utmost respect for PETA, but these requests are uninformed and misplaced. We need to look at breeding and medication, not whips and tracks. Although breeding and medicines have received cursory attention in your calls for reform, they are being overshadowed by the misplaced cries of cruelty aimed at the jockey and owner. Anyone who has been around horse racing knows that these elite animals are incredibly well cared for and loved. But, in an effort to create speed, thoroughbred breeders opt for light and quick over durable. That all 20 horses can be traced to a single horse from the 1950's is testament to this genetic shaping. The light bones that result are more likely to break and the ability to use steroids and other medicines (many of which are banned in racing outside the US) to mask pain and abnormalities is where we need to focus. An overarching horse racing commission could help greatly in this effort. But do not blame owner and jockey as they love and care for these animals and are grieving more than any of us.

Posted by: Steve James | May 6, 2008 07:09 AM

LETS FACE IT WHEN IT COMES TO A DOLLAR NOTHING IS SAFE. THESE HORSES ARE SO DOPED UP WITH STEROIDS AND THE OWNER AND TRAINERS KNOW ALL TO WELL THAT THESE HORSES ARE NOT SOUND. LOOK AT THE OTHER GREAT BLACK BEAUTY "RUFFIEN".
JUST LIKE THE HORRIFIC GREED OF THE BRACH'S CANDY QUEEN HIRING SCUM TO DO HORRIBLE THINGS TO HER HORSES JUST TO COLLECT THE INSURANCE MANY.
OH YA! THEY REALLY TREAT THE HORSES GREAT DON'T THEY.

Posted by: SHARIE DELLA | May 6, 2008 09:04 AM

What PETA is calling for is not going to happen. Your voices will be heard but racing is far too much of a commodity to state governments for them to give up millions and millions and dollars a year. No Horse Racing equates to monies not being able to fund many state departments. Asking a racetrack to install a different surface is preposterous. What PETA should be fighting is how a veterinarian is giving a diagnosis of a horse in two minutes right on the track and than administering euthanasia to the horse. The horse should be given some type of pain meds, brought in an ambulance to a clinic and given a full prognosis. If there is nothing the vets can do there, than putting the horse down is a viable option. Putting a horse down with a white cape right down on the track is the inhumane of carrying out there business. Also, some part of the handle taken in from the state needs to be put towards research in ways to find ways that a broken leg or ankle is not a death sentence.

Posted by: Dan | May 6, 2008 09:41 AM

Why would PETA just want to "reduce" the number for incidents like this? I would think they would want to stop "all" incidents like this. I suspending this jockey and trainer going to stop this from happening to other horses? Did this jockey and trainer do anything different from all the other jockeys and trainers out there? Why just ask for reforms, why not ask for the complete ban of all horse racing activities? Can someone answer these simple questions for me?

Posted by: Curious | May 6, 2008 09:53 AM

Growing up in Kentucky, I loved horse racing and spent many wonderful afternoons at Keeneland. 20 years ago I saw a horse break down and I made a decision to never go back to the track. Peta generally does a wonderful job of standing up for the rights of animals. The response to the horrific injuries and death of Eight Belles, however, is way off track. Blaming the jockey is a sure way to lose support from anyone who knows anything about the horse business and others who might be sympathetic to Peta's demands. I'd really like to know what evidence there is to support the idea that the jockey knew that the filly was injured before she broke down. Jockeys make very little money, they starve themselves in order to make weight, they suffer numerous serious injuries in their careers,and most of them do not have health insurance. They are often victims of racings crueler side, along with the horses they ride. Blaming the jockey, who by all accounts had no idea that the horse was injured and who seems to be heartbroken and mystified that he is being blamed, is a big mistake and one that will keep many people from becoming supporters of Peta. Peta should concentrate on their other demands and add to them the idea that race horses need to be bred for durability, not just for speed.

Posted by: eileen | May 6, 2008 09:54 AM

Reading some of these comments brings me to the conclusion that a lot of you who are shouting for the jockey to be banned really know nothing about horses. While I COMPLETELY agree with the regulation of age and when horses are allowed to race I don't agree with the bashing of the jockey. If you look at the tape of Barbaros, you can CLEARLY see the jockey pulling him back but with little effect. Race horses are bred to run...that's what they do. They're not like humans where when we feel pain we stop. They're flight animals which means that if something happens that they don't understand they'll flee...run...try to escape. I had a horse with the same injury only on one leg. I was on the ground working her on a long line when it happened and it took me a few minutes to get her to stop. THEY DON'T UNDERSTAND. But clearly with Eight Belles the jockey was NOT pushing her to run when she collapsed. These animals live better than most of the people I know. Even my own. If you want to show concern for animals in sports, pay more attention to rodeos! You will be disgusted by what you see. I support you in regulating when these horses can race but learn more about an animal and how they react before you go up in arms and attack a rider.

Posted by: Erin | May 6, 2008 09:55 AM

Why are these horses allowed to train hard and race at 2 & 3 yrs old? In the hunter jumper world ponies and horses do not get a permanent measurement card until they are 6 years old. Why? Because they are still growing!! Racing at 2 or 3 is like putting a ist grader into HS or College sports. Ridiculous & asking for tragedy!

Posted by: Mary | May 6, 2008 09:57 AM

As an avid horse lover ( I own one now and have always owned one) it too broke my heart to see Eight Belles go down and then having to be euthanized on the track. However, I have worked at Churchill Downs as a youngster so I know first hand how it works. I can't begin to tell you, explain to you, that these God created creatures do love to run. There is nothing more beautiful than to lie on the ground on the backstretch of a racetrack and watch 15 horses come thundering down the track from the distance to pass you by. It is truly breathtaking. As for "whipping". Obviously you know nothing about the use of the riding crop in the horse industry. If you believe it is used in a cruel manner then I ask this question "In all the Derby, Preakness, Belmont races do you see any of the horses shy away from the rider carrying a crop?" If the riders were indeed inflicting pain the horses would react just as any abused animal would. Anytime the crop was brought around the horse would back away, shy away. Riding crops are used just as spurs are used. As "cues". Please learn before you make judgements. Also, the Thoroughbred industry has made a tremendous effort in all aspects, from the usage of drugs, to "pin-firing" , to running of sick horses. They have created Retirement Farms all over the United States just for the horses who just didn't make it on the track any more.

Having said all of that, having a filly run against a colt is just plain hard to do. It is just like humans. Females are not built the same. Ruffian did the same. She was an extraordinary filly. I think she would have won, but we will never know. Young aged horses where their bones are not fully matured and also being a female. It can be disasterous. But are you going to discriminate because of gender? But as it was said " they can and do injure themselves in stalls, in the pastures, any where." Any animal does. It is that once again "the media" caught this and your organization has blown "animal rights" out of proportion. I am an animal welfarist. I believe in the welfare of all animals. I am not the extremist that you are. I pray that you can focus your energy, attention and money on what really matters, help situations instead of trying to "STOP" situations. People and organizations would be more apt to listen if you had ideas to help instead of obliterate. Stomping your feet, demanding just like a 2 year old child. Banning the rider, the trainer is going to do what? Horses need encouragement to move strategically and on the stretch when asked. Again it is a cue. So removing the crop won't work. Again, think.

Posted by: texashorselover | May 6, 2008 10:20 AM

Thank heaven for Steve James post, an island of sanity in a sea of emotion and misinformation.
The problem is multi pronged, and I agree completely with Steve's statements. I am also wondering if these elite race horses undergo a basic "jog/soundness check" conducted by the racing authorities prior to going out to race. This is standard practice at all three day events, as well as at most high level equestrian competitions of all types. This may not be practical for all racing but it should be required at the very least, for all graded races. And all racehorses regardless of their level should undergo some sort of mandatory soundness check at regular intervals. Protection of the animals should be of utmost concern. Knee jerk reactions and personal attacks are not useful in this situation. The majority of the posters on this board need to grow up and
deal with reality.

Posted by: baker | May 6, 2008 11:26 AM

Re. PETA's well-founded calls for changes in horse racing and specific inquiries following the death of filly Eight Belles: As a horsewoman from the arguably the best thoroughbred horse country in America (Marion County, Florida), I want to applaud PETA for its swift response to the Kentucky Derby tragedy. However, I would like to suggest the following: 1. Limited races for TWO YEAR OLDS whose bodies need time to mature 2. A focus not on why the jockey "whipped" the race horse (this misses the point) but why the jockey did not immediately halt and dismount his horse at the finish line when he admitted he felt the filly waver instead of letting her gallop on for a half mile (THAT is the issue). Your point about synthetic race tracks is one well taken and no doubt will be the future of horse racing. Thank God for PETA and its willingness to protect the creatures of this world.

Posted by: Sandi Robison | May 6, 2008 11:36 AM

i had a horse break a leg in a field he had just taken a bad step i had witnessed it myself does that mean turning horses out is inhumane and should be banned? give the rider a break it was no way his fault

Posted by: becky | May 6, 2008 12:06 PM

There are too many horses at the starting gate in the first place.This is no noble sport in my opion its all about greed and insurance money.I would like to see a lawsuit stopping this claimant from receiving a monetary award for this atrocious exibit.Whether public or private all actions against animals should be punished.Period!They are Gods gift to us to appreciate not abuse.This filly had tremendous potential, however,due to her lack of physical maturity because of her young age no one will ever see it come to fruition.She ran her heart out for NOTHING.Whatever you can do now is the time.
Gina

Gina

Posted by: Gina Klempel | May 6, 2008 01:07 PM

To Jackson Meyer who stated that most don't understand how horses are treated. I know how they are treated, and I will tell you. They are overrun race horses, not living such a great life, kept in a tiny stall, standing in the stall for hours, upon hours, until they are finally let out. Some develop such habits as headweaving, cribbing, and will even mutilate themselves, to relieve boredom. And in this case...run to death. If you go thru any racetrack the smell of medication is quite heavy. Now, you may say that any athlete would have the same situation, but the clear distinction is that with a human athlete, they CHOOSE this for themsleves. A horse would never. A stall is prison for them. Yes, in fact they do love to run. But to be bred and forced to run, only when it's convenient to the human, not for the pure pleasure of running, but especially when money is involved. The body is not meant to sustain that type of stress, and especially at the young age the horses are running now. Their bodies cannot take the stress.
And unfortunately, even the most expensive show horses and race horses can make their way to the slaughter house. I have been at horse sales, and have seen the broken down, and appalling way these horses have been cast aside, because their best days are overwith. Their legs are sometimes ruined, and they can never ever be rehabilited for pleasure riding. Is this the way we pay them back for the entertainment they have given us? I guess so..because then their sold for 80 cents per body weight...and end up in slaughter.

As far as the circular whipping goes, I may not have such good eye sight, but I think we all could see just how hard and fast the jockey was beating his whip on the horses' flank. I mean, isn't that the point, to get the horse going? But if they really wanted to move quickly, you wouldn't have to force whip them, would you?
Yes, maybe considered a lot what PETA is asking the horse racing industry to do, however, it is a long time coming, and one cannot have all the gain, and pleasure, without the pain. Something good will come about because of this tradegy. And the one to bear the the expense of it, is that of the life of a horse. A lesson learned, I should think.

Posted by: Robyn | May 6, 2008 01:36 PM

texashorselover, I'm afraid you have some misconceptions.

Horses don't shy away from the whip when the trainer approaches them because they are not being whipped in the face. They are not expecting the whip to hit their face, so they don't react that way.

Also, if you think the whip feels like a "cue", try it on yourself. Seriously, maybe they can handle a bit more pain but if it wasn't painful in general, it would not be effective. It's not a "cue". The cue to the horse is that they are in a race!

Posted by: Maya, CVT | May 6, 2008 02:03 PM

I feel one of the biggest problems is Training/Racing these horses at these very young ages. Horses mature different by breed but NO horse should be ridden until it's 3 and for a horse to be expected to race at this level at 3 is asking for trouble. Light saddle training should be allowed at 2 2 1/2 if needed.
Yes these horses are taken care of because there worth money but if they lose and lose what then? Just google race horse rescues and you will see the majority aren't as loved if they are not making money.
I also hear this Big Brown has feet problems so are we looking at another breakdown in two weeks?

Posted by: Kathleen | May 6, 2008 02:12 PM

something is wrong there at the breeding program,
according to wall st jornal's jon weinbach, 75% american throughbred race horse has the famous race horse in the 50s " native dance ( 1950-1967)'s dna, which includes 13 of the dery winners.
every competitor in horse racing is a descendent of him in america.

Posted by: ann | May 6, 2008 02:29 PM

I've been an avid horse owner for all of my life. While I agree that Thorobreds are probably the most abused equines in the horse world, I don't believe it's for many of the reasons some do.

I get amused by those who think the whips they use in racing are cruel. I've never seen any whelps or blood on any racehorse from the stick. They are humane and make more noise than anything. Keep in mind these horses weigh in excess of 1,000 pounds. That little switch startles them more than hurts them. Get real.

Another thing. The main reason for the injuries is the simple fact that THEY RIDE THEM MUCH TOO YOUNG! Horse have growth plates in their legs, and should not be ridden before 2 years of age. Not even then if their plates aren't sufficiently closed. It's like putting a soldier's pack on a kid of about 6 years of age, since we figure one year of human life is equal to 4 years in an equine's life. So many of the horses "break down" in one way or another mainly because they're just not mature enough physically, or mentally, to put that much stress on. These are wonderful critters and would have so many more useful years if they were just allowed to mature more.

I'm disgusted that the jockey is being blamed for this horrific death. He was doing his job. He's not to blame the horse was run too young. Ultimatly, blame the owners. Don't tell me they can't afford to keep a horse one year longer before they ride them. If they can't afford it, they have no business being in the business anyway.

Look, folks. These animals are just that...animals. I don't condone cruelty in any form. I don't condone ignorance, either. When you compare horses to their handlers, you have to maintain the upper hand or be the "boss hoss" or they will eat your lunch! Have you ever watched horses in nature? Have you ever seen what they do to EACH OTHER to establish pecking order in herds? They savagely bite & kick each other. Leave bloody wounds on each other. And you growl about a little whip in a race? Have you ever seen what damage a horse can do if not properly handled? It ain't pretty some of the injuries I've seen. I've seen people put their faces in the face of a horse, kissy kissy, and have part of their faces bitten off. I saw a lady lose an ear once because she was putting her face in a supposedly gentle horse's face. I've seen stallions knock down grown men and do horrible damage to humans, nearly killing one man I know. These are big beasties, people, and you need to handle them accordingly. They're not like a cat or a dog or a pet in the house. They can be VERY dangerous. They can be very aggressive. It's in their nature to establish who's boss. So you better be boss, or you're gonna get hurt. Agreeably, it doesn't mean being cruel and beating an animal, but I gotta tell you, if a thousand-pound-plus horse is dancing on my body, I'm gonna get him off me any way I can! You would, too.

So..before you go hysterical, use your heads and do some homework. Spend some time around these animals. They are wonderful creatures, but they need a hard hand at times. Use only what force is needed and no more, but sometimes a little jerk on a lead line doesn't do the job.

Stop the real abuse all right, but don't go overboard. Common sense will tell you what's abuse and what's not.

Posted by: Barbi Turner | May 6, 2008 03:09 PM

I too was horrified at what took place on Saturday at the Kentucky Derby and have now become a member of PETA. We have a duty to take care of the animals over which we have been given dominion by God.

Posted by: Marihelen Lindsey | May 6, 2008 03:18 PM

One early morning, I went to a local and well known racetrack with my HR Manager to arrange a company outing there during the summer. A track rep was showing my HR manager the facilities and I stood by the track and watched the horses being worked. I caught sight of an exercise rider on a bay horse coming up the stretch from the gap. Another guy on a pony horse was holding the horse being ridden by the exercise rider. As they were trotting up the stretch, the exercise rider took the whip to the bay horse and started hitting him on the rear. I said to my fellow employee "Oh he must be getting ready to turn this horse loose". But as I watched the pony rider wouldn't let go of the horse and was jerking on the bit while the exercise rider kept hitting the horse. As they went past me I stared at them and then the rider started hitting the horse over the head. That was it! I turned to the track rep and said "I hope you follow up with the clockers upstairs because that was totally uncalled for". I then made a complaint with the California Horse Racing Board and met with an investigator. I met her at the track and identified the pony rider and exercise rider. They took my complaint seriously called those guys into the office and the message went out clear and wide in the barn area that that type of treatment was not going to be tolerated either in the afternoon at the races or in the morning or anytime.

Posted by: Been There | May 6, 2008 03:48 PM

I'm 13 years old and I love horses.I was fliping through the channels saterday and was watching the race.I started to cry when they annonced that they had to put Eight Belles down.I dont appreciate the fact of people pushing horses practally to there deth just so they can get money it makes me really upset.I also cried when I read the book about Barbo. I think we need to take action.The people who race the horses are only thinking of them selves.God didnt put horses on this earth for people to push them to there death for money!.

Posted by: Leah | May 6, 2008 03:51 PM

One more time I will try to add some useful info on this message board.They haven't published my comments yet tho.
I was a jockey for many years and you people are crazy to blame the rider. He/or she is not to blame at all. Put the blame squarely where it belongs, on the trainer. Horses tell them when something is wrong and they do not listen. They pump them full of drugs and mask them with other drugs so it does not appear in their urine tests. All the trainers want is that "one more race" and they could care less. They treat them like machines and there is always another waiting in the wings. I could tell many horror stories from behind the scenes of racing but there is not enough room on here. If anyone would like to wake up and know any real facts about it please contact me. k9chtoy38@aol.com I have written a book covering every sordid part of it and I can prove every word.

Posted by: RUCRAZY | May 6, 2008 03:54 PM

I fully agree with Steve James and find PETA's engagement incomplete and contradictory in effect to what needs to be changed. The demand of suspending a trainer and a jockey just feeds the emotional response of some witnesses of Eight Belles' breakdown. If there are no more horse sports there will be no need for horses anymore, it is as simple as that. It is important to change procedures, pressure for breeding laws and regulations for pharmaceuticals. Efforts to this effect are being made, they are far from sufficient and need to be proactively supported and demanded. Accusing individuals and scapegoating do not help in this case.

Posted by: Angelika | May 6, 2008 04:17 PM

Do you guys actually follow horse racing or do you jump on the bandwagon of every breakdown in the sport cause you need to do a little research. Breakdowns happen in every horse sport. Why not stop every horse sport then? Horses were euthanized at the Three- Day Rolex Event. Horse Racing is not all about breakdowns. Eight Belles had a freak accident. She broke down after the race. Freak accidents happen all the time in every horse sport. For example Saint Liam a thoroughbred broke his leg JUST WALKING to his paddock. He wasn't racing and he had been retired for awhile. So quit bashing on horse racing and get your facts straight. Yes some jockeys whip the horse too much but most trainers and in all sports there are abusers will not let that jockey back on the horse. If a horse doesn't like to be whipped it will buck him off and some horses hate the whip. Larry Jones petioned in one track to not let his jockey carry a whip because his horse didn't like one. The jockey didn't carry a whip into that race. For some horses the whip is a light tap to go on. Some need the whip as a signal to go on. Watch horse racing more and your time is better spent helping the horses of all breeds and sports not end up in the slaughter house.

Posted by: Stephanie | May 6, 2008 04:37 PM

to all the horse racing freaks posting up-here: all my life i had horses and i just tell you this: if a horse has the choice it prefers to be free in the fields and not be exploited by human beings who just want to make money! the most cruel things are races where the horse also has to jump! in the wild when a horse has the choice it never jumps but runs beside the obstacles! just humans with empty heads who want to fill their pockets are so ill and perverted to ask this torture from these noble creatures! shame shame shame!

Posted by: Rainbow Warrior | May 6, 2008 04:38 PM

I just wanted to say that you all need to learn about horse racing before you talk bad about it. I'm from Lexington, Kentucky and I see horses and horse farms everyday. These horses are treated very well and are given a great place to retire. The reason you all get so excited about things like this is because you want attention and publicity. Don't demand things that you know nothing about...learn about horse racing, horse farms, and horses in general and then you will realize that you should just be quiet because you don't know what you are talking about.

Posted by: Josh | May 6, 2008 04:47 PM

Get a grip PETA! I wont waste much time on this since you will never post it but, your org has done so much good until the last five years or so then you fell off the deep end of reality. You act as if this is the most horrible event ever to occur to a horse. Whats next, my five yr old has to stop riding his horse because its cruel? To quote your President "“Attending the Derby is as despicable as attending a dogfight"??? That was a joke correct??? The stats show that just over 1 in 1,000 race horse's are injured to the point that they have to be euthanized. That's fewer than drivers of NASCAR, why aren't you helping the drivers by insisting they stop racing? Temper your objections and outcries to a terrible TRAGEDY and stick to true abuse and prevention thereof, not atacking a sport which cares for these animals as much as you claim to.

Posted by: common sense | May 6, 2008 05:35 PM

Horse racing needs to come to terms with the unacceptably high loss of life on the racetrack, both during races and training hours, its abusive use of medication (Eight Belles ran on adjunct medication & lasix), and it's total lack of concern that the majority of these horses will go to slaughter after they have run their guts out for their owners and fans. The United Pegasus Foundation has saved many millionaire horses from feed lots. It has gone on for too long and I pray that the loss of this great filly, Eight Belles helps to turn this sport around. Until that time, I just can't watch anymore.

Posted by: Liz | May 6, 2008 05:53 PM

while i agree with PETA's good intentions i also agree with the comment that talked about horse anatomy..i own several horses that ran the track for many years and i couldnt be happier to get them off...but, i do think that PETA needs to start smaller with their list of wants..being a veteran of the horse racing and eventing industry..ive seen some horrible things done to horses and i am all for banning cruel acts in racing and un safe racing...but like i said, maybe if you reduced your list of desires you could achive more and build up...just a thought.

Posted by: me | May 6, 2008 06:37 PM

First let me say, you can never and will never take away what this wonderful and talented filly did. On the other hand, you also need to do a little more research. So you say Eight Belles was injured before the finish line, when she tilted her head, correct? If you watch more carefully you will observe that at this point she switched her lead, if you even know what that means. Also at this point she was right next to another horse, it would then make sense for her jockey to pull the outside rein cueing her to move away from the rail. If she was so badly injured she wouldn't have been running so easily down the stretch, her stride wouldn't have been so fluid and long. As to banning the use of crops, they are simply used as encouragement. They are also used in many other riding disiplines, are you going to try to ban them here too? And I can't imagine how you could accuse the owner, trainer, and jockey of not loving her, how you could put them under fire knowing the loss they just suffered. This is unethical treatment of people. I never even saw her in person and I cried for hours. I can't imagine how they must feel, everyone that was in contact with the beautiful lady. Yes I do agree that the racing age should be raised, racing babies is not fair. But horse racing may not be fair or safe ever. No matter how hard you try animals and people alike are going to hurt themselves, whether they live in a pasture, a deeply bedded stall, or are raced. These animals are treated like royalty. Remember the race she ran, remember how beautiful she is, and don't try to take that away from her. Revoking the prize money is simply nuts to me. And putting her heartbroken owner, trainer, and jockey in the position they are is cruel.

Enjoy running with Barbaro, girl. You will be forever missed and loved.

Posted by: Molly | May 6, 2008 06:45 PM

Horses can break a leg by simply taking a wrong step..it doesn't matter if they're running in the Kentucky derby or walking around alone in the pasture...it can happen in both situations! Also, the jockey is not at fault..stuff like that happens so fast and if there was an indication that something was wrong he would have pulled her up..those people loved that horse!

I'm all for animal rights and doing what's best for them but peta is too fast to jump down people's throats when something bad happens! Give the jockey a break!!!!

Posted by: Stephanie Becker | May 6, 2008 06:47 PM

I believe that Rick Porter the Owner of Eight Belles, also owned Round Pond. I seem to remember that Round Pond broke down too.

Posted by: Dawn Milton | May 6, 2008 07:01 PM

My family has been in breeding and racing horses for over twenty years. We compete at the smallest of racetracks.I am with the horse from the minute he/she is born to the racetrack.To have a horse suffer a fatal injury would be horrible. I understand how devastated the trainer(Larry Jones) and the connections are.People who work as grooms almost always work seven days a week every day of the year.The horses in thier care are loved. To groom a horse that suffers a fatal injury is your worst nightmare. If this was common none of us would be in this business.Those who are blaming the jockey are very misinformed. When a horse breaks down a jockey could be killed. The jockey thrown to the ground. The last thing a jockey wants is to push an injured horse forward. We have an owner who had a mare injured during a race (she spooked at a shadow).Her knee was shattered. Though it would not be considered a good business move, he never had a second thought he choose to operate and save her life. Knowing that she would never race again. I am looking at her now grazing in the field three years later. Loved and happy.

Posted by: cara | May 6, 2008 07:15 PM

I believe the filly should be tested for steroids.

Posted by: Mark | May 6, 2008 08:00 PM

I love horse racing. I do not love the breakdowns. I do not love people who make unsubtantiated comments and requests. What PETA is asking (with the surface changing and no whips thing) is completely idiotic. It clearly shows an ignorance to the sport and how it is played. Yes, synthetic surfaces do APPEAR to be safer, but they really haven't been around long enough in this country (USA) to prove that they are overall better for horse racing.

Instead of blaming things that hold no responsibility (jockeys, trainers, owners, whips) why not change the things that do matter? By introducing a different breed into the Thoroughbred gene pool with more bone. We might get slightly slower horses at first but eventually it will even out and we will have the same fast horses, without the soundness issues. The greatest horse of the last century, Man O' War, was not technically a full blooded Thoroughbred.

As a horse racing fan I do not like to see horses on such massive amounts of medication. I think that the outlawing of Bute (which is an anti-imflammatory much like asprin) is a fantastic idea. Allow the horses to receive it when they NEED it but not when they NEED it to get through a race. Lasix should be a thing of the past. We see such a problem with "bleeders" in the sport because the technology can catch every little blood drop in the esophogus. Breeding bleeders to bleeders will only produce more bleeders and not help a damn thing. I could care less if the horse is the fastest thing the world has ever seen, if he/she has soundness or other medical issues, I'm not breeding any of my stock to it, end of story.

We don't need to end horse racing, then where would all of these fantastic animals go? All of the breeding stock (particularly the stallions) would depreciate so much in value that they might as well be sent to slaughter as far as the greedy members of the sport are concerned. Instead, give horse racing a chance to change and improve. Doesn't everyone deserve a second chance?

On another note, the connections (jockey, trainer, owner) or Eight Belles are not responsible for her tragic death, just as the connections of Barbaro are not responsible for his breakdown two years ago. Yes, there are, unfortunately, bad seeds in the Sport of Kings, but there are also fantastic people. Take the Jacksons, owner of Barbaro. Barbaro's half brother, Man in Havana, was retired before he even started in a race because they saw that he didn't have potential. Is he in a slaughterhouse? No, he's found a new job that he can be good at.

I'll end this post with quote about humanity that can also be applied to horse racing. "You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty." -Ghandi

Posted by: Susan | May 6, 2008 08:03 PM

I heard on the news 700 horses a year are put down because of injuries on the racetrack. What other so called sport allows this kind of cruelty and death rate?! It is absolutely unacceptable and needs to be stopped. Please support PETA in this effort.

Posted by: Liza | May 6, 2008 08:07 PM

These horses get to go run, horses love to run especially in a herd of horses! Why don't you protest against the caging of dogs and cats in humane societies and pounds!! these animals are suffering!! Accident's happen, even out in the wild it happens.

Posted by: Cathy | May 6, 2008 08:46 PM

Eight Belles was an amazing, big, beautiful horse. I can remember clearly the first time I laid eyes on her at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Arkansas. I am now completely heart broken that she is gone. You all think you are so righteous, but you are the ones who are cruel for making this situation worse. The horse racing world is mourning the loss of an incredible animal and this is making it more difficult on everone. The owner and trainer loved this horse, she was like family to them. I am so glad they gave her the opportunity to do what she loved and run her heart out. She died doing what she loved to do. To take away the sport of horse racing would take away something so beautiful, it would take away the true appreciation of the horse.

As others have said, a horse can just as easily break their leg running across the pasture as they can in a race. For those of you who say horse racing is only about money you obviously know nothing about it. These days the breeding industry is where the money is, and the owners could have made much more from Eight Belles had they kept her alive and sent her to the breeding shed. They never knowingly would have risked her life, because the money they could make wouldn't be worth it in the long run considering the money they could've made in the breeding industry.

Eight Belles went out in glory. She died doing what she was born to do, she was running because she loved it, and all of her instincts told her she should try her hardest to win that race. Unfortunate is not a strong enough word for what happened, it makes me sick just to think about it and not a day has gone by since that I haven't broken down and cried. It makes me even more sick, however, that Eight Belles can't just rest in peace, she can't just be remembered as an incredible champion who ran her heart out. Please stop trying to be righteous and throwing blame where it doesn't belong. Please stop making the pain everone is feeling so much worse. Please stop trying to make Eight Belles some kind of martyr when all she ever wanted to do was run.

Posted by: Molly | May 6, 2008 08:58 PM

These horses love there jobs you can't tell a football player you got to the super bowl and now your not going to play because they would tell you to f off. the same with the horses. I feel PETA needs to back off of Seaz. Knowing a bit about him and knowing how much he cares about the horses he rides you are just making it harder. 2 horses die at the rolex this year and I didn't see PETA out there. that just shows me you are out for the money like everyone else. If was really for the horses you would have been at rolexs too. But the derby is bigger so target that. If you don't work with horses and a horse that competes you really have no say on what happened. these people love there horses. if they didn't why would they work 7-days a week 365 days a year for 12-14 hours a day. 8 bells loved her job and even if Seaz pulled her up in the race 18 horses would have ran her over and other horses would have gotten hurt. you think its so easy and the answer are too. but they're not. Horses are these peoples family their life. 8 bells wasn't just another horse the die at a race. I was a sad day and a big loss to the horse racing world. She will never be forgotten.

Posted by: Blair Golen | May 6, 2008 09:20 PM

This is to David R I believe. For knowing horses you are giving out wrong information. The Jockey Club DOES NOT allow artificial insemination. The stallions have to physically cover the mare.
So any talk of saving severly injured stallions for breeding will not work if the injury prevents the horse from being able to bred the mare.
You can go to their web site if you want to find out for yourself.
Lets try to keep accurate information or we are only confusing the issue.
Thanks

Posted by: T Nyman | May 6, 2008 10:48 PM

For most viewers, it was obvious that Eight Belles was whipped beyond her physical limits. Because of the fierce whipping inflicted by the jockey, it was evident Eight Belles was forced to run in an OVERLY STRESSED manner! Therefore, the two fractured ankles. Eight Belles fate was in the hands of the person riding her, as well as the orders of all involved (trainer/owner). Cues, whipping, or what ever term you would like to use doesn't matter now ... the end result was cruel. Eight Belles was pushed beyond her physical capabilities. The film is proof of that.

Posted by: Anna | May 6, 2008 10:59 PM

A brilliant letter from Ingrid. Like she says, "If horses truly love to run, as the racing industy continually claims, they will run without being beaten."
To those who post here that the horses aren't beaten, the whip is just a cue, my question is, how did the whip become a cue in the first place?

Posted by: lynda downie | May 7, 2008 12:58 AM

I love and own horses, worked with race horses, but over the last five years have been most upset with horses going down? Why are there 3 yr.old horses killing themselves for our entertainment? I refuse to view/attend another horse race until the breeders and the industry take a better look at how they are breeding the horses for speed and NOT sturdiness! Something has to be done about the horse racing industry to mimimalize the deaths of these beautiful creatures!

Posted by: Sharon | May 7, 2008 02:46 AM

Hey whats up? I love horses with all my HEART! I felt so bad when the hey had to kill that horse at the Kentucky Derby!
I just wanted to let you know i love horses with all my heart.

Love,
Evin Bauza

Posted by: Evin Bauza | May 7, 2008 08:48 AM

All of you who continue to villify horseracing do not know much about horses!
Its a good thing PETA wasn't around over a hundred years ago when horses were key to survival. They were used by the postal service as well as for transportation and farming. Horses were born to run not to sit in a stall or pasture!
Those of you call racing cruel do not have the first clue as to how these horses are cared for(and loved)!

Becky Foster
Horse Lover

Posted by: Becky Foster | May 7, 2008 08:50 AM

Peta or anyone else should not comment on an issue they are not familiar with. Did Peta ask Sterling Marlin to stop racing Nascar after he spun Dale Sr. into the wall ? Ultimately leading to his untimely death. If you guys want to go after anyone, I will give you a few ideas. Richard Dutrow, Trainer of Kentucky Derby winner Big Brown has been banned from several tracks, and fined or suspended every year since 2000.( That is why he slept in a stall in 1999 in NY ) For doping or inappropriate substances for horses that have already been banned! What about the fight in Cali, unecessarily leading to killing of almost a dozen seals? Those are just a few peta can concentrate on! Racing has its tragedies but if we did not have this sport there would be far fewer horses around at all! They all would be sent to the meat factory. How bout Peta mind their own business and leave alone an industry that supports thousands of people and ANIMALS worldwide! Yes, tragedy does happen and it is sad. Peta however is making it much worse !

Posted by: Jason | May 7, 2008 09:11 AM

Sadly to hear 8 Belle's I absolutley agree with Peta for suspensions & the Jokey is should know better if he's so profossional & know his horse so well, he was too busy whiping to think is 8 belle's in trouble "go for the MONEY" is all in his head at the moments. Second, I'm curious, can they xrays his ankles from the previous of old fractures in the past & to the newest ? like a secrets noone knows in the past ? I find it very hard to see how possible "TWO" ankles at the same time happens. I need a better understanding why & how. I'm betting it's because 8 belles is so young & that her bones aren't sturdy enough, Like a child neck can't do somersault or go on the trampoline, because the neck is only the size of a pinkie finger can easily fracture it. I pray Peta is getting some answers speak for the horse that can't speak for themselves. DISGRACE DERBY & GREEDS>... It's time for policy to be change safer for the Horses. no more young Jockey,imatures, investigates all horses before on going race,like sports players ! whiping is out of line ! limits horses on track, CANCEL THE RACE DURING THE RAINS !! is a must ! Ummm Sandi Robison, the rider is out of line, whiping the hell out of 8 belle's u try find someone whiping you over & over see how that felts to your rear..!! he's no professional, he's been trained to know the horse & riding. He can sense the galloping differents & the the horse can only do what the best they can. But OMG - look at the ends & what did 8 belle get for it, DEATH ! But I also would like to dream that today these days the Vets has to come up another way of helping the broken ankles or legs, like i saw on the dog vet shows, a dog had two back paws ankles were damage,amputates & did a faboulous work & now doing so well with her Prosthesis. I know it's a weighs of the horse ects. but they have money & it's a challenge to try harder..

Posted by: Katharine Acord | May 7, 2008 10:00 AM

By looking at some of the comments, makes me sad that some people have no clue. By a tragic loose of this wonderful animal that went against all the odds we make judgments on all industry, trainers, owners, jockeys and sport.
Accident is an accident

Posted by: vs | May 7, 2008 11:03 AM

To T-Nyman, I totally agree with you, ya see some thinks to back off on the Jockey ! Which I do believe he's was pushing 8 Belle's over limits for that young Filly. Seaz knows it,he's been trained & there's no acusses. If Jockey & the owner is faithful horse lover, then don't asked for the $400,000 paid, put it into effort for memorable for 8 Belle's.

Posted by: Katharine Acord | May 7, 2008 11:30 AM

Well I have read all of the post here! And I have worked in KY on the breeding farms and on a well know training farm for TB horses to go to the track. I have also had TB horses off the track. This is was I feel. I think what Peta is doing is great! I think lashing at the jocky should maybe be left out, really the jocky, didn't do anything wrong, at the pont Eight Belles broke down it was TOO Late, and nothing could have been done. It would be really nice to see, no whips be used, the horses be older, no drugs used, and better footing. I agree with all of that. As far as lashing out at all trainers, not all are bad, but some trainer and some like in any sport are in deed looking at the money aspect only! Overall, racing makes me sick, becuse I have seen alot of abuse take place when these young horses don't make it, and what happens when they do break down. It is realy hard to place a broken down horse, people don't want to feed or pay the bills on a broken down horse, especially in todays world with cost! I love horses, I want to fight for their rights since they can't talk. So even though some of you think Peta may be going too far, I do support them, And I pray things change for these poor horses. How would you, like to be in a stall 23 hours a day, for the people that think racing is good????? pumped up with drugs?? Forced into a pool to swim? I watched horses flipped over backwards, and yes these where very expensive horse, being prepped for the (Keenland sales) Realy, I have seen the fear in the horses eyes many times and I have also been there when we ripped them away from the farms from their mothers to take them to the training farms.. Very sad, that was the last time they got to see their mothers...It is sad.. and that is all I can say! Do they deserve this? For all you horse people here that say horse racing is ok, think about what you are saying, you know horses are herd animals, what is being done when they are in a stall 23 hours? What happens? The horses show signs of stress, they get ulcers, don't they? I wanted what was best for my horses and that is why, they lived where they could go outside and eat grass, or be inside their stalls. Don't you think horses should live that way? I think racing would be ok if again some things where change, yes, they do like to run, but should not be forced to run, the distance and at the yound age. they should also get to be a horse, and not locked in a stall 23 hr.s a day like a prisnor.. ok i'm going on and on. I pray God takes over on this one. Best wishes PETA keep up the GODD work!

Posted by: JenniferWard | May 7, 2008 11:35 AM

Eight belles was a beautiful creature and for them to just end its life so quickly.Its sickening that someone would actually stand there and watch something like this happen.The horse could have recovered,maybe it couldn't have raced again,but it could still have its life.

Posted by: Sydney | May 7, 2008 11:56 AM

I agree with so many on both sides of the issue...most of these horses live better than many children in this country. Eight Belles was lucky to pass doing what she loved, not afraid, and not in darkness wondering what was going to happen next. Yes, maybe the guidelines for the track and the age of the horses can be modified.

But, the darkest part of some of these animals lives are the slaughter houses and this should be a focus people. Why would the animal groups get slaughter houses banned in the US only for them to be sent to Mexico. Just the transport alone without ac or water and living hell for a few days before a dreadful end comes, this should have been a thought before trying to make change. By the time it gets to this point the horses are sold for a few hundred dollars. I live in Texas and when the state government stopped slaughtering in Texas they just moved a few hundred miles south to Mexico, so what did the animal rights groups obtain? NOTHING!

So the gentleman who mentioned," let's focus on this issue with all breeds of horses", is abosolutely correct.

PETA you are so eager for people to be vegetarians and focus on chicken and other farms. Why dont you start with this as an example? Let people see what happens to horses, animals people view as pets, majestic, and intelligent, then maybe you can open the door to so many other issues and get people thinking about how we process meet and treat animals for our FOOD..........without any regards to what conditions these poor creatures endure before the end!

We should concentrate on the real suffering!

Posted by: Melinda Rawls | May 7, 2008 12:10 PM

vs,
" accident is accident "?
will u let ur teenage child play football at the nfl?
would u like him to chase the ball with other 200 lbs football players?
i don't think so.

Posted by: ann | May 7, 2008 12:31 PM

The whipping of the horses has got to stop. I am so thankful for organizations like PETA to charge forward to put an end to this hideoous, eog-driven, so-called sport. One of your bloggers put it well, 'they love to run, my ass.' I like to run too, but not with someone whipping me as I go.

The jockey was following orders. Go for the trainer and owner.

Posted by: S. Sweeney | May 7, 2008 02:06 PM

This comment is not about horse racing at all, it's about just being a decent, mature adult. PETA please please please get some facts from unbiased, credible sources before voicing your cries!! I live in Louisville and am very proud of my home town and state, to hear your supporters bash KY makes me (and the rest of the real world) wonder just what type of organization PETA is.

I think your heart is in the right place and, as an animal lover myself, I can understand your points of view. But, you must do your homework BEFORE opening your mouths - you are quickly losing respect!

Posted by: Dave B | May 7, 2008 03:59 PM

The Eight Belles Tragedy: Stop Placing Blame

Because this is mainly a blog dedicated to racing and handicapping, I normally do not find myself writing about political subjects. However, in light of the Eight Belles tragedy, its aftermath, and many of the comments that have been posted, I will give my take on the issue.

After this, we'll move on and start talking Preakness and Triple Crown. I do not want this blog to become a place where critics of horse racing come to meet to voice their displeasure over the sport. That's not what this blog is about.

We are all in agreement that the breakdown of Eight Belles was tragic. As I said in my last post, seeing the disaster play out only a few feet away from me made it even more horrifying. With that being said and having had time to digest the situation, I feel very strongly that this was an accident and although there are groups out there looking to place blame on anyone they can find, there really is nobody to blame. Again, it was an accident.

There are those that blame owner Rick Porter for entering a filly to run against the colts. Please. Where were those people when Rags to Riches won the Belmont? And where are they during every other race in which fillies run against colts?

There are those looking to blame trainer Larry Jones, even going as far as accusing him of giving her steroids. Please. Jones is as respected a horseman as there is in the sport. Autopsy results will exonerate him shortly.

There are those that blame jockey Gabriel Saez, saying he went to the whip too much and kept riding her after he knew she was injured. Please. There is no evidence that Saez knew Eight Belles took a bad step or that he was aware of any injury. Look at the video. Her ears were pricked when she crossed the finish line and she was striding normally. The fact that Saez is being made a villain in this is ridiculously unfair. The people who are calling for his suspension know nothing about horse racing.

These same people who are protesting that horse racing is "barbaric" and pressing for rule changes such as banning the whip and forcing every racetrack to switch to synthetic surfaces, should learn the facts before causing a stir. They are grossly misinformed and only looking to place blame where there is none.

One other question. Where are these activists when a $5,000 claimer breaks down on a Wednesday afternoon at one of the lower-level racetracks? I don't hear them. But since this was the Kentucky Derby and on national television, they all come out of the woodwork looking for a forum.

Look, accidents happen. They are part of the sport. Just like football, auto racing, boxing and other human sports where people, unfortunately, are sometimes fatally injured. Why must we always look to point the finger? It doesn't do anything, other than provoke media sensationalism.

It is understandable that people are upset after the breakdowns of Barbaro, George Washington and Eight Belles - three fatal accidents that have occurred on Thoroughbred racing's biggest stage within the past year. It is definitely a black eye for the sport. But let's keep this all in perspective. From the numbers I have seen, there are about 1.6 breakdowns for every 1,000 horses that race. For the most part, Thoroughbreds are well cared for and they enjoy running. After all, this is what they are bred to do.

Does that mean we should stop looking at some of the underlying reasons for breakdowns? Not at all. I like the idea of doing more research on breeding (and inbreeding) patterns to find out why today's horses seem to be less sturdy than those of 30 or 40 years ago.

I also think we should keep pressing for stricter drug testing and impose stiffer penalties for offenders. In my opinion, (I have no hard proof to back my claim, this is only my opinion) we are seeing an increased number of breakdowns because trainers are introducing horses to more and more medicines (legal and illegal). Allowing horses to run on medications when their bodies are already compromised could be one major reason why they are now more prone to injuries.

In closing, the death of Eight Belles was terrible and something that nobody wants to see. But let's keep it in perspective. Fatalities are going to occur in horse racing whether or not we ban the whip, switch to synthetic surfaces, or run fillies against colts. You want to protest or stop watching horse racing because of an accident? That's your choice. Just stop pointing fingers without knowing all the facts.

Maybe you guys need to actually do some research before making unnecessary claims and accusations. Look up how many horses have been broken down in the KY Derby and rewatch the end of the race, Eight Belles was running perfectly fine. And where are you guys when horses break down from tripping in the pasture or getting kicked by a horse??

Posted by: Ashley | May 7, 2008 04:02 PM

I am reading all these comments from so-called racing experts and I am confused. Now who is it that knows nothing? Maybe you can explain to me how is it that when a horseperson who has owned horses for over 40 years and has worked on the track and has friends who are still working there -how is it that that person knows nothing? Do you want to come see the horses in my barn? Think you can ride any of them without screaming? Maybe there are some horsepeople who are sick and tired of these breakdowns. I've seen them but I have never seen what happened to this filly and I want answers and I want changes in the industry now. You stupid people who keep saying that she died doing what she loved doing. She didn't die eating some nice alfalfa, she died in the dirt with the outrider on her neck. She didn't go out in a so-called blaze of glory. What you idiots, you think she was laying there and thinking "Oh at least I am going out in a blaze of glory." She died suffering and scared. I want to know exactly what could have been done to prevent her death. We need to learn from what happened to her so that the chances of that happening again are slim.

Posted by: Been There | May 7, 2008 04:54 PM

Horseracing exists because of money and entertainment period. To hear about how these horses are loved and pampered is hog wash. These people involved in high stakes horse racing project the image of wealth and glamour as part of the culture. If these animals are pampered it is because of their ability to make money. The marketing around this industry is to make money period. What goes on with these animals has created rumors of drugs, racing them under painful conditions, pushing to hard and injuring or killing them. This is animal exploitation for money no matter how you slice it.

To have a young animal run on a hard track with a person on its back as fast as it can run while being whipped is cruelty and putting the animal in grave danger. Such recklessness cannot be glossed over with comments like horses were born to run and they are well cared for.

The Horse Racing Authority needs to wake up and do its job by regulatinge the treatment of these horses and racing rules in order to protect these animals from their sometimes overzealous owners and trainers and tragedies like we saw with Eight Belles.

Boycotting racing by advertisers and the general public will get their attention as well as writing our government officials at all levels. I hear more and more disgusted friends sound off against horse racing and the injuries of these beautiful animals.

The owner of Eight Belles and her trainer clearly are at fault here for running this animal into the ground. They should be made to take the $400,000 earnings of the poor dead filly and donate them to a charitable organization that works in equine rehabilitation and welfare.

I consider these winnings "dirty money". I hope the $400,000 was worth it to them. Shame....Shame....Shame...

Posted by: Katja | May 7, 2008 05:38 PM

I have lived in central kentucky all my life and have had horses in the past that helped with farming. They were always treated as one of our family. I have a hard time believing that the kentucky derby is NOT about greed. I can not for a second think it is ok to treat these animals this way. Further more I feel that when these animals are injured the money that they have earned in their winnings should go to their hospital healthcare and not to their owners wife for a new hat. I am a nurse and fell that we as a society have an obligation to care for every living creature and when this is overlooked we are soon doomed to fail as a society.

Posted by: L. M. | May 7, 2008 05:52 PM

I think horseracing is barbaric.
If you want to gamble there are lots of other ways to do it,cards,casinos,auto racing to name a few.
Horseracing ranks right up there with dogs fighting to the death.
So sad that Eight Belles ran herself to death so someone could get rich.

Posted by: D.Coley | May 7, 2008 06:16 PM

Don't get me wrong, I have respected PETA for the work that they have done to secure animals' rights, but this time they have stepped too far. Eight Belles' jockey Gabriel Saez said "I respect that they love animals so much because I do too. At the same time, it bothers me because they are talking about something they have no clue about." This statement is a completely accurate description of what is going on here. PETA has rushed into the controversy dealing with Eight Belles breakdown too quickly, and it was all for the sake of media coverage. The only reason that PETA jumped in was because it was a national headline. They jump to conclusion without knowing the facts; it is a disappointment that such a worthy organization would make such hasty decisions in the name of coverage. PETA needs to do the research before making complaints. They persecute Gabriel Saez for using the whip 'in excess' yet they do not attack any other jockeys. It is the worst part of horse racing, but breakdowns happen. Just like crashes happen in a nascar race. Sure, your probably thinking that the horses have no choice, but spend a few unbiased days at the track and see how those thoroughbreds love to run. PETA has also tried to give racing a bad name in general for using whips, yet they have not realized that whips are not used on all horses. They also do not know that some jockeys just carry the whip in their hand; placing a 120 pound jockey on a 1000 pound horse is a little unsafe without it. Why ban the jockey from the track? If he knew about Eight Belles' so called injury, then why would he place his life in danger as well as the horse's? PETA is not only sticking its head in a place where it does not belong, the organization is encouraging others to do the same; for example, this blog is filled with posts from people who do not know the first thing about horse racing. I have known an abundance of trainers and jockeys alike that treat their horses with respect and admiration. It is not only a job for them, but what they live for. Like I said before, horses were born to run. As soon as a horse is placed in the starting gate, he is just waiting until the bell rings to let him go. If a rider is placed on a retired racehorse, he can still feel their desire to run. Furthermore, place that horse in an open area, and only an experienced rider can hold him back. Bottom line, PETA needs to do the research so they can help animals instead of further their press coverage.

Posted by: Ashley | May 7, 2008 06:46 PM

I think that the jockey has to be held accountable also because anyone with a conscience has to know better than to whip a horse or any animal for that matter is cruel. And I think that Peta should make a petition with its members to be more efective in trying to stop this so called sport from being so abusive.

Posted by: Marge | May 7, 2008 06:59 PM

Yes, this is a very sad and regrettable event. But, you must look at racing not as a bad thing but an enjoyable event for the horses. Honestly, not many people can handle a TB horse with their personailities. And while we may hate to admit it, these horses are born and bred for racing. They are not meant to do anything else. Running is what they really enjoy doing.
And you can't take it as this is what happens to all the racehorses. Most are treated wonderfully and very much loved and cared for. Sure, there are bad people that get involved, and yes it's not fun to have to horriffic things like this...and honestly, I would have been right there up with you all on ending horse racing.
But, shutting down horse racing completely...aside from the obvious drawbacks, would hurt those who do care for their horses and race them properly. Also, it might make the horses themselves miserable as they could no longer run as they wanted to. And what's more it would simply send more to their death's due to housing and money shortages.
While racing definitely could use reform to help stop these events, trying to stop it entirely is a mistake. One that could have numerous consequences.

Posted by: Megan | May 7, 2008 07:40 PM

Please people, before you post learn how to SPELL and get a freaking CLUE about the horse industry! You should be ashamed.

Posted by: Madison | May 7, 2008 07:44 PM

I do agree that SOME racehorses are abused, but most definetly not the ones in such high ranking races. These horses live better than any of you will ever dream of living. They have people that are there to make sure they are happy and comfortable every moment of every day. Some of you may argue that they do this so the horse will win more money, but that is not true. My uncle races horses, and he lost a horse last year due to an idiot jockey, he loved that horse more than anything in the world. So don't go blaming it on the trainer or the owner. Sometimes it is the jockey's fault, but not in races like the Kentucky Derby, when the stakes are so high. I'm fully certain, that if he thought anything was wrong with Eight Bells he would have pulled her up right in the middle of the race. That sure would have give you PETA people something to talk about, wouldn't it? But it didn't happen that way. We need to face it, no matter what sport you participate in with a horse, they will always be putting pressure and strain on their legs. Their legs don't get any stronger as they age more and more, they just build up more muscle. Look at showjumping, they land on their two front legs, putting roughly 1,000 pounds down on their legs, and yet because those leg injuries are not as widely reported to the public. You pick the one sport where you see it happen on television 2 times, and you people think that you need to save these animals. If they didn't want to do it, no matter how hard they are whipped they wouldn't. Believe me they are extreemly stobbern animals.

Posted by: c | May 7, 2008 08:17 PM

I would just like to point out one thing about the jockey - he was balanced aboard an 1,100 pound animal going 40+mph with 18 other horses behind him. Had he felt anything to indicate something was wrong with Eight Belles, he most certainly would have pulled her up. For the horse's safety, as well as his own.

And had he not, the horse could have gone down during the race, and then we would be talking about a dead horse and a dead jockey. So please, cast your anger elsewhere. Yes, ban the whip, move to a synthetic track, and perhaps you can view the owner as greedy for putting the filly in that race, but the jockey plays no role in this whatsoever.

Thank you.

Posted by: Mike Costello | May 7, 2008 08:32 PM

For all those protesting that the jocky is not to blame, get this: Et Al. It is a legal term where anyone involved is held accountable and sued. The jocky was the closest to her when the accident occurred, the trainer, the owner, the event track, the veterinarian, even the drug company that supplied the drugs, etc. If she was a human being you know there would have been an ambulance chaser right there to offer her their legal services. If she did not have representation in life PETA gives it to her in death.
Oh and Christina who laments about the poor little six year old girl in the stands who 'want' a pony being scared all her life. I don't give a rat's rear while Eight Belles lies terrorized and in pain, she is to be considered first. That she was euthanized and put out of her misery without having to suffer the additional pain of being moved out of the public's eye accomplishes two very important things: 1-she doesn't continue to suffer, and 2-the world who watched can now have no excuse to say they don't know what happens to these animals and get involved to end this cruel animal abuse that passes for sport. I would also stake my bet that the little girl would more likely grow up to be an animal activist than be scared all her life.
Rest in Peace Eight Belles

Posted by: R. De Ferrary | May 7, 2008 08:59 PM

Many of you have excellent points. Others may not know so much about racing or horses, but clearly have a love for animals. I do not claim to know everything about either horses or horseracing, although I have had horses and grew up with horseracing in Chicago. Fact: horses do love to run. Fact: unwanted racehorses are slaughtered, served as food in Europe and fight as stallions in countries like Italy. Fact: thoroughbred stallions used for breeding must mount the mare. Artifical insemination is not permitted if the foal will race.
Of all the comments I read, it seems like Brian hit the nail on the head. Getting the support of the legislature is the key. Hard to do, yes, but important if you want to change anything, especially if it involves gambling, which equates to lots of revenue for cities, counties, states, etc.
Dan - please understand that Jackson is correct that horses must be able to stand on all four feet. Many injuries to horses' legs can and are controlled and improved by a number of drugs and/or treatments. However, any compound fracture to the lower leg/hoof area is fatal. There is just not the blood supply for that area, and time is against them when they cannot stand for a long period of time during recovery. That was clear when we saw what happened to Barbaro. Unfortunately, Eight Belles had compound fractures in both front legs. Impossible to recover.
I do agree with ALL OF YOU who mention how young these horses race. It IS insane. Fact: a 2-3 yr old horse does not have developed bones in their legs. Their lungs are not totally developed either.
Breeding now is all about speed. Breeding used to be about strength, durability, then speed. If you look at the finish time for the Kentucky Derby since the beginning, it is clear that speed is the ultimate factor now.
I also AGREE with all of you who show concern for a filly running with the boys. In this race, where the horses literally sprint for a mile and a quarter, a filly has little chance (as history proves). Or, perhaps they do well, and then the outcome is what happened to Eight Belles. The responsibility is on the trainers and the owners, as well as the racing commission. The trainers advise the owners, and the owners ultimately make the decision. Shame on both of these groups for pushing such a fine filly. This is also where the heat should be.
I support PETA and hope they are successful in getting Churchill to make a change and go to a synthetic track. I think without legislative support it is unlikely, and I hope they pursue other avenues to make sure conditions improve substantially.
Finally, there is an organization in Midway, KY called "Old Friends". They adopt and care for old stallions who were once racehorses. They rescue them from being slaughtered or sent to Europe. I encourage you to check out their program and support them if you also believe in their cause.

Posted by: ML | May 7, 2008 11:48 PM

37 percent of racehorses end up being slaughtered.

House (HR503) and
Senate (S311) would permanently ban horse slaughter and close the
export loophole. They would prohibit the transport of horses packed
inside trucks, mass misery, a horrific journey to a horrific death, to
slaughterhouses in Mexico and Canada. I hope that everyone would
contact their senators and reps urging them to pass this. Senator Larry
Craig from Idaho is blocking the bill.
There are videos on youtube of what happens to the horses if you can
stand it. There also is an article written by Lisa Sandberg entitled,
'Horse Slaughters Taking Place on the Border' that you should read if
you haven't already. It was published 10/02/2007

The Missouri Senate has just passed a resolution urging Congress to
allow horse slaughter as they want to open a horse slaughter torture
facility.

Let Congress know that it is not acceptable.

Posted by: Lin | May 8, 2008 01:07 AM

Why not focus on how animals are abused at slaughterhouses and neglected by people who do not feed them? Why pick on someone who loved Eight Belles and the good people who gave her a great life? You are missing the point about about abusing animals--step up and give them homes instead of starving them or sending them to slaughter.

Posted by: Swingtime | May 8, 2008 01:08 AM

I am against all abuse, humand and animial. I believe the tracks should be made safe for the the animalsl. But these statements being made about the Kentucky Derby and the jockey, are why people turn a blind eye. This horse was not abused. This horse was not only an investment, but was loved. I believe your staff should do more research before just blindly making accusations.

Posted by: Lisa Andersib | May 8, 2008 06:06 AM

Wow, I've read through a lot of the comments here. The comment about the Nascar drivers made me laugh.

Those drivers know what they are getting themselves into...they have made the choice to do what they do.

The horses don't make the choice and that is the difference. To call horseracing a sport is completely ridiculous.

C'mon people...this is the 21st century and we really don't need to use animals to entertain us. Yes, there are injuries in "human" sports but the difference is, the "humans" know the chances they are taking by playing the sport. The horses don't.

It's the difference of choice.

As for the Kentucky Derby, its the most ridiculous thing ever. It just seems to be a tradition of wearing stupid hats and drinking mint julips.

My husband had a great idea....he said they should put a mint julip on a track ( like the rabbit thing in dog racing ) and have those women in the stupid hats race around the track after the mint julip...that would be entertaining...especially if the horses were sitting in the stands.

Horses are beautiful animals but to be raised for the express purpose of making $$ is just wrong in my opinion. How is that different than raising minks for the express purpose of killing them to make coats.

Using animals to make money is just wrong.

Posted by: Natalie | May 8, 2008 08:30 AM

BOYCOTT YUM BRANDS ! ! ! ! CALL THEM E-MAIL THEM ! ! ! ! GO TO YUM.COM THEY HAVE A COMMENT ABOUT THE DERBY . THEY ARE THE DERBY SPONSOR !

Posted by: Patti | May 8, 2008 09:55 AM

The irony is cruel: Eight bells (the nautical term for end of shift, sometimes used in an obituary) for Eight Belles. It is time to signal eight bells for horse racing. Barbaro was a rarity in the care given after an injury. Ferdinand (1987 horse of the year and 1986 Derby winner) is more typical - turned into ground (meat) instead of just run into the ground like Eight Belles. The crop in racing is what the electric shock is in rodeo. Regardless of the apparent damage to the horse, it's still unwanted and it's still cruel. Why is it that Eight Belles was killed because she couldn't be put into an ambulance, but the "caregivers" had no problem putting her corpse into a hearse? This sport of kings is an emperor with no clothes. The theme for Horse Week is "Unbridled Spirit". Take away the bridles and you would see the real spirit of these magnificent animals -- truly unbridled, that's what they were born to be.

Posted by: Tim I. Martin | May 8, 2008 10:21 AM

Thanks Patty, that's what we need to do, ban together and make something good for the benefit of the horses.

Posted by: Margarita | May 8, 2008 10:50 AM

All of these horses that are put into the "Triple Crown"
race are not making it because it is almost impossible to withstand the
grueling 3 races. Here is Big Brown, already with bad
feet, and has only raced 3 times prior to the Derby
(because of the bad feet),
wins the race and now has
to be up for another race
in only 2 weeks. Are we
going to witness his break down as well. We should be
investigating his health and
not allow him to run with the
bad feet. How do we know he
was not pumped up with steroids for the Derby??
The owner was found to have
done that in the past with
2 other horses. These horses are raced too early in life, there are far too many injuries, injuries are
masked with drugs, and some
horses are given pain killers to race even when
they are injured and they go on to get injured even more or perhaps breakdown. The jocket on 8 belles THE SECOND HE FELT HER NOT BEING RIGHT, as he has admitted, should have pulled her up and
DISMOUNTED IMMEDIATELY, as
did Chris Antley some years
ago when he stood on the dirt, with tears streaming down his eyes, holding the horse's foot so that he wouldn't put weight on it,until the ambulance came
and actually saved his life. What did this jockey do??? HE LET EIGHT BELLES RIDE 1/4 MILE AFTER THE FINISH LINE.

what a sport.

Posted by: judi mueller | May 8, 2008 10:53 AM

I am a horseback rider, owner, competer, and all around enthusiast. I can tell immediately, I will not be too popular because I am going to be the devil's advocate here(I'm also a showjumper, which many animal rights activists call cruel, barbaric, so on so forth, I respectfully disagree)

I hope I can give some insight. First let me make it clear that there is a distinction between the horse competition world and the horse racing world. Training and lifestyles are very, very different. However, it is not neccessarily true that the Thoroughbred industry throws away their horses to slaughter(which is now illegal in the US, the horses are being shipped to Mexico for an even more horrible, gruesome, bloodier death, and our market suffers, meanwhile they endure longer trips)- several "OTTBS" - or, off-track-thoroughbreds sit at my boarding facility right at this moment next to my own horse. They retire sound(meaning free from injury) and then go on to a new owner living what would be considered a "normal" life for a horse.

Another thing to know is that drugging a horse is illegal. For nearly everything in competition and racing. They may eat quite a lot of grain for energy, they may get alot of supplements like vitamins, minerals, and weight supplements are popular.

Now, as for the whip rule. WHAT do you propose jockeys do to cue the horses to go? There legs? Thats what most riders use, but jockeys have their legs hiked up. Additionally, most jockeys cannot stop those horses if they want to because race horses are taught to lean into the contact. Therefore, pulling back=GO. It takes alot of strength to stop a 1500 pound racehorse that loves to run. I know this because I've worked with ex racehorses and "converted" them to jumpers. To clear up some more things with whips, they are not whips, but "poppers" - horses have much thicker skin than we do which is covered by hair. The popper is designed to make noise and is thick and fat so that it covers more surface area. It may seem barbaric but horses speak in a language of pressures, to eachother, and to us. My horse is turned out in a pasture with several other rowdy immature horses daily - if one wants to get past another they BODYSLAM them. They