Good! I hope when people see the tombstones they will realize how stupid and inhumane horseracing is.

Posted by: Aneliese | April 30, 2009 12:13 PM

this is wrong, not the horse racing of course, but the way this is stated. the horses are treated better than the jockeys themselves. horses have their personal vets, and all the other things. many people find horse racing cruel but it really is not. these horses are not treated inhumane. they are well taken care of. i know this for a fact. yes many horses die, but mostly of age. the accident that accursed this passed week with the horse hitting the other horse from behind and killing it, it was an accident, the jockey had no way of stopping him, did anyone ever mention anything about the jockey that fell? i think not. he is okay by the way, just a sprained ankle

Posted by: Sarah Vasquez | April 30, 2009 01:10 PM

I was a "care"taker for harness horses in upstate new york back in the early '90s. I can tell you first hand that the animals are just income. In no way is there any respect for the animal as a sentient creature. They are brought to the track at the age of 2 and the life is run out of them by 5. Disgusting!

Posted by: Ricky | April 30, 2009 01:13 PM

It seems that everything related to inhumane and cruel treatment of animals is directly related to profit. I envision a world where people will choose compassion when they reach the crossroad between compassion and greed. I see a world where we expand our limited ideas regarding the relation between humans and other animals. I dream of the day that we begin to appreciate the beauty that each creature has to contribute and we unbridle the constraints we often place on the beautiful creatures we share this planet with. These realizations are being manifested despite the opposition to this new way of thinking. Let us all direct our positive energy and attract what we want for the creatures of this planet...freedom from confinement and lives that are natural to them. It is happening!

Posted by: Michael Essi | April 30, 2009 01:32 PM

Dang that's a lot of horses. My 7 year old neice wants to be a jocky and I keep trying to explain to her why she should do something else. I think I'll have her read this.

Posted by: lindsey | April 30, 2009 02:54 PM

I made a pledge to myself never to attend any kind of event that uses animals for entertainment. That includes horse races, circuses, rodeos, zoos, stage shows like in Vegas, or any other type of so called "entertainment. Maybe it entertains the customers but I am sure it doesn't entertain the animals who have no choice!

Posted by: Rex's Mom | April 30, 2009 03:14 PM

Does anyone realize that Gabriel Saez, the jockey who whipped Eight Belles to death, is riding in the derby this year under Larry Jones!!??? I am disgusted.

He is even riding in the Eight Belles named race. I hope people protest his riding.

Posted by: CLT | April 30, 2009 04:15 PM

Care to tell us exactly how you know that for a fact, Sarah? From my firsthand knowledge of the thoroughbred industry I say you are just making up fibs.

Posted by: Elphaba | April 30, 2009 04:25 PM

Anybody who's raised horses knows that 2-yr. olds' leg bones are not ready to withstand the rigors of training for races. Just when is someone going to step in and outlaw the cruel and stupid tradition to utilize such young horses and thereby change this sport into a more honorable one?? BRAVO to PETA for making such a touching statement by erecting the hundreds of headstones! Now let's hope the media will be giving this gesture and its deep meaning the attention it deserves, so everyone in our country will be made aware of this big problem!!!

Posted by: Irene Arm | April 30, 2009 04:35 PM

How could any DECENT person defend the use of horses for horse races, rodeos, zoos, etc? The idea of horses being pushed, prodded, drugged, and forced to run to exhaustion is IMMORAL, that's all there is to it. "Entertainment" that uses animals is mercenary -- it derives profit from suffering -- and benefits only the owners. If this seems "fun" to some people, it's only because they are ignorant of the animals' conditions,
apathetic, or cruel. These horses were KILLED -- and their owners should be prosecuted!

Posted by: cassandra | April 30, 2009 05:04 PM

The horse racing industry needs to move quickly towards humane, ethical standards. "Big Brown" won the 2008 Kentucky Derby on a (now-banned) performance-enhancing steroid drug! He is now retired-- to produce more drug-needy offspring. Until racetracks clean up their act, horse racing is NOT a "Sport."

Posted by: Jean from Kentucky | April 30, 2009 05:17 PM

Go Peta Go!

Posted by: Holly | April 30, 2009 05:33 PM

My uncle did and does horse racing and his horses were always treated the best. The best veternarian care, best grooming, top of the line feed and lots of love and care. He has a picture of each and every horse he has ever had in a race mounted in his office and lining the game room in the basement of his house. So not every race horse is abused, but there are some who actually are and that shouldn't be allowed, so those people should be dealt with.

Posted by: Denise | April 30, 2009 07:44 PM

Sarah
Even if it were true that race horses are treated better than jockeys (an often trotted out claim that I seriously question), jockeys choose to be at the racetrack, horses don't.

Posted by: lynda downie | April 30, 2009 11:44 PM

You guys need to get your facts straight. Horse racing is not cruel. The industry is working everyday to make the sport safer for both horses and jockeys. People love their horses as is if they were part of their human family! I know first hand. My thoroughbred is fat and happy and enjoys a strawberry poptart with me in the morning! Does that sound like an abused horse to you?
You people really need to get a life!

Posted by: Rebecca W. | May 1, 2009 12:02 AM

If horses receive such great care, it's only because the jockeys want them at their best. These horses are trained from a very young age and raised to run for a jockey's monetary gain. It's a sport where both members of the so called team aren't necessarily willing participants. I'm sure that once off the track, they may have nice living conditions, but in no way does that justify having to fulfill a life of an owner by running. Animals aren't servants. It wouldn't be justifiable to have a human slave as long as you gave them nice shelter, food and water, and top medical attention so why is it okay for another life form? That's right, it's not.

Posted by: Chelsea | May 1, 2009 07:18 AM

Training at a younger age promotes essential bone growth, and they are not raced for the jockeys' gain. Horses and jockeys form a lasting relationship. Just look and Mike Smith and Zenyatta. Another thing is that horses naturally love to run and race. They do it in pastures and out in the wild on their own free will.

Posted by: Rebecca W. | May 1, 2009 10:41 AM

My favorite sport is track and field. I never miss an opportunity to watch that when it's on television. It just amazes me to watch how fast some human beings can run, it is poetry in motion.

I find track so much more interesting than horse racing, and the participants choose to be there!

Posted by: Rev. Meg Schramm | May 1, 2009 12:57 PM

That list sent shudders down my spine.

Posted by: Salogma | May 1, 2009 04:09 PM

I was born and raised in Louisville, Ky. and have attended many Derbys. I am so glad that I was enlightened to the HORRORS of horse racing and the profligate business that it is. Though I no longer live in Louisville, I refuse to attend a Derby or spend one dollar in Louisville during that time. I am a proud member of PETA and I will place flowers once again on Eight Belles' grave when I visit Louisville the last of May. I applaud the members of PETA who are staging a memorial at Churchill Downs this Friday and Saturday in honor of the equine athletes who have given their lives. Blessings.

Posted by: Pamela Harp Gentry | May 1, 2009 05:02 PM

Larry Jones loved Eight Belles with all he had. How dare you PeTA insinuate that this man who would have given everything to save his filly would want to risk her life for a race. She was NOT "raced to death." Unfortunately, in all sports, there are risks involved, and accidents happen. Eight Belles was cared for deeply, and every precaution was made for her safety. Even if she did not win the race, she would have still been valuable as a broodmare, so there is no merit in "pumping her full of drugs and whipping her to death." Even if there somehow was, her handlers and trainer would never risk their beloved horse.

Fortunately, there are many advancements being made in equine science and medicine, and new regulations are being put into place.

Larry Jones loved Eight Belles as she was: a brilliant filly who loved to run and was a true hero. Too bad PeTA only values her as a springboard, or some object to gain public sympathy. If she was some nameless horse somewhere on an obscure track, PeTA wouldn't care if she lived or died. Only famous horses deserve your attention, apparently. I laugh when you pretend to care about those "anonymous" horses. You just like big numbers to make you look better. Horses are numbers to you. How sick. Somewhere, people are mourning for those lost horses, and you just label them as numbers. Larry Jones cried when she died. PeTA laughed with glee as they found a new tool to gain donations. You are an insult to all horses who give their hearts to their humans every day. Eight Belles, god bless you as a wonderful and spirited racehorse, many hopes that you are happy in heaven watching over your equine and human friends.

Posted by: SQ | May 1, 2009 06:55 PM

People who think they know everything really bother me. People who make claims before knowing the truth really upset me. There is a simple saying to "think before you speak." All of this applies to PETA's relationship with horse racing. Wander the barns of churchill and you will wish you lived there. These horses are not cheap so they are treated better than you and I. I became hooked on the sport last year for the love of the great animal and human athletes. My dream is to work with these beautiful, talented, and couragous animals everyday. So I will be watching the derby races from 12 to 7 tomorrow and how I will dream of being there in person. Racing is a wonderful sport. And to your Eight Belles poster, she deserves to wear the roses, but the words completely ruin it.

Posted by: Lindy | May 1, 2009 07:15 PM

It's no accident that Ernie Paragallo's case is quiet until after the K-Derby. And why is it that my TV shows ads for Yum foods and the K-Derby but not one word about race horse death or suffering. I think unless the happy cover on horse racing is lifted by force by groups like PETA there will be no end to the lies and games that allow the race industry to continue at the exspense of the horses. Good On You! Horse lovers the world round should appluad. I will NOT be watching the Derby as I cannot stand the thought that I will be watching another horse run to its untimely death.

Posted by: Joanna | May 1, 2009 10:09 PM

chelsea first of all jockeys are just along for the ride they have no daily contact with the horses they ride.if you people was to spend 1 mourning starting at4;30am you would see just how well horses are cared for and loved

Posted by: shawn | May 1, 2009 11:23 PM

To the post written by Rebecca. Yes, a pop-tart is abusive to your naturally vegetarian horse. Synthetic ingredients, preservatives, and plenty of fat is not a great diet for your animal that depends on you for its food. Fat does not equal happy! No offense, but if pop-tarts are in your pantry and you are riding this horse....well, you get my point. Remember that dogs love the sweet taste of anti-freeze, but it kills them. Just because it tastes good does not mean it is good for anyone. Aren't we supposed to be the grand marshals of intelligence in the animal kingdom? I disprove this every time someone makes comments such as yours. Lack of intelligence is evident when the potential is there and one only uses a mere fraction of it.

Posted by: Michael Essi | May 2, 2009 06:56 AM

I hope Churchill Downs cleans this crap up before the Derby. I know the name, color, personality, and bloodline of EVERY horse on that "death list" and there was a crying session where everyone died. People in racing CARE about the horses. Why is that so hard for you people to grasp?

Posted by: Paintmare06 | May 2, 2009 07:42 AM

Sarah, I agree with Lynda. The jockies CHOOSE to do this. The horses are genetically bred and selected for it, trained for it, and given no choice in the matter. I don't see the jockies getting hit by whips to get them to the race! And so the jockey sprained his ankle...again, that's a hazard of the job he CHOSE to take. The horse lost its life! I think that takes precedence!

Posted by: Christina Moschella | May 2, 2009 08:55 AM

Thank you so much for doing this Memorial for the horses. It is so disgusting and sad that this continues to go on. I used to work at a barn and took care of horses when they came back from the track. I would just sit and cry as they were walked off the trailers. They had been run almost to death. They were thin and broken looking. They always had injuries and many of them seemed almost crazy. They would run horses that had no business being run. The owners acted as if they loved these horses more than life and said they were their babies but let me tell you, it was all about money and nothing else. If they pushed a horse too hard and it ended up having to be euthanized, that was just part of the deal. The woman would cry and cry and I would think..."why are you crying?" when it is YOU that killed this beautiful and amazing animal. It is just so unfair that horses are forced to put their lives at stake and to be pushed so hard and to be injured over and over, all for the sake of human beings love of money. I don't understand how anyone can find pleasure in watching something so cruel. It breaks my heart. Thank You Peta. I pray that today no horse will die.

Posted by: Ashlea Berry | May 2, 2009 09:30 AM

Growing up I always loved to watch horseracing, but that changed the day I saw two horses break down at a fairground race track. One horse's broken foreleg swung back and forth by the remaining flesh that held it together; another horses front hooves bent completely upwards as the ankles were shattered. That's a sport????

Posted by: Weezianna | May 2, 2009 09:50 AM

Eight Belles was not whiiped to death, nor were there drugs in her system. Try getting your facts straight before publishing false information.

Posted by: Tracy | May 2, 2009 10:17 AM

I have loved horses all my life and until the PC was invented alot of people never knew the horror of this sport.I have cried many a tear for these brave animals and will never get over the heartlessness of their owners! GO PETA!!

Posted by: phyllis smith | May 2, 2009 11:23 AM

Wow. Great information and I appreciate what PETA has done to draw attention to the horrific amount of horse deaths in a significant peaceful way. I've always loved the Kentucky Derby and enjoyed the atmosphere leading up to the big race. I need to do more research on the treatment of these beautiful creatures I always believed the horses were treated with great care and love...I'll be watching and researching..again thanks for the info.

Posted by: oklahoman | May 2, 2009 02:12 PM

I am disgusted the way PETA puts this. These horses are not whipped to death, the whip has NOTHING to do with her death. It was a complete accident, no one could have known that a freak accident would occur. I am disgusted that PETA has taken this to their advantage to say these horses are killed in these ways. They aren't, I know first hand what happens with races and the backside. PETA knows nothing and yet acts like they do.

Posted by: Katie | May 2, 2009 02:26 PM

Horse racing will not end until people choose not to attend or watch horse races. That day is a long way off. Until then, horses will continue to make money for their owners and will continue to be abused.

Posted by: Al | May 2, 2009 03:36 PM

I am bothered by the way this article is written. You mention horses who have died at the track.. The problem is that you make it sound as though all of these horses died at Churchill Downs. It is important to note that Churchill has done a wonderful job working to make their track safer for the horses and jockeys.
As to banning the use of drugs, I point you to the fac t that in the last year, the NTRA has cracked down on drug use in racing. This years derby field is perfectly clean. It is also one of the safest derbies. Note that all horses have been checked out for the race resulting in the withdrawal of Quality Road and the scratch this morning of I Want Revenge. While horse racing is still dangerous, it is wrong to say that little to nothing has been done to fix this. As for racehorses sold to slaughter, that has actually decreased thanks to programs like those at Fingerlakes Racetrack in New York that have set up adoption programs. While I respect what is being done, this seems a bit overdone.

Posted by: Nick in Gettysburg | May 2, 2009 04:29 PM

Thanks to Eight Belles. Her death helped me reconfirm my new "conversion" to vegetarianism last year. I stick with it in her name. We need to stop farming animals for our consumption. Eight Belles' death (and all the others listed here) make it clear that racing is another part of that consumption.

Posted by: Linda | May 2, 2009 04:33 PM

Hey, riding a horse to death is wrong. But do not confuse cruelty to animals with dangerous sport. Many sports that humans play are dangerous, and we use drugs to mask that as well. Hockey players, football players rugby players, soccerplayers, boxers, basketball players-the average retirement age is around 45 because they become physically worn out. A human can live as long as 120 years. A horse can live as long as 25 years. The ratio of useful sports life to worn out and going to die is about the same between horses and humans. Are you going to start trying to ban football and basketball too?

Posted by: Anna | May 2, 2009 11:05 PM

As a former fan of horse racing, I applaud PETA for putting the tombstones up at the Derby. Many times, the industry likes to pass off these deaths as though they don't happen and present a glowing image to the world during the Triple Crown and Breeders' Cup races, the only time most people would watch.

And though I do not watch racing anymore, I do monitor how it is presented by going to Bloodhorse.com. I found an article to day after looking for more information on the scratch of the morning line favorite I Want Revenge, and came across an article that stated an Academy Award winning producer/director was given the job of filming a documentary for PBS entitled "The Thoroughbred," a grant of $2.25 million dollars. The whole point, and I kid you not, is to present a realistic portrait of a Thoroughbred's life to the world that really only sees racing during the aforementioned Triple Crown and Breeders' Cup races. Protest anyone???

Posted by: Irene | May 2, 2009 11:55 PM

OHG I did not know how many there were, I am a life long lover of horses and it astonished me how peopel use these animals for money and bragging rights...like they are inanimate objects...we all know they are far more than that...This is a blood sport

Posted by: Justine | May 3, 2009 12:37 AM

I am from Louisville. Growing up, my family had friends who owned, and trained horses on their farm for racing. These were treated well, better than some people. All of the horses were similar to our dogs/cats, personal pets. I know that was terrible watching Eight Belles last year, but I do feel the horses are treated and managed properly. Once they fall from a race, they must be euthansized if they break their leg, unfortunately. It makes me so sad when that happens, but the leg does not heal properly. Some of the horses who have had these injuries have been sent to a rehabilitation center, without success.

Due to concern over these deaths, the trainers are doing more to prepare and protect the horses.

I totally support the Derby. I even have friends that adopt greyhounds
and will participate-just a Louisville tradition. For people in Louisville, it is an event that we all participate, support, even my friends who are PETA supporters. It is just a sport that has so much history over 130 years, despite, the tragedies in between. Yes, it is a dangerous sport, as most sports are, but the horses are prepared and trained very well.

Posted by: Sue | May 3, 2009 06:14 AM

Wow, what a mixed bag! I watched the race yesterday and want to commend the owners of I Want Revenge -- where is their credit for PULLING the horse based on his current condition? I think PETA owes them a "kudos" letter...NTRA is making HUGE strides to improve the racing world. Which is why as a member of PETA, I still watch and enjoy horse racing (as of this year). I have boycotted races in the past. There are two distinct sides to this story, while there are bad trainers in the TB world, there are also bad people in EVERY animal 'industry'. I think PETA should focus on the more heavily effected areas in the horse world - Slaughter ban, transport to slaughter ban, Auction houses, natural disaster relief, overbreeding (reach out to the breed associations! QH and Grade breeds are the #1 most slaughtered horses NOT TB's!!)
I heart you, PETA, but show some compassion to what NTRA is trying to do to make the world better for horses. They listened when we spoke, they deserve thanks.

Posted by: Holly | May 3, 2009 11:53 AM

Thank You PETA for putting up the memorial for the racehorses who have died--BRAVO!!!
For every horse that makes it to the Kentucky Derby,Preakness,etc and etc, some 15 to 20 horses DON'T
Those horses then go to smaller racetracks,where the winnings may eventually be 1,500US per race..At this point it's not really worth keeping the horse.It's costing more money to keep it alive and race than what it actually earns.So the owners have a decision to make: sell at a livestock auction and get $200.00 or have it put down,but that costs money too.I would say they would send it to the livestock auction and get their $200.00.

Thats the REALITY of horse racing business.

Posted by: Cindy | May 3, 2009 09:06 PM

HORSE RACING IS WRONG! Get YOUR facts straight. If people rode on other people for entertainment, would you consider that normal? NO. So STFU.

PETA I love you and everything you do for animals.

Posted by: Gina | May 3, 2009 11:43 PM

To the apologist defending horse fatalities and injuries as part and parcel of "sport";

Horses aren't capable of making decisions or weighing risk.

Up in central Indiana it's humans, not animals, that pay the ultimate price when risk is realized. The Indianapolis 500 defines sport.

Posted by: Bruce | May 4, 2009 09:24 AM

Was'nt there a Derby winner who ended up being killed at a slaughter house?

I'm thinking his name was "Ferdinand."

I wonder how many of the winners, being retired and having outlived their usefulness for breeding, receive no honor upon their deaths, but are slaughtered for animal or human consumption?

Posted by: Rev. Meg Schramm | May 4, 2009 12:21 PM

To all of these people who keep insisting that these horses are treated so well: I believe that the horses are treated well while they are alive, but anything that costs a fortune and makes you money is gonna be taken care of obviously! That doesn't make it right! If I had a BMW I would take care of it too. That doesn't mean that I LOVE it! If people really cared about these animals, they wouldn't intentionally put them in harms way, just to make a quick buck. Think about your children, would you ever KNOWINGLY endanger their life for money or pure "sport", HELL NO! So why would you do it to a horse that your supposed to LOVE so much?! To me my animals are like my children, anything I can do to keep them safe I do. I think the same rules should apply here.

Posted by: Miranda | May 4, 2009 12:41 PM

Sarah.. get your facts straight. Horses = money. Human beings have NO right to use animals in ANY way. Period. END OF SUBJECT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: carla | May 4, 2009 01:43 PM

This just makes me sick...thank you peta for doing what you do

Posted by: Misty | May 4, 2009 02:22 PM

Carla, really what do you know about the bond between a horse and its owner? Have you ever had a bond with a horse of any kind? some horses love to run. If you watch Thoroughbreds from birth they run and race each other. The only problem in horse racing is in the larger farms that are putting horses out there that are not ready for a race.

I feel many of these horses are trained too early. I don't get on a horses back until it is tw and until somewhere between 4 and 5 most horses are not ready for any competition. I do competitive trail riding, and when you love you're horse you want it to do well. You take care of that horse and build a relationship. That is swhat makes a winner in the real world of horses.

Posted by: Marie | May 4, 2009 09:31 PM

i don't find anything wrong with this. horses are made for entertainment and if they die by entertaining who cares?

Posted by: vick | May 4, 2009 10:11 PM

So, since you seem to have monitered every single race leading up to the Derby, PeTA, you should have noticed a certain race, run Wednesday. There was a gray filly (9, I believe it was, can't remember her name, but she was a longshot) who threw her jockey right at the start of the race. Now, according to you, horses don't like to race, right? So what should that filly have done? Stop and run for the barn?

Too bad that's not what she did. That filly ran her butt off to finish the race, no rider, no nothing. Sure, she hates to run.

Now, how many of you here have actually gone behind the barn (so to speak) and truly witnessed what goes on? I'll bet not many of you, and several more will lie about it. While it is true there are trainers who see horses as nothing but money, what gives you the knowledge to say every trainer on earth sees horses as money? What gives you the knowledge to say every horse is abused? I guess you've asked the horses themselves, since humans are only filthy liars, right?

Please, PeTA-get it straight. Horse racing can stand to clean up, not die out.

Posted by: kat | May 5, 2009 05:42 AM

I am a licensed veterinary technician. I worked with another technician who told me horror stories of when she worked at a racetrack. Needless to say she left in disgust and never went back.
Don't believe the lies horse-racing people tell you about how their horses are treated "better than the jockeys". It's all about money to them, nothing more.
Go PETA!

Posted by: Dave | May 5, 2009 10:13 AM

Sure Marie, what ever! Maybe you should die entertaining us rather?

And to Vick, who is a complete idiot and obviously doesn't understand horses, A HORSE WILL NEVER GLADLY RUN A RACE BY ITSELF TO WIN. HORSES ARE CONDITIONED, AND THAT HORSE ONLY KNOWS THAT IT MUST RUN - NOTHING ELSE. IDIOT.

Posted by: Angela | May 6, 2009 01:39 AM

I think vick is doing something I call "baiting." He posts something outrageous and then waits to see which one of us will grab it and try to run with it.

Having nibbled and spat it out, I now move on.

Posted by: Rev. Meg Schramm | May 6, 2009 02:18 PM

ok, well while I dont agree with what the horse racing industry does to horses, I dont totaly agree with Pets either. People get your facts straight and realise that the industry is a BIG one and will never be stopped . They are working everyday to make the tracks safer for both horse and jockey,but when it comes down to it - its nature taking its course. Some horses and some jockeys do not belong on the track.. For many the racing is just a way to make money and thats all they see ..but for many many more racing is a true love and the thrill of the ride is in there blood...These are the people that trully love and care for the horses,,,and yes this is a great majority of them out there... My fiance used to be a jockey and I have worked at stables that race as well as been at the track many times. You, me or Peta arent going to change much within the industry,,its too big and there is too much money involved..I have lifelong love for horses and racing as well...The tradgety with Eight Belles was horrific and it has taken its toll on the owners/trainers and the jockey as well,but as horrific as it was,it is past and we must all move forward. The horse was not raced or beat to death !!! That horse was very loved and well cared for. What I wish we could change is the age of the horse when they can start racing..two year olds bones are not mature or formed enough to withstand the training a horse has to go through to prepare for a race,,,and if Peta is going to try and change anything I would love to see them work at changing the age stipulation on horses entering the track...I think that in itself would be a victory because we all know that horse racing isnt going to be stopped or banned...For all the horses that have lost there lives on the track,my heart bleeds for each and ever one,but it wont be stopped,so why not work at a better solution and a safer enviroment for them

Posted by: anne B | May 10, 2009 09:28 PM

Come on Rebecca. If we needed to get a life, what are you doing on this blog?

No one ever said ALL horses, but that horses are being mistreated like this is a fact - face it. Just because we all have dogs, does not mean all people treat their dogs well?

All this is always the same - in the name of greed. Of course, they will call it 'sport', but I wonder if they would be doing it if no money was involved?

Posted by: megan | May 12, 2009 07:52 AM

I love it when I see all of these defenders of the horse racing industry come out and tell us how well the horses are treated and the jockeys are treated not as good, like somehow that makes it alright.

Since last years Kentucky Derby over 1,097 race horses died while racing. Imagine that, most of these giant creatures are dead before reaching the age of 5..... yep your right they are treated so very well. More than 12,000 of these beautiful and majestic creatures were sent to the slaughterhouse, only because their racing days are over and the cheering crowds are no more for them. They are now part of dog food, glue, jello, marshmallows and yes on a persons dinner plate somewhere in Europe where they love horse meat.

Sorry defenders of horse racing the facts are the facts and you can't defend those. So do you still want to sit there and tell us all how well the horses are treated?

Posted by: THOMAS GIRRARD | May 12, 2009 09:27 AM

most humans are sick and care not for the feelings of animals; it's a sad fact, but humans will continue to abuse animals "for fun" as long as they allow horse racing, the wearing of fur coats, etc.

Posted by: nicolette kerby | May 13, 2009 06:14 AM

i don't find anything wrong with this. horses are made for entertainment and if they die by entertaining who cares?Said by Marie.
Well,Marie,I guess if your boy/girl friend used you as entertainment and you died from it....who cares. Animals are not entertainment,they are living beings and should be treated humanely.People like you are cold,abusive types who need to be treated as you would treat an animal...you are souless.Kuddos to Peta!

Posted by: Geri Fowler | May 13, 2009 12:35 PM

These young horses are raised to run. It is up to the owner and trainer to see that this young horse,whose knee bones haven't finished their growth andd closing,aren't allowed to run so hard that they ruin their legs and their future.Somehow the fact that these babies are living, feeling creatures , is forgotten as making money becomes the only thing that matters to the owners and trainers.Can you imagine having alife expectancy of 30 yrs. and to have it over at 2 or 3 years old _shame on those who continue the slaughter.

Posted by: gael tryles | May 13, 2009 07:09 PM

We are slowly moving into an age of consciousness and compassion for all creatures. Freedom for all, has become a universal understanding that encompasses all sentient beings. This dream to live peacefully as Gandhi and MLK Jr. set the out to teach is finally taking root.

Posted by: Monica | May 14, 2009 04:15 PM

Linda,

I'm SO glad that Eight Belles DEATH turned you to PETA, as you so "very well" put it. I'm DISGUSTED. Eight Belles, the pride of joy of the fillies of 08, is DEAD. Larry Jones is in turmoil. The whole backstretch was shaken to the very core. And you're thankful cause she turned you into a VEGAN?! My god, are you serious?

Posted by: Paintmare06 | May 23, 2009 10:22 PM

are you serious. someone said that eight belles owner loved her to death??? and that accidents happen?? if there is anyway that an animal can be harmed or killed in a sport, the sport should be outlawed. this so called sport is just a way for rich people to win more money. noone cares about the horses.

Posted by: Joe D. | June 5, 2009 05:53 PM

are you serious. someone said that eight belles owner loved her to death??? and that accidents happen?? if there is anyway that an animal can be harmed or killed in a sport, the sport should be outlawed. this so called sport is just a way for rich people to win more money. noone cares about the horses.

Posted by: Joe D. | June 5, 2009 05:54 PM

i am disgusted at the recent broadcast i saw on real sports where they state stable to table in 7 days. how after these racing horses are no longer profitable how they are sent to canada, mexico, japan to be slaughtered to be fed to the english and japanese. if these owners, jockies etc cared about these horses why are over 10 thousand thorobreeds sent to slaughter each year to be used as food. it is a freakin disgrace and so is horse racing. watch the slaughter of these beautiful horses it will make your stomach drop. animals for entertainment is just plain wrong.

Posted by: meredith | June 5, 2009 06:33 PM

ms lindy.. maybe we should make you race and then send your ugly ass off to japan to be ripped open. Asshole.

Posted by: carla | June 5, 2009 09:54 PM

Paintmare..I assume not your real name... Horses were not put on this god given earth to race for F..... up men. who call themselves Jockeys... Horse racing was created by man... (I use the term very very lightly!!!!!) So wake up who ever you are. Horses are not here, like every animal, for our human entertainment,for money.. which is all horse racing is.. and for food.. geeez... you are just another ignorant human being.

Posted by: carla | June 5, 2009 09:59 PM

The fact that some people are willing to call horse racing a sport are nothing more than ignorant fools. How dare you allow yourself to be amused by the training of young horses with undeveloped bones. How dare you support a so called "sport" that will not only cost horses their lives on the track, but will supply main stock for horse slaughter industry. Yes these horses may have the best feed, barns, grooms etc., but what good is any of that when they die out on the track or are sent to a slaughter house once they are no longer "of use". Ignorant fools get the clue that horse racing will never be a tasteful sport, but only a form of abuse based on winning money at the possible expense of a creatures life. STOP THE ABUSE!

Posted by: Maddie | June 6, 2009 12:04 AM

Jockeys can take care and fend for themselves...horses are treated like expensive toys, until they become a liability. I own horses and a three year old is a baby...it should not be racing period.

Posted by: Rhonda | June 6, 2009 08:10 PM

To Anna,

That comment that horse racing is "just another dangerous sport like basketball,football etc, and that many sports that humans play are dangerous and we use drugs to mask that as well." -- You are forgetting one very vital thing, and forgetting the only reason why PETA and many, many more do not support horse racing. The animals are not given a choice,they are FORCED. Please do not confuse this with the people who CHOOSE,who make that CHOICE, to play dangerous sports.

Posted by: Melissa P. | June 6, 2009 08:22 PM

anne B. Your as ignorant as the jockey's and people who support this to make money off of innocent animals. Let's make you race and see you how like.. against YOUR will. Jerk..

Posted by: Carla C. | June 7, 2009 05:01 PM

A few points to PETA and those who say horses shouldn't be used by humans for anything:

1. In the wild west, horses were a means of transportation. They were brought to the United States by the Spaniards for that purpose. Had our ancestors been like you and not used horses for transportation, we would not be where we are today - a country.

2. I agree there needs to be reforms. Part of the reason for so many deaths is that the horses are raced too young. Their bones have not fully developed yet, therefore they're more prone to injuries up to and including fractures.

They need to - if they insist on racing - have the horses older. That way there's less likelihood of fractures, breaks and other life-threatening injuries.

I do applaud racetracks that have given a damn and have taken steps to improve racing. However, there needs to be more done.

3. I agree that horses shouldn't be used for human or animal consumption; however, this is not the norm in the United States. It is usually countries such as France and Japan where it's a delicacy. Makes me sick personally, and would stand up for banning horse slaughtering.

4. Yes, it hurts even the "killer" to put down a horse. They don't want to do it anymore than you want them too. When a vet puts down an animal, they hurt as much as their owners. I don't care if money is a reason, but that doesn't mean it's the ONLY reason.

If you want to look at the large scale of this, we allow our pets to be euthanized (read Killed) every year because it's more humane than letting them suffer. When Eight Belles was euthanized last year, it was because it would end her suffering. Yes, Barbaro did have surgery on his leg; however, even he died (well had to be put down) because of complications from healing.

5. I've noticed that people tend to group all the horses together at one racing track - when most of them are at smaller race tracks who died during the year. While there may be cases where horses are treated cruelly, please try to note where you noticed this. What it at the big three races or was it a small one? People should know the whole facts before making statements.

Posted by: Mel | June 8, 2009 11:57 AM