by C. David Harrison

Created on: May 18, 2008

One of the most noble acts we can do as humans is speak for those who have no power. It also can be difficult and unpopular, even dangerous. People who have a financial interest in using those who have no power want you to shut up. You're affecting their wallet. So they say you are crazy. They say you lie and all of your ideas will lead to all hell breaking loose, the end of the world. Whatever it takes to shut you up and keep you from talking about the facts.

So instead of angry rhetoric from those who have a financial stake in horse racing, let's look at some facts. First, a young horse died in public. (Actually she was killed after she was injured, but that's another debate.) Second, there was a person who had control over her during the last, fatal minutes of her life. His job is to win races, not to love animals. Finally, the jockey, the owner of the horse, and horse racing in general have a vested financial and legal interest in this tragedy being considered "an accident." They could lose a lot of money, and maybe even go to jail if any blame is found. This is why they want this debate to go away as soon as possible.

But maybe the most important fact is: we don't know exactly what happened. So why on earth would we let someone who may have killed a horse get near another one until we find out what happened? What if someone was taking care of a child, and that child died? Would you let them around kids and hope for the best? Or would you keep them away from kids until you knew what really happened? Maybe they're innocent, and maybe they're not. That's the point of a legal investigation.

And whatever fate awaits the jockey, it won't be as bad or as tragic as what happened to Eight Belles. Before you start feeling too sorry for the jockey, remember that is was Eight Belles that broke two of her ankles, and it was Eight Belles who was killed in front of a stadium full of people. And we're worried about hurting the jockey's feelings by questioning his actions?

Don't we have deserve to know what really happened to this beautiful creature? No one is saying the jockey should be locked up until there's a legal investigation. All we're saying is, "hey, the last horse this guy rode is dead. Maybe we should keep him away from horses until we know what happened." It's the right thing to do. And if you've ever cared about Eight Belles or any other animal, I hope you'll agree.

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