by Bernice Pritchard

Created on: August 12, 2008   Last Updated: June 25, 2009

Animal Cruelty: Throughbred Racing

It all started for me with Barbaro back in 2006 when Barbaro had to be euthanized because of his 3 bone fracture just before the Preakness Stakes and two weeks after the Kentucky Derby. Then in 2008, it was Eight Belles who suffered a similar fate from a similar fracture. It was very upsetting even though I didn't know any thing about horse racing at the time. Nevertheless, it was saddening. After the situation with Eight Belles, I became interested in the sports section regarding racing and I started reading a lot about Big Brown. I learned from my readings that Big Brown was suffering with hoof and bone problems, but I kept reading. Finally, I decided to go to Belmont Race Park to watch Big Brown run. It was my first time ever at a race. The sun was beaming; It was hot. While at the race track, I was confused - more like schizoprenic. I was excited by being at the race, disappointed at myself for being a part of it and yet, I was rooting for Big Brown to win. However, when Big Brown didn't win, I wasn't disappointed. I knew that his hoof was sore because about a week before the race, he had steel sutures placed in it due to a prior injury.

At Belmont, the heat was sweltering and I couldn't help but wonder how grueling it had to be for a horse running on such a hard track, metal horse shoes with nails hammered into their hoofs, a heavy leather saddle, decorative material and at least 100lbs of a person on their backs whipping them forcing them to run faster and faster. I began to do some research on the deaths of race horses. I was astonished by the number of horses that had to be euthanized due to some problem with their legs that caused breakdowns on the track. There was Ms Pretty Promise who collapsed on shattered legs; Horatio Nelson- broken leg - when he broke down on the track, they put up a screen to conceal the horse's pain and agony; There was Lovetostrawfly broke her back racing; Air Lift broke his legs on the first turn. Air Lift was shot. So not only are the horses being forced to run when so very young, but if they break their legs, their killed on the spot. Many of the owners just agree to have them killed. If the horses don't live up to what's expected of them, not much thought is given to giving the horses the best care possible, their just euthanized right on the track in front o millions of spectators.

What's worse is most of these horses are still colts. Their bones are no fully developed and they are forced to run on on hard tracks. Let's not forget the jockey Jeremy Rose who whipped the horse, Appeal to the City until the horse's eye was bleeding. The jockey had no restraint, so apparently, he had been given the okay to do it even if not overtly.

If this is not cruelty, then what is?

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