by Trenna Sue Hiler

Created on: March 17, 2009   Last Updated: March 27, 2009

Horses are beautiful and majestic animals. While most owners do their best to take great care, there are some legitimate concerns when it comes to horse racing. Accidents happen and horses die. It canbe heart wrenching to see a thoroughbred take a fall and be put down on a track. The memories of Eight Belles and Barbaro aren't likely to leave the minds of the public. While Barbaro fought a gallant fight, in the end he lost. The reaction of jockey Edward Prado told the entire story in less than 60 seconds.

Of more concern to most are the drugs administered to the horses. While some drugs are considered legal to use as far as racing rules there are some questions about the ethics. It would appear that the fines for exceeding the amount of medication are quite low and offer repeat offenders a higher fine rather than more seriuos sanctions. The most common drugs that are used are Lasix and Bute. They are not considered performance enhancing and are so common that they have a place on the program.

There are also a number of performance enhancing drugs that are not legal in the sport, but sometimes dishonest people use them. This necessitates further testing of the horses which some take exception with as well. Does it hurt the horse to have blood drawn? Some would yes.

Not all states have the same rules for steroid use. Big Brown's trainer openly admits steroids were used. They were legal in all the state he raced in.

The life of a racehorse is not one of glamor. Much of the time is spent traveling from one track to another. If the horse is good enough this also includes international travel. This is not a comfortable situation for the animal.

Horse racing is a business and these animals are bought and sold based on performance. They are not pets. As with any big business there seems to be room for corruption both on the off the track.

For example, there is small track in Wyoming where they announce the jockey is having a birthday, that jockey wins the first race. It may be coincidence. If it is, the coincidence has happened every time for the last 17 years. Next year my money is bet on the birthday boy or girl- again. Could it be that there are times when races are fixed?

If one is looking for a critic PETA is a good place to start. Listen to this description. "They weigh at least 1,000 pounds, they have legs that are supported by the ankles the size of a human's, and they're forced to run around dirt tracks at speeds for more than 30 miles per hour while carrying people on their backs."

There are two sides to every story and the truth lies in between.

Sources:

http://www.peta.org/factsheet/files/ FactsheetDisplay.asp?ID=65

http://www.sciencedaily.co m/releases/1999/09/990914081452.htm

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