I don't think I'll ever watch the Kentucky Derby again?

Question

First Barbaro, Now Eight Belles. So many horses are injured and killed at these events. I don't know whether to condone the Triple Crown anymore. What are your thoughts?

Answer 1

I kinda agree. There should never be a death at an event like this. I feel like crying. The horse was killed at such a young age because of the racing. The horse was forced into this and he could have enjoyed a life.

This is my last time ever going to a race track to watch a horse race.

Answer 2

I agree with you this is one of the worst sports out there. Those rich idiots can find other sports to gamble on. These horses don't deserve to be sport for rich people. I feel bad for supporting Big Brown horses aren't meant to be raced like cars.

Answer 3

I understand.  I could not watch a race for more than 20 years after Ruffian.  The next race i watched was the Preakness, when Barbero was hurt.

Once again, I can't watch.

Answer 4

it is just some unfortunate things to happen.  I still like a good horse race.

Answer 5

It's tragic. I'm almost at a loss for words. Horse racing has little "fun" in it anymore. It's so sad to see such a great horse's life end early.

Answer 6

I think the bloodlines have certainly gotten too "narrow" and that only creates more horses that have congenital diseases from their sires.  Also, there has been a lot of talk about horses being bred for their larger, sturdier bodies and smaller legs (more efficient for racing, supposedly) and thus are more prone to fatal injuries in the legs.  

I'd like to think that enough people protesting the Derby would make a difference, but it's become about more than just the horses.  The boozing, the celebrities, and raising Louisville's name to the national stage for a few weeks have become more important than the health and welfare of animals.  Not to mention that thoroughbred racing is such a lucrative and high-end industry that any legislation in the horses' favor would be sluggish at best.  Where there is money, there is politics, for the most part.

Answer 7

I'm never watching it again. It's cruel and abuse. And what makes it worse is the jockey knew that eight belles had snapped her ankles during the race but he kept pulling her to the finish line. That's sad. & also, it seems as if no one cares much about it, it's not on the news and they didn't say much about it after the race.

♥RIP Eight Belles we love you!!♥

Answer 8

I felt guilty for watching this one, but I was cheering for her, and now, I don't think I'll ever watch again either.

I must say I got my horse (retired racing quarter horse) from a guy who raced, but he really loved his horses and was not cruel to them, most of them lived a great life. He kept all his horses healthy and happy, not just the racers.

Answer 9

I have been involved in the industry for many years and the one question that is never asked by the right people - or answered by the right people - is why this nation's Thoroughbred industry insists on the over-medication of these athletes, nearly from the time that they take their first steps and throughout their racing careers.

I question whether anyone knows the true health of a runner who enters a starting gate in any race. Until this industry takes an "oats and water" approach, the fragility of this magnificent breed will continue to be magnified to extreme levels.

Answer 10

I know exactly how you feel.  I love seeing the horses but I'm wondering if this is really a sport when so many horses die.  There was a horse last year that had to be put down (George Washington I think).  And there was also Pine Island that had to be put down.  Is it fair to breed these huge animals that run on small thin legs?  

And there was also Ferdinand that won one of the Triple Crown races that eventually went to slaughter.  Does this "sport" do nothing but fill the world with horses that probably won't have a very nice life?  I'm really wondering if I can support this anymore too.

Answer 11

Face it gang.....it is all about money.  Many,many,many people will over look ALOT for money.  This is just another one of them.

I like horse racing and watch it frequently.  I also believe that horses in general love to run...I really believe this.  I do not think that they are forced into it.  However, I am wondering this.  Are these rich twits breeding these beautiful animals in such a way that for speed they are compromising physical durability?  These are big powerful animals and for the weight and physicality they have to have strong bones.  I am suspicious as the dickens.....

Eight Belles was alive this morning....People make me tired.

Answer 12

It's all a part of the sport. It's been like that for years where horses get injured, even way before Barbaro. It wasn't like he was the first hurt to get put down from a race. But I love horse racing and the Triple Crown of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont Stakes.

Answer 13

I too just watched this race, saying please no accidents. Last year George Washington died at the Breeder's Cup, Pine Island died at last year's Kentucky Derby (if my memory is right), Barbaro two years ago, and now Eight Belles.  If these well bred horses are breaking down, what are the poorly bred ones up against.  I grew up with horses and know they love to run, but pleasure horses aren't even introduced to a saddle until 3 or 4 years old,while these Thoroughbred's have already been running two years.

The Wall Street Journal commented that all 20 horses running today in the Kentucky Derby are related to Native Dancer, and he and his prodigy are prone to bad feet. They are narrowing the gene pool tremendously, and it is hurting horses, all in the name of a "Sure Thing".  Money has always been an issue, but it seems more so now then ever.  I doubt any one of those people touching that trophy has ever mucked a stall, or walked a horse all night who had colic.

Here in Jersey, the racetracks are hurting for attendance.  Their solution?  They want slot machines allowed at the tracks like the neighboring states have.  

Now don't yell a me, but maybe it's time to phase out horse racing and hand the gambler's over to the slot machines.  Of course that won't happen, but I am very upset right now.

Let's hope the veterinary schools can improve horse racing, cause I do love to see horses running.

Answer 14

I definitely will never watch another horse race again.  I was cheering on Eight Belles and was horrified by what happened.  I felt sick to my stomach as I watched the aftermath and cry every time I think about it.  Horses are incredibly intelligent, beautiful, and magnificent animals and they deserve better from us.

Answer 15

I have lived in Louisville for all of my life, and I've only watched twice.  I will never watch again, either.

I've never condoned the Derby.  I was given free tickets to the Oaks yesterday and had great reservations about attending.  I was seriously afraid I'd drink too many mint juleps and cuss everyone there who's concern was to bee seen and win money.

Answer 16

i agree, but things lik that happen. u hav 2 kno wat 2 expect. expect the worst and then u will b prepared.