Eightbelles

I like to watch horse racing. But, after Barbaro and the two horses this weekend, I do wonder. On the other hand, horses love to run naturally. So, is horse racing that different from what they would be doing if left alone? I don't think it is a matter of the investment as to why they aren't treated badly. Trainers and jockeys are animal lovers like the rest of us. They don't want to see something they love being mistreated. I am sure the jockey feels terrible he could not havedone something to save the filly. PETA's comments blaming him do not help.

I think a lot of people have a wrong idea about horse racing. I personally do not think it is cruel and I understand PETA stands for animal rights, but when accidents happen it seems to fuel the fire to end sports. And race horsing is a sport. It is a time honored KY tradition. And KY is known for their Thoroughbreds...and not all horses are treated inhumanely. In fact, why would they. After all the money they put into these beautiful creatures and the closeness they have with them it is like watching a family member race and cheering them on. And I agree, how can anyone judge or make statements w/o having the full facts. It's called ignorance I believe.

I understand your sympathy, but there was no way to help the horse. For a horse, breaking both ankles means it will never walk again. It's not like with a human. She would have been in horrible pain for the rest of her life. As sad as it is, putting her to sleep right then was the best thing they could do for her.

But the jockey didn't make the decision to euthanise the horse. And I thought I heard this morning on the news that the horse was put down b/4 the owner had a chance to reach the horse on the track and decide. I think whoever made that decision is the one PETA should go after.