This Saturday, the coveted Triple Crown may be won by Big Brown who won the last two important races including the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes. Do I care? What do you think?
I am not a fan nor an expert of horse racing. Does anyone remember what happened at the Kentucky Derby? Eight Belles, the second place winner collapsed on the track. Both of her front ankles had broken with one protruding through the skin. She was subsequently euthanized right there on the track. Big Brown ~ the winner~ had a short-lived victory.
Eight Belles isn’t the only horse to succumb to the “sport”. Last year a horse had to be euthanized after a race and the same thing happened to another horse this year. And who can forget Barbaro. The entire nation was pulling for his recovery after he was hurt two years ago. He was being treated at the New Bolton Center, a division of the University of PA School of Veterinary Medicine. I had visited the Matthew J. Ryan Small Animal Hospital of the University of PA School of Veterinary Medicine last year and was amazed at what I had seen. This operates as a regular hospital except it is for our four-legged friends. They have a fantastic staff who do a wonderful job. I had wanted to go to the New Bolton Center to see the amazing work they do but the public wasn’t allowed for fear of jeapordizing Barbaro’s health. I clearly understood. What I don’t understand is the world of horse racing?
After Eight Belles’s untimely death, I started to do some research. What I discovered it very disturbing to me. I am no expert but it isn’t difficult to understand that the bottom line in horse racing is to have the fastest horse.
For what?? To make money for us! At what expense do these horses have to pay to win the ultimate prize? They obviously die for it. Does anyone care? Does anyone care that many, many horses are bred only to be killed because they aren’t fast enough? Does anyone care that the owners and trainers inject steroids and other drugs to enhance their performance? How many are pushed to their limits and end up with injuries? This sound similar to dog racing (which I find appalling and will write about that in a later entry) How many end up in Lancaster County pulling the buggies? How many end up in the slaughterhouse for food in France?
Can anyone explain the world of horse racing to me? Lastly why did Barbaro receive attention from the entire nation and Eight Belle’s death has all but been forgotten? Someone, enlighten me!