The Kenctucky Derby, the most famous horse race of all, will be held tomorrow. Will you be watching?
It will be held in Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky with it being one of the most watched sporting events on tv. Women in their “eccentric” hats and people betting on which horse will bring in the coveted prize.
And for what? A race that last two minutes. Seems harmless. But what actually goes on behind the scenes seems to be an entirely different story.
If you remember, Eight Belles, pictured above, fell and was subsequently euthanized on the track in front of everyone in 2008. Who could forget Barbaro who received worldwide attention after his injury that sadly led to his death?
These horses that run in this race are seen as the best. But what happens after they can no longer race? For many, believe it or not, they end up in slaughterhouses. Yes, those once prized racehorses end up as horse meat. But no one wants to hear the ugly side of horse racing.
No, everyone is too busy placing their bets. Just like greyhound racing. Just like puppymills. There’s a dirty side to this business. Why? Because the bottomline is all about money. Using animals so people may profit.
So while you’re watching the Kentucky Derby, think about what these horses had to endure before they reached this level and if you think they haven’t, you are sorely misguided. And think about these same horses cramped into trailers with no food and water, being kicked by other horses and dying on the way to slaughterhouses.
There is no more applause, no accolades. They are discarded like yesterday’s trash.
You can read more here about this industry.
Will you be watching the Kentucky Derby? I know I won’t!