They had to put the filly down

[TheRootedNomad]

I watched the Kentucky Derby today. I had $5 on the filly. First one that really looked to have a chance since Winning Colors. She was a big girl. She was running pretty hard and tried to make her break when the eventual winner Big Brown did but it looked like she made a strange sideways move. She kept running and pulling ahead of everyone but the leader. She came in second and then went down. They euthanised her right on the track , immediately. Both front ankles were broken. I think she broke them at the odd sidestep thing and kept running. What a sad thing to happen to a horse that really seemed to have a winners heart. I won't remeber the winners run from this years derby but I'll remember Eight Bells the only filly running this yeear.

[eofelis]

I worked with horses for 20 years and had a little bit of experience with race horses. These horses, especially at the top racing level are extremely well cared for and meticulously maintained. I still think they race them too young and many of the most popular breeding lines in the US produce precociously fast horses that do not necessarily hold up well after a few years of racing. Investors in these young horses want a fast turn around on their buck, so these horses start racing by 24 months old.

Regular riding horses start their saddle training in their 2 yo year but are not usually ridden until they are 3, and are usually ridden lightly in their 3yo year and start serious training at 4 yo.

I am only a casual watcher of horse races on tv. If I am home and a race happens to be on I will watch it. But lately I cringe while I watch races, hoping nothing bad happens. On this race I breathed a sigh of relief as they crossed the finish line and all the horses seemed ok. I was even happy that the filly got 2nd! Then a few moments later I was horrified to hear that she went down.

When I was watching the pre-race show, they talked about Big Brown and how he had only raced 3 times previously and that he had bad feet (quarter cracks). Unfortunately, he will probably be used for breeding and pass on those bad feet.

[mom2matty]

Such a tragedy! She was the horse I picked (didn't bet on her, just my pick as I watched on tv), she was such a beautiful horse!!

[C@rol]

Oh that is so sad.

[MVS0122]

I absolutely hate horse racing for that exact reason.

[cissylu]

that is so sad ! that just makes me so sad.

[Dixie]

I absolutely hate horse racing for that exact reason.

I totally agree!

[Missy]

I saw that online.

[Palooka]

I absolutely hate horse racing for that exact reason.

Agree. I read about it and it's pretty sad.

[favesis37]

i read it in the paper, it was so sad

[lgw]

I hate horse racing, dog racing, dog sled racing and any other "sport" in which we treat animals like tools to abuse for pleasure. Horses should be allowed to roam wild and any kind of horse racing or riding -- even English and western -- should be banned. How dare we?

[champagnium]

I think banning horseback riding is hilariously ridiculous, and you obviously have no idea of the impact that the combined equestiran spots have on the economy in North America and even moreso in Europe.

Back to the original poster, I too was rooting for Eight Belles, and as soon as I saw the configuration the equine ambulances were pulled into, knew it was going to be bad. Very sad for the team and her. I switched to the Kentucky Rolex instead because I was crying thinking of the sorrow Eight Belles' owners, trainers and caretakers must be experiencing. I know how upset I would be to lose my Jodie, I can't imagine how sad they must be.

[Palooka]

I hate horse racing, dog racing, dog sled racing and any other "sport" in which we treat animals like tools to abuse for pleasure. Horses should be allowed to roam wild and any kind of horse racing or riding -- even English and western -- should be banned. How dare we?

I think I love you.

[Palooka]

I think banning horseback riding is hilariously ridiculous, and you obviously have no idea of the impact that the combined equestiran spots have on the economy in North America and even moreso in Europe.

Really? Please do explain because I am seriously lost by your post.

[TheRootedNomad]

I never knew there was such animosuty against horse raceing!!! I'm only a very occassional watcher. (Much more a three day event watcher) I happen to love horses though and have spent time around any types I can, whenever I can. I've been to the backside of tracks much more frequently than the stands. I also spent some time with some dressage horses. I've yet to run across treatment I thought harsh or cruel to these types (though I have on occassion when they are pets or trail horses - just like any other pet might be mistreated)