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This is the most rational thought I have seen since the Eight Belles' accident occurred. Thank you.

Thanks for your comments.You stated everything clearly,and I for one totaly agree with what you said.These people are hurting enough as it is and I hope they don't read all this crap about steroids, bad ride etc.Let's move on to the Preakness and Belmont,and my favourite day Breeders Cup.

Your piece on the Eight Belles tragedy holds merit except when you compared horse racing to other sports. Using your words "accidents happen" as in football, auto racing, and boxing. What you have not factored in is these are human sports and racing centers around an animal with out a voice.

Okay now I'm getting mad.Jason stated clearly this blog is for racing and handicapping.This is for Katrina,direct your comments about horses having no voice to some other blog ie PETA maybe?

Yea, lets just accept the fact that horses will die. Thats bull.  20 horses in the Derby are too damn many.  2 weeks between the Derby and Preakness is too short.  Wake up, no more  UNECESSARY horse deaths.  I am not blaming the owner, trainer or jockey at all.  I AM saying lets make the sport safer. 4 weeks between Triple Crown races, and limit the Derby to 13 entries. There are more things we can do, so lets just do it.  Or guess what folks, the sport will die.  I love thoroughbred racing more than anybody, but I am sick of the tragedies.  I don't even know if I can watch the Preakness or Belmont this year.  Eight Belles death hit me hard just like Barbaro.  These animals have no say in the matter, they have to trust us, so lets not let them down anymore.  We love you Barbaro, Ruffian and Eight Belles-we are sorry for what has happened to you and all the other horses that have died for the sport.  Lets not let their deaths be for nothing, lets make the sport safer for all future horses.

On the contrary-most people posting here are more informed than casual fans, are willing to accept some level of risk, and want to see racing continue. Its natural for people to seek answers to problems so that they can try to correct them in the future-that is the point. The number of horses that have broken down during nationally televised races in the past decade has become a huge problem for racing's public image, which must be salvaged if racing is to have a viable future. The stock price of Churchill Downs, Inc has plummeted since Saturday, both financially and symbolically. Simply saying "hey, accidents happen" is exactly the wrong response. Especially when there have already been countless debates  INSIDE the racing community during which many owners, trainers, and industry leaders have discussed  some of the very same reforms that have been raised in the media this week. See Mr.Porter's statements in today's Blood Horse right here for a current example, but as far back as Sam Riddle there have been trainers who disagreed with racing two and even three year olds-now they all live in Europe. We all know accidents will happen when it comes to horses; the question is, what steps can be taken to minimize their frequency?  Is the racing industry as a whole organized and run in a manner that prioritizes horse welfare? Not really. Yes, many people in racing do love horses, and by all accounts this includes the Jones family, and many others that we could evoke, but the point is that they are operating in a larger system that could benefit from some thoughtful re-examination. At at this point, many of the MOST informed racing professionals believe that is both  necessary and desirable. At this moment racing needs strong and enlightened leaders who are dedicated to ensuring racing's future and are willing to face the situation and consider all viable options, not more denials.

I agree with Jim and Deb.  I am so happy to hear some rational thinking about this. I have been to many horse races and I have see tragic breakdowns on the track and accidents in the paddock area. I never saw PETA out after the owners and trainers of these horses. These are people that do not know what they are talking about and they should keep their noses out of the horsemen's business. I am a member of ASPCA and if I thought that there was abuse of these beautiful animals going on I would not support the sport nor be a memeber of the NTRA. Heck, most of these horses live better and are treated better than most humans. All you need to do is go to Kentucky and look at the farms to see evidence of that.  

Jason-

THANK YOU for being the voice of reason among the sea of inane comments from people who know NOTHING about racing OR Thoroughbreds.  Excellent point on the "where's PETA" when anonymous low level claimers break down.  People like this are always looking to get their "15 minutes" when the opportunity arises, and unfortunately, Eight Belle's tragic death gave them a soapbox to stand on.  But it's full of suds.  

As you well know - there is nothing more dangerous than ill informed ignorance combined with a fanatic's zeal.  

Keep telling the actual facts - it's refreshing to read rational and reasonable commentary in amongst the flaming frenzy of misinformation and grandstanding.

JS-I am not attacking you, I am saying 20 horses in a race like the Derby puts an extreme amount of undue stress on the horses AND jockeys.  In other words, it's too darned crowded and sets-up a scenario for disaster.  Get a jockey for interview and ask him that same question. I will bet you he would agree. On the second point, how can you ask a horse who is only 3, to run farther than he has ever run before in a huge race, and then come back 2 weeks later and run another huge race.  Again, get a trainer on for interview and ask him the same question.  If they both answer honestly, I know what they will say.  You and I could debate all night, but lets ask the professionals what they think.

Well said, Jason - bravo.  I could't agree with you more!

I loved your piece, it has really cheered me up from seeing all the pointing of fingers.  It's really pains me to read all the critics out there that come out of the woodwork.  They freely give their opinion on but they never seem to want to hear the opinions of anyone else.  And instead call us all the scum of the earth.  But anyway, your article made me smile. :D

Jason you are in for it today! Keep up the good work! This blog site makes my whole week. Oh by the way, I registered on the road tobreederscup.Super idea! I'm so looking forward to it.

Great Article and reading articles like this help with the healing over such a tragic event. Here is something to ponder. Do you think the excessive X-rays these horses legs endure can cause the bone to break down?  I had read somewhere recently that one horse ( I thought it was Big Brown) has been X-rayed 74 times. They begin X-raying their legs at such a young age and it continues through sales, training, racing etc..... just a thought.

Well said! The owners,trainer,jockey,groom,have suffered enough. Peta needs to BACK OFF, they need to get a life. Sick is what they are. This filly was very much loved. You know there are lots of horse's that race for many years. Like Forego he was way up in years when he retired. It was a freak thing that happen to Eight Belles. NO BLAME

PETA needs to get a life!!! These horses LOVE what they do!! You could NOT make winners of them if they didn't!! This mare, as the majority of Thoroughbred race horses, received nothing but the best of care. She was LOVED and cherished. She died what she loved doing. She was a great mare but what made her great were her abilities and her heart. PETA is doing NOTHING BUT EXPLOITING her death in an effort to gain profits off of it. Animal Rights Extremists (And note I say *EXTREMISTS* and Not activists (for that is what they are) are the most uneducated and ignorant people on the face of the planet. They don't want horses raced, they don't want you to wear fur, they don't want animals slaughtered for food... (Hey, PETA IDIOTS... do you think meat is "born" in those cute little styrofoam containers that it comes in from the grocery store? You PETA people are all MORONS and need to be educated. Given the choice of the short but great life she lead or being a nothing, stable horse that lived to be 20+, I'd wager Eight Belles would choose the life she had. She was a star, a super-hero and I commend her trainer and jockey for the way they have handled this situation. PETA..... get a life!!!!!

The point of Arthur Hancock in the New York Times and many other racing insiders who are speaking out is that the debate over injuries is one worth having!  

I also need to applaud you for being a voice of reason in the aftermath of a mind blowing tragedy. Rubbernecking at a train wreck doesn't make the train tracks safer-  I'm done reading mass media articles by those who have no valid information.  As something of an aside, has anyone read the cover article in this months issue of equus magazine?  Happened to catch a glimpse of it today in the store- a somewhat prescient piece about what causes a breakdown, detailing a new form of examination of the equine heart & detecting the stresses on it.  Not the most detailed article- but I wonder if anyone else in racing has any more info?  Thanks again Jason-

One aspect of racing that nobody seems to address is the age of the horses. It is my understanding that horses are not fully grown and, therefore, not fully developed until age 4 or 5. Couldn't this play a huge role in the rate of catastrophic injury? Why not change the whole game and race older horses (no younger than 4) instead of the 2 and 3-year olds whose bodies are not yet fully mature?

People are pointing their fingers at the Native Dancer line as a link between Barbaro and Eight Belles. Please! Native Dancer is just about everywhere, and correct me if I'm wrong, but he was in 20 out of 20 Derby starters!  Do people also realize that the United States is the only country (except Canada) in the Horse Racing world that allows Race Day Meds?  What ever happened to good old fashion oats and water?  Trainers need to be held more accountable for what they give their equine. Maybe it's time for a national organization that governs horse racing in this country and keep each state out of it. I mean, every other major sport has one...I agree, stop the finger pointing and research!!!

I'd like you all to take a look at the racing record of Eight Belles prior to the Derby ....

Sept 16 2007

Oct  15 2007

Oct 30  2007

Nov 30  2007

Dec 23  2007

Jan 21  2008

Feb 17  2008

Mar 16  2008

Apr  6  2008

May  3  2008 ..Kentucky Derby

Eight Belles ran every month for 10 consecutive months !! Do the horsemen not say the Triple Crown is a grueling schedule on a horse, yet Eight Belles did not have any time off. Would rational thinking suggest that eventually such a racing schedule would take its toll on a horse, as it did on Eight Belles ? Eight Belles began her racing career as a mid 2 year old. Now, we do know that studies are being done as far as poly track versus a dirt track. But, what happens to a horse's legs when they go back & forth between poly & dirt in such short intervals ?? How does the leg adapt to various track surfaces, we don't know that yet.

Even major league ballplayers have leg conditions from their schedule, why would that not apply to a horse ; and a horse's legs take much more pounding than a ball players.

I'm not going to criticize anyone here , because basically we all have an eraser on our pencils and are apt to make mistakes in life. Isn't it time we really took a good hard look at the entire picture.

Horse's are not machines , they have a heart, brain & courage ... they too deserve a life just as we would want. If you say you really do care .... do what is right .... for the horse's sake ..... for they are one of God's creatures he put on this earth for us to enjoy .. not abuse. 10 races in 10 months .... think about that real hard folks.

Jackie:  No, that's like saying children shouldn't start playing sports until high school. The problem isn't that they are all of a sudden racing as 2 year olds, they're not racing enough as 2 and 3 year olds. Horses are in my opinion "babied" today, are their multi-million dollar pension plans are protected by big contracts. Go look at the PP's from Alydar, Affirmed, Seattle Slew, Real Quiet and note how many races they had before the KY Derby. They should be a minimum amount of races a horse should have before going on the big stage...to ensure their bodies are going to be prepared for the demanding distances of the Triple Crown.

UCLinden:  Do you know the actual stats of how many horses break down on avg?  Take a guess...

And I will also say, Eight Belles was plenty experienced in my opinion.  I mean the horse broke BOTH of her ankles AFTER the race...not during a stretch duel...watch the video of her going down, moments before she is fine.  Just a bad, horrible accident.

I hate that Eight Belles broke down. I think she was fine game racehorse. I don't know all I need to know about what could be done to prevent a horse from breaking down, but I do wish the smart people in this industry would figure it out and stop it. I love racing and I don't think anything is finer than a horse diggin in to get to the line. But I am afraid if this industry doesn't stop these high profile...as well as low profile breakdowns...then it won't continue to contine. I wonder how America's racing industry compares to other countries in terms of breakdowns to starters? Anybody know?

Some ask where's PETA when a cheap claimer breaks down? After Saturday, they'll be everywhere. Unless the industry takes a proactive stance on this issue, PETA will have no tracks to protest at in 15 years. Say goodnight Gracie.

Yes, she validated that she could run with the boys,” Porter said. “She was a clear second by a nice margin, then we had the tragedy of tragedies. We all wish we could go back and redo things. But you don’t get those second chances in life.”

THIS WAS AN ACCIDENT-THIS FILLY WAS AT THE TOP OF HER GAME. DR. BRAMLADGE HAS NEVER SEEN THIS TYPE OF TOTALLY CATASTROPHIC BREAKDOWN WHEN A HORSE IS ALMOST STOPPED. UNUSUAL YES-STILL AN ACCIDENT-JOCKEY WAS SPOT ON-TRAINER IS VERY GOOD AND TRANSPARENT -OWNER IS A MAN I WOULD LOVE TO TRAIN FOR. GOOD HORSES AND SENSIBLE

QUIT BEATING UP ON THESE PEOPLE FOLKS. THEY ARE GOOD STEWARDS OF THEIR HORSES.

Jason: I agree with what you have written with one exception...The word 'accident'...An 'accident' or more precise 'a tragic accident' is what happened to Indiana sire Presidential Order, who severely lacerated his neck when he broke the top board on the fence of his new paddock and impaled his neck on one of the splintered ends...He was euthanized on April 23rd..

What happen to Eight Belles was not an 'accident', it was a 'injury as a result of athletic competition'!...That is what horse racing is about, 'athletic competition among equine animals with humans(jockeys)'...As in other sports involving only humans, injuries occur with the rare exception of death (auto racing)...In horse racing the unfortunate aspect is that some 'injuries' can result in putting down the horse...Eight Belles situation was just that...Injuries are part of althetic competition, they can happen simply by taking a wrong step or as what happen to Eight Belles, perhaps unexplainable...

Bottom line, while this is a very tragic incident (as a former horse owner who owned a race horse that broke its hind right leg in a work outand was put down right there on the track)...This is not the time for those who truly care, support and love the sport of thoroughbred racing to overreact...Especially, to act like the clueless group known as PETA, who has no credibility in my eyes and many others with their reaction to this matter...Jockey Gabriel Saez did absolutely nothing wrong and to even hint (or worse like PETA has) is not just wrong but criminal...Trainer Larry Jones did nothing wrong, this man truly cares about his horses he trains, they are like family to him and his wife...Owner Rick Porter, well we can debate whether a filly should run against the boys...Just like is synthetic better than dirt...and on breeding, medications, training...But, to go to the level that some of you are about field size; x-rays; time between races; and whether horses should even be racing at 3 let alone at 2 is just plain, ridiculous overreaction...

And if you don't think so, just ask yourself honestly, would you be acting this way over a 7-yr. old gelding in a $5,000 claiming race at Bay Meadows? Nothing wrong with caring and suggesting, just be sensible about it....There are more than enough 'clueless ones' out there to unfortunately speak the ridiculous for all of us...  

Tip, what I would really like you to show me is , the average time a horse has off between races and the average amount of races a horse might run in 10 months.

Then, I would like you to answer the question ....how does the leg bone of a horse adapt when it goes back & forth between a dirt track and one with artificial surface in short intervals ??

I agree with your comments wholeheartedly. Several years ago at Emerald Downs, the race track near me, 7 horses were injured and euthanized on the race track in the span of a month. I heard nothing from PETA then and I cannot believe they are crawling out now to protest something they don't understand. Breakdowns are tragic and they do happen. I have seen my fair share but I place no blame on the jockey, trainer, or owner(s). Let Eight Belles death remain just that, a tragedy. She clearly loved racing and it showed during her career.

I would also like to say that spacing out the Triple Crown races and letting fewer horses in won't solve the problem. Horses are injured whether there are 5 horses in a race or 20. And spacing them out will only make the triple crown easier to win. I have never seen a winner and to space out the races would cheapen the achievement I believe.

David:  All I know are the latest stats in America. According to the Jockey Club "During a reporting period, there were 244 fatalities from 123,80 starter on dirt for a ration of about 1.96 per 1,000 starters, for those with synthetic surfaces the ratio of 58 fatalaties from 29,744 starts was 1.95 per 1,000."  So, based on this time period (which was not specified) not a big difference between dirt and synthetic is there?  Now, I must admit, it was take many years to get a large enough data pool to really know. But I though it was interesting they were about the same.

Just to let some of you know,the tiple crown has been a tradition for years, meaning the 3 races in 5 week, so come on. I'll admit, that i think the derby is crowded, but they race more than that in Europe. Another think many horses who've competed in all triple crown race in past years haved done rather well, like the Bid, Curlin, Smarty Jones, and 11 have won all 3. One last thing, other 11/4 races are probably just as tough, if you've never gone that long before, like the Travers, the JCGC, or even the BBC. So please can we just stop and focus on making the sport safer w/o making rash changes? By the way love the blog Jason

I've a question for Jason or any of you who might know.

Someone was supposedly making comments that Eight Belles must have been on steroids because she was so big (which I do not believe).

Unbridled's Song is 17 hands tall. If my memory serves me correct, both Halfbridled (Unbridled x Deputy Minister Nureyev mare) and Manistique (Unbridled x mare) were big mares. For some reason, I'm thinking Unshaded (Unbridled x Caucacus mare) was pretty big too.

Is the Unbridled line known for throwing big horses?

USLinden:

Man, you would have never been able to stand watching racing "back in the day" when horses sometimes were run back after only one week - and often won!

What people- especially those who don't actively work with horses - forget is that horses are large, powerful animals that need to get out and work off some of that energy.  Most of Eight Belles' races at two were no more than professional work outs - her head was not yet in the game and she played a lot during the races.  They were not stressful exercises.

By the time she was three - she began to mature and stepped it up a notch every time.

Had she been sore, off her feed, unhappy in any way- you can bet Larry Jones would not have run her on a basically monthly schedule.  But she was thriving on the work and learning - that's what it's all about.  

Personally, I believe that if we'd stop breeding for brittle speed, we'd have some great horses who would love to go out month to month and mix it up on the racetrack.

If we could make these three changes - how much more integrity, opportunity and promise this industry would have:

Eliminate steroids and all meds.  If they can't run without them - they shouldn't be running or breeding.

Create races to bring back the value of durability and stamina.  Make the Jockey Club Gold Cup a two mile race again.  Bring back the Display at 2 and 1/2 - and then give them purses that make breeding for speed AND stamina AND durability worthwhile.  It's the only way to begin to turn the market around.

Create an central agency in racing that has unequivocal authority over EVERY branch of the industry.  Without all groups/owners/trainers/jockeys/tracks pulling as a team in the same direction, the industry will continue it's slow downward spiral and stutter and sputter along.  We need an agency with real teeth.

That was a refreshing read at a time when thoroughbred racing is enduring an assault of ingnorance.

Anyone who reads the Blood Horse with any regularity knows that, while there is still plenty of room for improvement regarding racehorse welfare, there are positive steps being taken: studies looking at whether or not synthetic surfaces are the answer to reduce injuries, research underway regarding genetic propensity for breakdown, and movement towards stricter and more unified medication rules.

The trouble is, this sort of information is typically limited to industry-specific publications.

In this post-Barbaro era, I am disappointed that the NTRA does not have a better PR system in place to address the concerns of the general public in the wake of tragic events such as Eight Belles' catastrophic breakdown. Relying on Dr. Bramlage to say a few words on Good Morning America is like trying to douse the California wildfires with a bucket of water.

I will limit my comments except to give sincere condolences to all of the connections of "Eight Belles" during this time of tragedy.  Now on to "PETA" - one of the most radical, uninformed and zealous organizations to ever come down the pike.  I come from the dog show world and several years back the wonderful "PETA" people were threatening to go to the dog shows and "free" the crated dogs to run loose and I guess fend for themselves.  Like the Thoroughbred, show dogs lead some of the most pampered lives, yet "PETA" was going to free them.  The question has already been presented, where is "PETA" when there is true and proven animal abuse and the pointed fingers can actually do something positive to better the lives of animals, instead of pointing the accusatory finger to those who have suffered the loss of the animal they obviously loved.

Katrina...to the people in racing, specifically trainers and vets, horses do have a voice.  A horse can display problems or signs of illness thru temperatures, position of their head, the color of the eyes, general changes in eating habits or physical demeanor.  If a horse shows any signs of being "off", the trainer won't even attempt to exercise  him in the mornings, much less race him.

you said it.

UCLinden,

One race a month is not a punishing schedule for a horse in the prime of its career.

You might love horses and know about them as a species, but you clearly don't know much about horse racing.

You sort of just showed your hand a little with that particular post -- and you're not holding that much.

UCLinden:  You actually did make in my opinion a very valid point about the effects from switching from dirt to turf, back to poly, to dirt to poly to bla bla bla.  Becasue I actually thought about that once before.  Like I mentioned in my stats about breakdowns, I think in order to get a handle on this we need a bigger sample pool, which will take a few years.

Regarding your second question, the time gets bigger and bigger between starts.  Back in the early 1900's to early 40's it was NOT uncommon to see horses race every 2 weeks, and even every few days!  All of the early greats like Seabiscuit ran and ran.  However horses were bred different back then as they are today. Today the idea of trainers is to race light to rest, (as Barbaro did) and we saw what happened to him.  I think Eight Belles training was perfect!  9 Preps and then the Derby...but, in my opinion it was just a terrible fluke to break down after a race like she did, and very sad to see.

AMEN!

The stats for horses that break down could be flawed. Why ? For the stats to be correct, a horse has to consistently run on either dirt or artificial track, for those stats to hold true.

As the vet mentioned at the Derby about Eight Belles breaking both ankles .... " I've never seen anything like it ".

Folks, he's never seen anything like it .... as I have said ... could it be the leg bone DOES NOT adapt to going back and forth between two different track surfaces. Could this quite possibly be an underlying cause ?

Keep in mind, years ago ..... all track surfaces were the same.

cgriff:  You couldn't have said it any better...

Horse racing is a rich mans game and a poor man spends his money to try to get rich. Race horses start an early life. They need to stop racing them at a young age. They have someone on there back at the age of 1 and 1/2. Then they are on the track at 2 years. There bones are not fully grown. They leave them in stalls all the time. they only get out to run and then back in the stall again. They need to let them be horses.

great blog the only thing i dont get is where were the people when barbaro broke down? where were they when george washington broke down? and go for wand  funfair the list goes on and you decide to show up now this was like you said an accident. in nascar dale earnhart got into an accident and died on the track and you (katrina) say that different from when eight belles broke down? oh and i agree with sebiscuit19382002 and capridogs.

seabiscuit19382002:  Then they shouldn't mask these injuries with drugs to the point they don't know they're injured anymore and enter them in a race...(Yes, I do understand there are good, honest trainers out there and they should be commended)

This is a good blog. I've watched that race and I was shocked to see Eight Belles down after the finish and later put to sleep. I agree with those who know it, who's to blame for this? Breakdowns are unpredictable. Look at Ruffian, Go For Wand, Barbaro, George Washington, and now Eight Belles, who have had brilliant careers cut short by devastating injuries. Who would know, before the race, that they would go down? These horses have lived up to their size and lived by their hearts for racing. They loved to win. Their owners, trainers, and jockeys really can't be blamed for what may or may not happen. As for care, I'm sure those those fallen horses got the best they could have. There is really no one to blame for an unthinkable that could take a horse's life. I want to say thank you for posting the blog and that Eight Belles will never be forgotten. Rest In Peace.

oh and uc linda you dont what your talking about so i suggest you close your trap. and by the way, thats an average schedule for a horse and i see nothing wrong with that.

when winning colors won the derby it was "girl power"...PETA needs to stop seeking attention when it suit's them!

This is a very difficut subject but one that MUST continue if racing is to make any headway.  I have loved racing for 30 years, and have seen more than my share of heartache on the track.  Maybe if there is something good to come of Eight Belles, so shortly after Barbaro, it is that a national spotlight is focused on something that happens every day in racing.  It will force the racing industry to face its issues head on.  Don't sweep this under the rug!!  Give some purpose to Eight Belles time here.  Do I think Peta has some positive ideas (more polytracks, review the true need of a whip).  Yes!  But I just hate that they are performing nothing short of abuse on the owner and trainer of that fine filly, ranting without understanding the true issues at stake (and as someone earlier said, where are they when this happens other days?).  I think it's quite obvious that the breeding industry is the underlying  problem with the health of the horse.  Add to that the fact that the racing industry is complicit in accomodating the overwhelming push for speed, speed, speed into the breed.  The thoroughbred decends from the Arabian, dessert horses known for their strength and durability.  What happened to the days or races at 2 miles, 1 1/2 miles or even 1 1/4 miles?  We keep the Belmont at 1 1/2 miles - for what?  They'll never be asked to go that distance again in their lives.   It's all about speed and the fastest return on the dollar to recoup the excessive costs of keeping them in training.  And in today's economy, it's only going to get worse.  There's something to be said about the days of just rich families owning these horses.  And so the media/peta continues to attack Jones and his jockey.  But where is the open discussion about Rick Dutrow's training record?  Has anyone paid attention to the number of infractions he's had through the years with drug violations?  When is this sport going to take direction from an industry like football - no third, fifth, twentieth, or thirtieth chances when you risk the health and safety of these horses on the track (not to mention the jockeys).  And lastly, while the racing industry repeats how well cared for these animals are - and I agree that Big Brown and Eight Belles have/had nothing but the finest of care, how about the $10,000. claimer?  Can they really say that collectively we are doing all that we can to ensure that once they have put themselves out for us humans, we are returning the favor?  If we couldn't for Ferdinand, I'm thinking we still have a long way to go.  So, please please please do not stop talking about this - like any world problem , dialog is a necessary first step to healing.

Well said, well put. You have touched on all of the subjects that needed to be addressed. It was refreshing.

If you think horseracing is nothing but cruelty;

You have never met a groom or a trainer, you have never seen the pride they put into their horses. These horses are treated better than most people. Cleaned daily, several times, fed daily, several times. Exercised, grazed, let to sleep. This would be the perfect day for many people. The grooms. After they win a race, they can often be seen shouting for joy or simply beaming. Even if they don't win, the grooms have this sincere look of pride in their horse - they ran their best. They're still going to go back and bathe them, feed them. Even if they finished last. These horses eat before their people do. And sometimes, more often than their people do.

The people who put their lives into horse racing often receive nothing back. Example #1 -the 70 year old trainer of Smooth Air, who ran his first Derby for him.

These people put in 15 hour days, if not longer, 365 days a year. No breaks. No holidays, no vacations.

It's unfortunate that people with no prior knowledge can assume they need to take the wheel on this industry. I like how you put it - where is PETA on that Wednesday afternoon?

I don't think anything should be changed in the triple crown - not the surface, not the distance, not the selection process, and especially not the time in between.

It would no longer be the triple crown if anything was changed.

The Kentucky Derby has had a beautiful history of safe and clean races. Of the 19 other horses in the field, none of them were hurt. Last year, same deal. Same thing the year before and the year before, etc.  

There are problems and there are holes, admittedly. They will be fixed, they are being fixed ... no one in horse racing - NO ONE - takes pleasure in seeing a horse die.

Any comparison that is made with Rags to Riches’ Belmont is shading the real differences between the two girls, Rags to Riches had run in three Grade 1 races prior to her Belmont, winning them emphatically, she had raced at a mile 1 1/8 and is by  one of the most influential sire in terms of distance and toughness.  That Eight Belles was given the opportunity to run against the colts was never an issue, as I have stated the tragedy for all we know was destined to happen no matter what course the trainer was going to take. Yet not to call into question the peculiar way she was prepared (conditioned) prior to her start from “all” other Derby participants Philly or colts is really to hide behind a mask, afraid to delve into the particulars of Eight Belles campaign leading to her demise at Churchill.  

My love with horse racing began  in 1978 with the Affirmed/Alydar and will always continue.  I do not propose changing the age from 3 to 4 for the triple crown races or any other far fetched reactionary solutions, however we do need to be more critical of ourselves as fans, trainers owners, and breeders .  We must not always assume that sometimes things are just destined to happen.  It does not always have to be “just part of our game”.

The loss of Eight Belles was felt totally by those of us who love the breed and the sport of horseracing. I have been following horseracing since I was a kid in the sixties, yeah I'm that hold, and was thrilled to have had the chance to see at Hollywood Park the likes of Seattle Slew, J.O. Tobin, Alysheba, Ferdinand, Declan's Moon and all of the many times under appreciated claimers and allowance horses. There is a deep sadness when any horse breaks down on the track but those of us who love them understand that the people who train them, ride them, care for them will feel the loss even more. I have lost a horse to death and it hurts beyond belief. As for PETA, they do more harm than good. I lived in a corner of California that not too many people have heard of, Modoc County, there is a place called Devil's Garden where they have the wild mustangs, one winter in the 1990's BLM was to round them up and when PETA heard about it they filed with the courts to prevent the annual roundup well there is a reason for BLM going in every winter to take in the youngest and oldest of the herd Modoc County has some very harsh winters being over 5,000 feet high and it turned into one of the worse winter's of that decade and PETA cost the lives of 100 horses that ended up starving to death. You go PETA. They never look at the entire facts, I love animals but sometimes people go way too far in wanted to protect them sometimes they cause the injuries or deaths.

This article says it all...AMEN!

Thanks for your rationality, Jason. I agree that horse racing needs a governing body, especially one that will take a serious look at the breeding problems: Why are there so many horses being bred that most end up unwanted and likely to be sold ultimately for horsemeat after suffering needlessly on their way to a slaughterhouse? Why is it that horses now are no faster than the greats of 40 years ago, but they seem to be less sturdy?

AND Churchill Downs should make certain that trainers and owners are notified BEFORE euthanization takes place. If Eight Belles could have been sedated, at least Larry Jones could have been with her before she was put to death. Do trainers and owners give up rights to make decisions of this kind when they enter a race at Churchill Downs?

Last but not least, the industry needs to take a strong look at the shoddy TV coverage of the Derby that, probably more than anything else, stunned and angered the true horse lovers in front of the screens. Yum! Brands and NBC both need to apologize to the public for such insensitive, clueless coverage of the tragedy. They should contribute many millions to horse welfare organizations as part of a public apology. I made a little money on the race, and I will donate it all to a horse welfare organization. Any ideas which is the best one out there?

Yes, we of the public were shocked, horrified, and are still very sad and angry at how the tragedy was handled. I will watch replays, but never a live race again.

Yes it was a horrible accident.  The sport needs sponsors, an audience, bettors, owners, trainers, ect.  The casual audience watches the 4 big days of racing the Crown and Breeders Cup they will not continue to watch champions go down.  After Barbaro went down I did not watch racing.  On an out of town trip I happen to flip the TV to Breeders Cup.  I saw two horses go down in one race.  Never waited for the race results before turning the TV off.  I almost didn't watch he Derby this year.  Now I wonder why I did....  The Industry needs to take some proactive steps.  I don't have the ansers but I'm not in the Industry.  To keep saying horrible tragedy and it happens will not cut it any longer.  How long will Yum! want to be a sponsor?  How long will NBC televise if these accidents keep happening on the biggest race days?

Yes PETA does know what it's talking about when it comes to animal welfare. Just because you don't like them, don't downplay what they have been able to do for animal rights. How many animals haven't been killed for their fur because PETA has convinced designers and stores to stop carrying real fur items? Those who scoff - how many animals have YOU saved? Why does it bother you so much that animal rights folks want to save racehorses? When accidents happen in other sports, especially auto racing, new technologies are developed to make the sports safer. No such thing happens for Thoroughbreds. Artificial surface tracks are the only thing I can think of that has been done to try to stem deaths and injuries for years. There is plenty of blame to go around for the deaths and injuries of horses and jockeys. But you all want to hide your heads in the sand. Your "It's just an accident," protestations no longer cut it with many people. You claim to love horses yet you decry trying to help them. Bunch of hypocrites.

I was really glad to see this post on bloodhorse--I visit this site every day. The media attention over Eight Belles' tragic accident is exploiting this tragedy, perpetually blowing everything out of proportion, and is fueling the animal extremists and knee-jerk internet commentators who don't know, and don't care to know, anything about how much the people in this industry--and the fans--care about these horses. Horse racing already has smart people working on making the sport safer, unfortunately they haven't been in the spotlight. Horse racing and the NTRA should form an authoritative body to not only organize our experts, but give horse racing safety--and the hard work being done--a higher profile.

A fluke?  A quote from the Wallstrees Journal, Mr. Porter said Monday that the image of his horse's death already has damaged the sport and efforts to improve thoroughbred durability should be made a priority. "We all love the highs in anything we do, but the lows here are beyond what you can imagine," he said. "It affects everyone who watched the race. We have to find out why we're having these breakdowns."

It's time to wake up Dorthy!

Did anyone ever think that the track should be dragged after the walkover for the Derby? It looks like hundreds of people walk over with the horses now and any one footprint could be a hole for a horse to step in. Just a thought.

As for those PETA people - I can't even explain in words how angry they make me. It would be one thing if any of them ever worked on a thoroughbred farm or the backside of a track but I'm sure they haven't. What ignorant IDIOTS!!! Unless you're fully informed, don't open your mouth and actually prove your stupidity!

As a member of the "Belle" family who sat next to one of your editors on Derby Day (Hi Dan), I enjoyed your article very much.  Needless to say, all the actuations and slanderous comments since the Derby race has hurt all of us very much and we have tendency to close ranks and protect our family members.  

There are issues the industry need to address, breeding, track surfaces, drug usage, etc. but to rush madly into implimenting change without data and proper research could and would cause more harm than it prevents.   Thorough research and data and then speedy installation of these changes are needed to save this industry and bring it into the 21st century.

PETA's president has made several slanderous and misleading statements and today made a statement they aren't making any money off this terrible accident. Would someone ask PETA how much money they made off of donations when they jumped on the Barbaro accident?  

Belle Was a big filly with a big heart, she deserved to be in the 134th Kentucky Derby and proved it when eighteen of the "boys" were looking at her tail when she crossed the finish line.  Go Girl. I hope when all is said and done, we remember what a beautiful creature she was and what she accomplished in her short life.  I hope her legacy is that she helped bring about change that saved this wonderful industry that allows us on a beautiful day to go to a race and watch thoroughbreds doing what they love to do...Run.

I agree that Eight Belles was involved in a tragic accident.  I agree that racing needs to do something about all these accidents.  However, I do not that think 1.6 breakdowns of every 1000 horses is acceptable.  If we applied that figure to human sports, and took in to account all the athletes involved in sports (from high school sports to professional and Olympic level athletes), that many human breakdowns would never be accepted.  

Thank god there are some people with some reason on this blog. All you PETA FOLKS, GO JUMP IN A LAKE. You are uniformed and lack seeing the big picture here. The racing industry does have it challenges things will change when people stop pointing fingers  and  work together to find a solution.  The Triple Crown Should not be changed otherwise it wouldn't be the Triple Crown. Horses have won it before and will again. I would look to our breeding  industry first. In the 40's - 70's it was not uncommon to run a horse more than once a month. There were injuries then as there are now but it does seem our quest for ultimate speed has come at the expense of stamina and soundness. While I am not saying that breeding is all the problem, its also race day medications, the inconsistencies of rules from state to state ect. More study need to be done with the synthetic surface before rush to install them everywhere. There are negitives to  the synthetics to. So instead of protesting and placing blame lets work on the solutions with informed insight into all aspects of horse racing not the radical fanaticism that is defined by PETA.

This was a refreshing article, and I agree with other posts, it made me feel better about the tragedy of Eight Belles. She was a beautiful horse, and it very sad what happened to her. But it was an accident. I feel ready to move on, but wille never forget her.

I wasn't a Big Brown believer, but I did see a UPS truck the day of the Derby when I was on my way home. I think that was a sign. I'm interested to see if there will be a Triple Crown winner this year.

CGRIFF, you hit the nail right on the head!  And everyone "in the know" knows this is all true.  However, getting from where we are today, to this "perfect world" for the thoroughbred industry is another story.  Hopefully someday soon we'll at least see market demands change due to the fielding of longer races demanding horses be bred correctly again, which is the biggest part of the problem to begin with.  The Breeders Cup fielding a 1 1/2 mile dirt race starting this year will help, it is a start to at least having a division for longer distance races on dirt.  And there are more owners now, like Jess Jackson for one, who are working to make changes such as these happen.  I feel confident that everything will cycle back around eventually and we WILL see another golden era again just like the 40's and 70's.  And who knows, we could be closer than we think.    

Jason - you are absolutely right - the Derby Trial was just 5 days out from the Derby.  And - if memory serves - didn't at least a couple Derby winners actually prep by winning the Trial and then went on to win the big show 5 days later?

If I'm wrong - I'm sure someone will correct me!

Yes.....Unbridled's Song is a very large stallion and a number of his foals are too.  Eight Belle's definitely resembled her sire...BIG.

The racing industry really needs to address the use of medications, both legal & illegal.  I'm afraid the cheaters are well ahead of those challenged with enforcing the rules. Improving drug detection will do more for the safety of the breed & jockeys than any other possible changes.

BTW, the owners of Big Brown once owned a $7500 claimer (A One Rocket) that tested positive under NY based trainer Greg Martin and was a key piece to a Federal Indictment into illegal bookmaking.  Speaking of Eight Belle's breeding...Big Brown runs about a 1/4 mile further than ANY other Boundary sired colt/filly....purely a coincidence?  Personally, I seriously doubt it.

My thoughts ,i ride horses everyday and i can tell you most  of these horses love what they do.We treat them well and take good care of them. some are just faster then others. To all that don't understand about horses we in IRELAND run 20 30 sometimes 40 horses in a race, filly's and colts it don't matter its a horse race Last year when my boss won the Belmont with Rags to riches nobody said nothing. The world was happy the women thought it was great a filly beat the boys, and it was great, she had heart,class and the will to run just like eight belles. You can never tell when something like this is going to happen.I bless myself everyday before i ride and its the risk i take,i gallop a lot of horses 15 to 18 a day all different and at any given time something can go wrong its nobody's fault its a risk and its my job and most of all its LIFE. The people doing all the bad mouthing about horse racing really don't know they just show up when something goes wrong,I love my job and most of all i love my horses. RIP Eight Belles

Jason:

Many times you make great sense,but not this time. Your viewpoint is so much like other's in the industry that doesn't give a seconds thought to the welfare of the horse. I own 2 horses that race in Fla. where I'm org. from and I can tell you I ALWAYS PUT THE HORSE FIRST. The beginning of ownership,I read the trainer and everyone involved the riot act regarding that my horses would not be abused in any manner. What you want to do is simply look the other way and move on to the next race like many. One of the major problems in the industry is the attitude,business as usual instead of trying to fix problems. You can spin this anyway you desire,but you know and I know racing as we know it today is a major turn off to many,also we lose fans everytime something like this happens.Look at how many former racehorses end up in slaughter. Everything from a $5000 claimer to even the Derby winner of years ago. Another thing,your viewpoint seemed to change regarding Big Browns trainer. Say what you will I think he's a jerk,who doesn't know what the word class means. He didn't even show sympathy for Eight Bells after the race,the owner mumbled something or another about her. Wow! What a classy guy. If you love horseracing as much as you indicate,then you need to realize just how serious trouble this sport is in!

i agree with everyone who says we should stop pointing fingers and look at facts.

let's all please move on- it was a terrible occurence that even Dr Bramledge had never seen before, and believe me, he has seen more than i'm sure he cares to- my question is why the PETA people aren't attacking the three day eventers that had two equine fatalities and two major human injuries on the same weekend at Rolex in Lexington? maybe because it wasn't on TV- let the Jones family morn their loss- if you knew anything about these outstanding examples of humanity and true kindness to animals, another word would even be said except"sorry for your loss"

The filly ran huge---I'm guessing she broke her ankle, then overcorrected and shattered her other ankle, she was so strong---also there was much recent rain and the track probably had a soft spot or three left in it--but mygosh, Barbaro, Geo Washington, now Eight Belles--don't mean to sound mccab but good thing 'Belles ran SECOND, instead of FIRST! AND good thing for Big Brown, who looks like the next Spectacular Bid...

I am done pointing fingers.  I strongly disagreed with the decision to run Eight Belles against the boys.  And just for the record, I also strongly disagreed with the decision to run Rags To Riches against the boys.  In this trainers' opinion, you just don't run the girls against the boys in a stakes race of this magnitude.  I don't care how big and strong your girl happens to be you just don't do it.  There is a difference in the boys and girls and I, for one, would never do it.  Having said all that, it was a terrible accident, although I'm not sure accident is the right word.  It was just a terrible awful thing to have happen on a day that should have been joyful. We got to see a horse run and win just for the sheer joy of it.  Wow!

This is what I hate about the Triple Crown races. All these people who say how heart broken they are over Barbaro and Eight Belles never even heard of them until they suffered their injuries. Everyone wants to be in the spotlight. PETA and the like are nothing but attention starved losers who weren't loved as children. Get over it!!!

Leave Saez alone.

To think he had anything to do with this injury is the most ludicrous thing i think i've ever heard.

TIP...I sympathize with your point...10 races in 10 months seems extreme...BUT, you HAVE to consider the conditions and her competition in EACH race.  After I reviewed her 10 races, I will honestly say that 4 of those races were no more than public workouts against subpar foes.  Eight Belles never broke a sweat until her last 2 races in Arkansas.  As an owner, I try to space my races out every 4 weeks...on the average.  Because I deal in claiming horses and an occassional allowance horse, if my athlete is healthy, happy, and eating...that is plenty of time...

Jason, thank you. This was exactly the kind of response people need to see. Inbreeding is a definite cause, but I like that reference to medications. If only the breeders and the Jocky Club would see past their damn noses and realize that these breeding practices are killing the Thoroughbred.

Thank you for your post!  I have been a huge racing fan for about 40 years and I love these horses!!! What happened to Eight Belles was so very sad but you are right and I am sooooooo sick of people complaining when they don't know what they're talking about.  If PETA is so concerned about breakdowns they should put their time to good use and start raising money for equine research into more ways to save these wonderful animals when they have an injury!  As far as Native Dancer being the cause of unsoundness today that is completely ridiculous!  He is in the pedigree of nearly every horse racing today because he was just that good and has been a tremendous influence.  He himself won 21 out of 22 races-nearly all stakes.  He was unfortunately raced too often - as during that period of time it was not yet realized that it was quite detrimental to them. That combined with his tremendous size and power is what led to his shortened four year old year.  He raced 9 times at two and won them all including racing 4 times in August 1952 alone.  An unsound horse could not do that!  Today's horses certainly couldn't!!  He raced 10 times at 3 and won 9.  He lost the derby only because of the circumstances leading to it.  His first race at 3 after 6 months off was 2 weeks before the Derby (the Gotham Stakes).  He then ran again the very next week in the Wood Memorial. Then one week later he ran in the Derby. That's three weeks in a row of racing! Had he not had so much trouble in the race and such a bad ride he would have overcome all this (including tying up earlier in the week and a bad train ride on the way to Kentucky in which he got a little banged up) . Then, 2 weeks after the Derby he ran in the Withers Stakes and the very next week the Preakness Stakes.  That's 5 races in 6 weeks and he won 5 of them.  Then 3 weeks after all that he ran in the Belmont Stakes.  He then raced twice in July and twice in August before the foot bruise that ended his year. Tell me he was an unsound horse! He was an INCREDIBLE horse!

Yes he's my all time favorite and has never gotten the credit he deserved due to his one loss in the Derby - how many horses only lose 1 race in their career...? The above facts though make it obvious why he incurred his lone loss.  He has however more than made up for that with his outstanding influence on the future generations.

Jason: What do WE do now?

As a 19 yr vetran fan of the sport and a student of pedigrees and race history, these are the changes I have experienced in the last 20 yrs, and my observations from history.

The early 80's saw the market for t-bred race horses skyrocket like no other time in history. Everyone wanted in on the money making..What was needed was not really a good horse, but a good selling point. Speed, fast, ran like the wind at two, dropped from the earth at three. "They" began breeding speed to speed, un-soundness to un-soundness, fast horses, fast money? Who cared? Everyone was happy right? Suddenly, the races got shorter, the lifetime a race horse got shorter, due to injury, or most often for the stud value. Polytrack? whoever thought of such a thing? I mean like for real? What could be better then natural dirt? The proof you say? look at the race record of horses yesteryear, the tracks, the distances of the races and how many there were.. Now we treat the fillies even more like babies by shortening all the races for them over the years, instead of breeding sounder horses. Seems to me that if certain traits can be bred into and out of other animal species, the same can be done (and has) for the T-bred race horse. One more point as a tribute to Big Brown Street Sense Barbaro and the greats of yesterday, they could run and win on ANY surface, to the greats of yesterday they could carry weight, and not break down, and go the distance. Perhaps we need to start over at the breeding shed, and look backward to move forward, because everything we've done so far has not worked.

Have to agree, if it wasn't the Derby no one would be pointing the fingers about her breaking down.

The catastrophic breakdown rate in American racing is a disgrace and its being played out on national tv in the triple crown and breeders cup

Only when those inside the industry see it for what it really is can we hope any change will come. Most cant see the forest for the trees. Every critic of racing is not a PETA member or extremist or ignorant of racing. Just calling it an accident is not helpful. It time to see change is needed,

One poster here told of 7 horses in one month at a racetrack. Can this happen and people not see an issue?

It time to realise that this problem just does not exist at this level in most horse racing nations.

Only when you are so close to the inside you cant see what is wrong with a picture of needles into every horse before every race and horses being struck by oversized whips far harder than necessary  for much of the last 2 furlongs of every race.

I love thoroughbred racing and watching truly great great horses do amazing things. With that said, I agree that drug testing needs to be stregnethed, but I think breeding has also become a problem. There is so much breeding of un-sound animals that gets passed on and creates this cyclical problem that needs to be adressed. However, I think none of this can happen unless there is one auhtority in racing. Right now, as it stands every state and every track has a different policy. There needs to be some kind of uniformity in the sport. Until that happens no reform can take place.

Thanks for some sanity.  The ten days before the Derby I did a series on all the Triple Crown winners at my own blog, The Terriorists.  With all the hysteria afterward, I went back to review what I thought I knew--not only from my research but from having actually worked at a racing stable in CA.  Many of the early winners actually ran another race between the Preakness and Belmont.

As far as other arguments, I'm still in the process of putting my research together in terms of physical (actual) age, size, and overall health of the winners.

I never was aware of any drug use at the training stable, except an occasional shot for inflamation. Since one of my jobs was paying the bills, I would have noticed exceptional amounts of steroids being purchased.  Didn't happen.

Injuries, deaths are unfortunate in all sports, and in all activities where humans or animals are moving.  How many people have died or were injured in the auto plants in the last 80 years?  Should we stop building cars?  How many farmers were killed, or injured in the last 80 years?  Should we stop growing food?  How many deaths, injuries have taken place in airplanes?  Should we stop flying?  How many people have died, or injured in wars?  Should we eliminate the military?  How many people have been injured or died in other sports?  Basketball, football, baseball, NASCAR racing, soccer, Olympics.  Should we eliminate all these sports?

The answer to the problem is focusing on making all these activities for humans and animals safer.

Louis Komaromi

Texas

One thing I've read on here a couple times over is about horses needing more time between races.  I for one am a big fan of Australian racing for the fact that I can watch horses run a G1 one weekend and turn around and do it again the next weekend.  Sebring just missed winning the 2 year old Triple Crown down there by a nose, he ran 3 straight weekends in G1's as a 2yr old! Too much time off and medication is ruining our thoroughbreds, we need to see horses be raced into shape instead of drugged into shape. my2cents.

These PETA must pray that horses like Eight Belles die, otherwise they'd have nothing to do with their lives. No way Eight Belles could make it to the Kentucky Derby without wanting to run, she was a competitive elite race horse who was not only bred for this race but trained for it everday of her life. It's a shame something so uncommon happened to her after the race, as if she were galloping in a pasture, it could have happened then too, because it wasn't caused by anything in particular. It's an even bigger shame that these people focus on this single occurence, think of all the horses and races that this doesn't happen in, and think of the other poor horses that gave their lives for our enjoyment, apparently you don't care about them.

FYI, PETA has always objected to horse racing, however, no one listens until there is a high profile incident. I'm not saying I always agree with PETA's methods etc, but they have presented some valid points with regards to adjustments that need to made in the industry, a fact many  of you agree with.

I do disagree with comparing the risks of horse racing with those of "human sports" as people choose to put themselves at risk, the horses have no option. Whether the horses enjoy racing or not, I cannot say, I just know that it is animal instinct to keep themselves from unneccessary risk.

But it is true, you cannot call for the abolishment of such a well established tradition/sport as horse racing, you can just ask for reforms and work on increasing safety, as has been done over the years, though possibly not as much as we'd like.

"For the most part, Thoroughbreds are well cared for and they enjoy running"

I galloped horses at Belmont Park for 10 years. Well-cared for? Let's see, horses beaten with buckets for losing, horses jolted with a battery in the backstretch barn to jazz them up before a race, deals made with the secretary of racing to enter a horse to fill a race with a short field, in exchange for the track vet passing a horse to race that never should have allowed to run (yes, he broke down), milkshakes, illegal medication...I have seen it all and it made me sick. I am glad I am out of the game. Whenever gambling is involved, it's never in the horse's best interest.

Really well written piece with lots of common horse sense.  Thank you.

Great article, Thank you Jason

This commentary makes me feel both sad and angry. Are the people in the horse racing industry so absorbed in it that you can not see how it is failing to protect the very animals that make it possible?  Perhaps those of us who only watch the Kentucky Derby once a year are not as well-informed about the racing world, but the same goes for the racing insiders....you are obviously too close to be truly objective. Horse racing needs some drastic changes and if you can't manage to do that yourselves then someone like PETA will do it for you.

One last comment. I went to the peta site to rebute some of their false accusations, first thing I found out to say anything I had to make a donation of some sort, I didn.t proceed any further with that., but I did read a lot of the talk on there, Here we go <1> A jockey has a riding crop not a whip it has a piece of leather at the end to make a noise also, it does not have the effect of a real whip. <2> here they are calling for an end of racing , but in the next breath are calling for all tracks to be synthetic, looks like some out interest from syn track people. Trying to do personel damage to trainer and jockey is absolutely absurd

Thank you for your article! I completely agree that it was just an accident.  The PETA are needlessly attacking the jockey, owner, and trainer.  I do not believe that Saez knew there was anything wrong til she went down.  Every person involved with Eight Belles loved and cared  for her.  They would do nothing to harm her.  And yes they loved her, but let's also think about the money factor. Would they really put something so valuable in danger. I not saying she's only a way to make money but we all know how people are, they don't want something valuable ruined.  Steroids and medications need to be stopped, period. It's not natural. Synthetic surfaces are not the answer either, I don't not believe that they make a great deal of difference. It is entirely natural for horses to run on dirt. Syntheteic surfaces are an interesting concept, but not neccessarily the answer.  I do believe the amount of horses in entered in the Derby should be lowered to at least 15.  I just lowers the possibility that a horse will have traffic problems and will be bumped by another competitor.  And then there's the whipping issue.  Look at those horses when they come back from a race. Do you see any welts or whip marks?! NO!! The jockeys don't abuse the horses! Many times the jockeys just tap the horse or wave it out where the horse can see it.  The horses know when to go, it doesn't take much.  It is very unfortunate accident that Eight Belles died.  But I wish that everyone would stop placing blame the jockey, owner, and trainer.  

They did nont harm that horse, they loved her!

You are one of the few people that make sense, I have had more and more people say the trainer is to blame and just as has been written the jockey...but these people that have critizied have no Idea or have ever been around horses, don't understand any of the tell tale signs of when  horses are and are not in distress, half of the people that own horses for pleasure don't even know when their own horses are in distress or pre distress, most of them walk into the barn throw grain in the feed tub and water and hay them, and walk out the door. No I am not saying they are not good owners, just saying a good majority of them don't really stand and watch their own animals eating or in general just spend time with them with or with out riding them. Mr jones is like alot of trainers that really love their horses they train, there is a big hole in their heart as well as the owner and sometimes more than some of their owners.  Their jockeys as well. So the media do their jobs, create contreversy as well as help in other way. It is just that there are a few uneducated human beings that spout off with out knowing the real facts.

Everyone here has valid points.  It angers me that there are people out there (who know nothing about the sport) finger point and assume fault.  The comments of abuse and how horses are forced to race are not valid.  Sure horses are in some way forced to race but they love to do it.  People have pets, and we force them to live with us.  Is that abuse too?  So sad that we have an organization in this country that rather than try to solve the problem they use it as a spring board to benefit themselves.  

Three things:

1) National Racing authority, just like in Japan, or our big three sports (baseball, football, basketball)

2)Three strikes and you are out forever for medications infractions. Period.Go sell insurance.

3) Absolute ban on anabolic steroids and other performance enhancers (Clenbuterol: please don't argue that it is a bronchialator - it grows muscle mass!). At the track, at the yearling sales, at the two-year olds in training sales.

And, yes, when most of the bloodlines are a Mr. Prospector crossed with a Northern Dancer and they had the same grandfather, any idiot can see that is not good for the breed.

Cgrif:  You stole my thunder.  I think the more fragile speedballers that are being bred today are a result of both market conditions and the current rules of racing. The industry has allowed race day meds and created huge incentives to breed precocious speed above all else.  If the industry would reward stamina and durability through some longer, high profile races on both turf and dirt and cut out the acceptable meds, the breeders and buyers would change their habits.  Until the rules are changed and stamina and durability is rewared at the track, then we'll keep getting horses bred to go short, fast and early.

I am glad to see some of this comments about PETA,when i first saw what they were trying to do i just couldnt't believe it....stuff like if Gabriel Saez did wrong they should take the 2nd place money from the owner(???)where did they came up with that"brilliant"idea?,it's not like saez hit the horse a million times(like Victor Espinoza on Kafwain,Lousiana Derby i think)to even begin with the idea that it was his fault,i know it's been said already but the jockey had no fault at all......