Money to be made, so horses are dying

WENDY LAKE; Graham

Published: 05/07/08 1:00 am

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As a horse lover and equestrienne, I have watched the Kentucky Derby as long as I can remember. I was a pre-teen when Ruffian and Foolish Pleasure ran their match race in the 1970s. I will never forget what I saw on live TV as a young, horse-crazy girl when Ruffian broke her leg during the race. Then came others like Charismatic, Barbaro and now Eight Belles, all “breaking down” during a Triple Crown race on live TV.

All registered thoroughbreds officially turn 1 year old on the first day of January after their birth. Many of the horses are born in late summer, which makes them more like 2 years old when they run a big-stakes race for 3-year-olds like the Kentucky Derby.

A horse’s joints are not fully developed prior to 4 years of age. They are experiencing awkward growth spurts like any teenager. These horses are pushed beyond their limits for the almighty dollar, hoping for possible future breeding fees. What good is that if the animal is dead before it can produce?

Race horses have become an expensive commodity. We have laws against dog and rooster fighting. At least you don’t see the deaths of the dogs on live TV, and the abusers, if caught, are prosecuted.

I don’t know what the answer is. Horse racing is as American as apple pie, and there is a lot of money involved. Yet young horses are dying. I can’t accept that.

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