Why I Don't Watch Horse Racing Any More

It all started with Ruffian.

Most of you don't remember her - or maybe you do. She was a filly whose love of the race was so strong she raced her front legs to mush. She was a horse with a heart, and the only non-human on Sports Illustrated 100 female athletes of the century. When she died, it was tragic.

Then came Barbero.

If ever there was an animal with a fighting spirit, it was him. After suffering horrific injuries during a race, his owners poured money and time into keeping this racehorse alive. The vets didn't give him much of a chance, but against all expectations it looked as if he was going to survive.
Unfortunately, as we all know, he didn't.

Now Eight Belles.

So badly injured, she had to be euthanized on the track. Tragic.

Then I read that the 1986 Derby winner was almost certainly slaughtered and shipped to France or Belgium to be eaten. As are many race horses. Even former winners. After they don't win any more, they are as disposable as any greyhound - just bigger.

So, even though I thrilled to the story of Man O'War, Secretariat, our own Seattle Slew, and many others, I am finished with the sport until things change.

Sickening.