  |
|
|
|
Eight Belles Not Raced to DeathNecropsy Gives No Evidence of Heart Condition, Drugs, Abusive RacingEight Belles was not abused by over racing, or drugs. The filly's necropsy shows no evidence of foul play, or abusive behavior toward her by trainer, rider, or owner.
The necropsy performed on the filly Eight Belles, who collapsed and broke both front ankles as she galloped out after finishing second in the Kentucky Derby, shows no evidence that she was drugged, abused by her rider, or used in any unacceptable manner to race in competition. The report was released in detail to the media. The necropsy, and reviews of the film of the Derby itself have all given straight forward evidence. Eight Belles was sound going into the race, and no one acted unkindly, or abusively toward the filly. There is nothing in the report to support the question of pre-existing problems in bone, or muscle. How do trainer, owner, and rider race a champion type horse? Evidence shows that they do it with care and concern for the animal's safety, as in the case of Eight Belles. Following the accident at the Derby, PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) called for the Thoroughbred industry to revamp its agenda, or stop racing altogether. PETA has established a three-point recipe for curing the racing industry's ills: (1) don't allow two-year-olds to race; (2) mandate the use of synthetic racing surfaces; (3) ban use of a rider's whip. PETA and the Humane Society of the United States both called for reform. Also following the accident, National Thoroughbred Racing Association president Alex Waldrop said, "It is clear the status quo is not an option." He vowed to work toward greater safefy awareness and to educate the public fully on the industry's recommitment towards that end. Eight Belles' trainer, Larry Jones, said his horses were like family members. "I'm proud (of her), not ashamed. All she had to do is come back alive. Do you think I wouldn't want her alive, even if all I could do with her was walk up to her and pet her?" Those are Jones' sentiments in response to being villified for entering the filly in the Derby against male competition. Villification has also befallen jockey Gabriel Saez, 20, who has been repeatedly accused by PETA and others of overwhipping Eight Belles. "I remain heartbroken over Eight Belles, and I want to let her many fans know she never gave me the slightest indication before or during the race that there was anything bothering her." These are Saez's words as he strives to continue in the industry he loves. "...I'm having a bad time. I don't feel like going to the races now...No heart attack. No aneurysm. We may never know exactly what happened. It was just a tragic breakdown." Eight Belles owner, Rick Porter, spoke those words, trying to convey his sense of loss. Injuries will happen in any sport. Inexplicable accidents occur. Death is sometimes the result.. It is, unfortunately, the nature of the beast, and a risk taken by those who love sport. A risk is taken by every human being who climbs into an automobile. Humans drive on, with attention given to things like how to drive more safely. (Resource and quotes from the Blood-Horse magazine, May 17, 2008/No.20)
The copyright of the article Eight Belles Not Raced to Death in How to Race Horses is owned by BarbaraAnne Helberg. Permission to republish Eight Belles Not Raced to Death in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
|
|
|
|
