Yesterday was the 134th running of the Kentucky Derby. It was an exciting race to watch. Unfortunately, along with the victory came tragedy.
The winner of this great race was the favorite, Big Brown. He ran from the 20th post position and gave it his all to win the Kentucky Derby. He accomplished a win that only 1 other horse was able to do in the history of the Derby.
The second place winner was the only filly in the race, Eight Belles. She gave her life to place second in this great race. A few lengths after crossing the finish line, the filly fell. With attention on the winning horse, many did not realize what had happened until a short while after.
The filly had compound fractures of both her front ankles. She was unable to stand for them to place a cast on the legs. The one ankle had the bone coming through the skin with possibilty of infection. Therefore, it was decided to put her down.
My mind keeps going back to the last moments of the race. Yes, the 134th Kentucky Derby was certainly exciting to watch, but sometimes tragedy strikes along with victory. History has certainly shown that repeatedly.
Laura:
It is very sad. The fact that the horse was only a 3 year old makes it even sadder.
Charlie:
A horse's bones are not fully developed by the age of 3. I feel that they are pushed too hard at such a young age. This is why so many race horses break down.
Chuck:
What hurts even more is that she was only 3 years old and her life was only beginning. Plus, she gave it her all.
Ron:
I have never been a fan of the horse racing world. Some of their methods I personally don't care for.
Robert:
I agree. The horse is still developing at the age of 3. Yes, it's OK to start training at age 2, but it should be at a slow pace. The race horses are pushed too hard.
Linda:
I don't really follow the horse racing circuit because of all the break downs. I remember years ago, a great filly break down in a race. Her name was Ruffian. Since her break down, I have not followed the races. I'll watch the Derby, Preakness and Belmont, but, not much more. Eight Belles was a good horse. Unfortunately, the good ones are the ones that suffer.
BLR Guy:
Visions always come to mind of Ruffian breaking down in her race years ago. The horses legs cannot take so much pounding at that young an age.
Michael:
It truly is sad to see and hear about such a thing.
Brigita,
I'm not much into horse racing although I saw this on Sports Center and was very much saddened. Regardless of my interest in the sport, it is always upsetting to hear that an animal had to be put down in this fashion. I hope that those involved can deal with this as best they can, pick up the pieces and be able to move on with their lives.
On a positive note... it's funny how AR gets into our lives. I thought of you recently when we signed my daughter up for horse riding lessons. She is VERY excited.
Martin:
What hurts the most is that the horse has given it's all to the end and it is put down.
That's great to hear about your daughter. Keep me posted on how she does. Would love to know.
I guess I'll be known as the horse lady here on AR. :-)
Sharon:
I don't know if the racing circuit will change. It seems like they have been racing 3 year olds forever.
I, too followed the Barbaro story to the very end. The difference here is that I know the trainer, Michael Matz, from the Grand Prix Show Jumping. He always rode good horses. He tends not to overdo it with the horses. If you remember, he did not push Barbaro very hard. There were weeks in between each of his races. Michael Matz is currently training Barbaro's full brother, who will be a 3 year old next year. Let's see if he is anything like Barbaro.
I too was moved by the death of this wonderful race horse. Her bones were not fully developed at the age of 3. Maybe they are pushed too hard at such a young age. I hope and pray that this never happens again. Once twice is too many times for me.
Janie:
Horses are still growing at the age of 3. Their bones are still fragile. All that pounding on their feet along with carrying the weight at that age is just too much for their growing bones to take. Unfortunately, they are breeding for speed these days instead of durability. Years ago, the horses ar least were a little more durable. Yes, something needs to be done about it to prevent these tragedies, but will it in the racing world? That remains to be seen.
Brigita, that was sad what happened to Eight Belles. I feel for the owners as well as they do become part of the family.
Duane:
You are so right about the horses, or any animal or pet, becoming part of the family. Throughout the years, all my pets and my horses were a part of the family. When my kids outgrew a horse and it was time to sell it, we really didn't want to, but I couldn't afford that many mouths to feed. So, instead of looking for the best price for that horse, we made sure it went to a good home and we were able to visit every so often. And, when it was time for me to put one of my horses down, it was really hard. Especially when it was my first horse, Chanticleer