I know, how about people stop racing horses altogether seeing as how they most likely don't want to be ridden like damn slaves anyway through the stress and heat and the yelling of some miniature man on their backs pushing them to the brink of pure exhaustion for 15 of the "minitature man's" fame. I don't believe for an instant that these jockeys care anything about the horses or they wouldn't risk having the horse KILLED in the first place. It's incredibly selfish and inhumane. We should strap monkeys onto the backs of the jockeys and make them run around as fast as they can, and if they don't clock in fast enough.........well...........­....... we'll whip 'em. Horses love to run, but not to death.

I agree. This is inhumane. The horses are so inbred that injuries are more the norm than the exception. Unfortuantely we are not talking only about horse racing. This is also true in greyhouse racing. Once the dog's racing career is over most of them end up euthanized except for the few who are rescued by the saints at greyhound rescues. However, until the public takes a stand and stops supporting these races they will continue as is and horses and greyhounds will continue to die on the racetrack or after their careers are over.

I've know horse to survive after a broken leg. I just think if they break a leg people are oh now there not good for racing so we just better end their lives all together. Why not just sell them or be generous and give them to a good home who will actually take care of them anyway, that way you dont lose any money because what do you get out of euthanizing them? nothing yeah. I think we should not beable to put animals down for a broken leg especially a horse, I mean when people break their legs we dont euthanize them even if humans cant take care of themselves and their in a lot of pain we don't put them to "sleep", same thing should be for animals their are people out their who are willing to care for sick and injured animals just like there are people to take care of sick people. I vote NO more horse racing!!!!

Perhaps one leg, that was not a compound fracture. 2? I think not. Have YOU ever been the one to care for the horse with the broken leg? I know of MANY people in this business who DO spend the time and money to care for these horses after a major injury. No, this is not a perfect industry, and there are issues that need to be adressed. And they are. There are many groups who are striving to benefit and take care of these horses. I have personally "rescued" racehorses, at my own expense, time and effort. After the Derby, certain regulations are going to get amped up, as they should.

But to have tried to save the filly, Eight Belles? How do you suggest they even get her onto the Equine Ambulance to start this process? She couldn't stand. They did the right thing. Laminitis is far worse than a broken leg. Have you ever seen that in person? Please, I know people care, but get these facts right before you say a horse should have been "saved".

What do you suggest we do with the hundreds of thousands of race horses alive and running today? How big is your backyard? Have you ever ridden a horse in a race before? Are you a jockey? I am. But since you know exactly every emotion running through my head right now, I shouldn't have to explain, but I will indulge myself. For the most part, most part, jockeys ride because they love the horses. There is no thrill like riding a horse, feeling like you are flying. And then to win? Jockeys and race horses have the same passion and competitive streak running throught them. We are not miniature mindless little idiots whipping the life out of our charges. I am a 5'-6" female. Hellooooo. I have had horses break down with me, horses who felt totally fine before. It is devastating. If ever I see a fellow rider not showing compassion for a horse, I start throwing punches. But this is not the usual case. I have also broken more bones than you can probably name. Have you ever flown through the air on the most magnificent creature, both of you with the same thought, emotion, and love? I didn't think so. Do I tell you what your job perfomance is, how you feel, react, think? People, get a wee bit more info before you state things of which you do not know.

Yes you are right to say we need to have the full info before we go and say SAVE HER!!!!!!!!!! I agree a horse with two broken legs is hard to deal with and care for.

I guess my point would be why race horses at all if we know they can break their legs so easily? Just for the entertainment of humans? Big money for the horse breeders? Or is it just cool to watch the doc "put down" a horse that fell of the track?

Just another big money maker for the "horse industry". How about everyone get together and start caring for God's creatures and each other again? AND NOT JUST FOR THE MONEY!!!!

To the Jockey 5'6, we are not concern about how tall you are or wheter your race horses or not, have you ever been a horse before? a God creation, a miracle as you are, Have you ever feel what Do they feel? I have noticed in your comment the real love that you have in your heart for animals, especially for horses, also how aggresive is your comment, could you say hello ! with respect to the sensitive person who wrote the article Eight Belles, beautiful creature! and love horses from the heart, who really loves never sacrify lives. We have toys to run races as car, bikes, rollerblades an so on, taking a risk our own lives.

God bless you 5'6

Actually I would love to see monkeys riding jockeys on little saddles whipping them furiously. That would have to be the most entertaining sport ever devised - other than baseball.