The Tragic Death of Eight Belles
Tragedy struck at Churchill Downs this past Saturday, when Eight Belles—the first filly to run the race since 1999—collapsed with two broken ankles after coming in second at the Kentucky Derby. Due to injuries so severe she couldn’t be moved off the track, the three-year-old equine was euthanized immediately following the race.
While there is no evidence that Eight Belles was the victim of abuse, the fact remains that she was subject to compete in a sport known for its inhumane tactics.
“The fragile nature of thoroughbred racehorses and the stress and rigors that these animals are subject to are loudly evidenced in this tragedy,” said ASPA President & CEO Ed Sayres. “The sport of horse racing is no different than other forms of entertainment where animals are forced to perform, oftentimes in stressful and inhumane conditions. These include being raced too young before reaching physical maturity, being raced excessively, being forced to run on hard or slippery surfaces or being injected with drugs to enhance performance.”
It is unfortunate that almost all racing jurisdictions—New York being one exception—now allow potent anti-inflammatory analgesic drugs to be administered to injured and lame horses to keep them racing in spite of chronic and painful injuries.
To read our complete statement issued earlier this week, please visit ASPCA.org.
Labels: News
posted by ASPCA at 9:52 AM PERMALINK
34 Comments:
I for one, find it cruel and inhumane treatment of horses to push them to the breaking point for what-to win a few bucks? I know there are millions, if not billions, of dollars both illegal and legal that change hands betting on horse racing. But after eons of this "sport", I find it's time to stop the practice of horse racing and put and end to the pain and suffering these majestic animals go through just to win a race. I think ALL animal welfare groups should pursue this to finally put and end to this barbaric treatment of the poor horses. And to the horse "owners" all I have to say is get a real sport and a real job! Enough is enough! :(
I've always hated horse racing. Horses are the most beautiful creatures on this earth, and as a child I was torn by wanting to watch them but not wanting to see harm come to them in horse races. So as a result, I never watched a race. It sickens me that these owners and trainers profess to love their animals yet put them through this. I understand, some people tell me thorough breeds "love" to run. Yes, run, not race! A horse can run on it's own, not be forced into a race, that to me is cruel.
Here these animals are run until they have no more to give, then what? They have made their masters plenty of money so when they are no longer needed what happens to them?
The human race is the most destructive race on this earth. We are raping this planet of everything it has. When will people learn.
I hope something good comes out of this tragedy. I hope people stop going to races. But I know I'm asking for too much of humans.
I'm glad there are other people who feel the same way I do about horse racing. I think it (and other animal "sports" like bull fighting and dog racing) should be outlawed just like dog fighting, cock fighting, etc. Racing your pet for fun is one thing, but doing it for money causes some people to become numb to inhumane treatment of animals.
Horse racing is not an inhumane sport. The livelihood of the trainers, exercise riders, grooms, and more, depend on the health and happiness of these magnificent animals. All good trainers and owners are first and foremost concerned with the care of their horses. Thoroughbreds do love to run, and we should enjoy their power and speed. There are industry problems, and I hope the sad death of Eight Belles will hasten reforms, but this storied sport should not be abandoned because of one inexplicable breakdown.
These comments are based on many levels -- from passionate animal advocate, animal guardian (of horses/dogs/cats),animal rescuer, equestrian competitor and racing professions from the backstretch to the press box (as media dir. at Pimlico Race Course). I've seen the selfless and the selfish and I struggle with the horror of Eight Belles breakdown. One, dominant and powerful fact of racing is that many, if not most, horse owners are NOT hands-on horse experienced -- but they buy the horses & pay the bills. Most race track owners, as those I worked for, are NOT horse advocates -- and they're "image ignorant". The majority of real horsemen & women -from hotwalkers, grooms, exercise riders & jockeys to trainers, absolutely put the welfare of their horses above their own comfort. There's an element of "animal addiction" making their jobs not a 9 to 5 but a way of life! I invited animal advocacy groups to the Preakness one year, to tour and talk...sadly no one came. I firmly believe what we must change, if racing is to survive, is the "corporate mentality" - address ALL safety issues and fund changes (your limos do not impress us), educate horse owners (horses are NOT a commodity!), support equine retirement & post racing welfare (step up to the responsibility of ownership!) IF - and that's a biggie word - we ALL put the horse FIRST, the public will be first to respond. Thank you for reading this. SPAY & NEUTER YOUR ANIMALS!
This is a sport that has thousands of years....steeped in tradition. There are billions of dollars changing hands every day by owners, bettors, trainers. A horse at age 2 or 3 is FAR too young to be ridden in this dangerous sport. Their bones are not yet fully formed and hardened. They are racing BABIES! My horse got splints when she was 4 years old...a common occurence in young horses, kicking and playing around in the pasture. Horses can live to be 30 or even more with good vet care and love from her "person". I ride my horse in Dressage...a sport in which the point is to ride in harmony with your horse. I think that an age of about 5 should be set by racing commissioners, and this age should be enforced by the horses being x-rayed before they race, as the jockey and his tack are weighed before these races. It's going to take a HUGE amount of pressure on the thoroughbred racing associations, as well as all other horses who race. (There is a registered Paint race circuit, for instance.) We need the help of the ASPCA, and other organizations with clout to stop this miserable "Baby Racing". But, the powers that be within the racing organizations are powerful indeed. Please. Let's not give up on this.
I am opposed to horse racing and dog racing. I think it is totally unfair to these animals. It is time we as Americans step up and stop this practice. How many more horses and dogs have to die for the entertainment/money factor??
Horse owners and dog owners should be ashamed of themselves. They need to be the first to stop this inhumane treatment of such beautiful animals. PLEASE!
I too am horrified by the death of Eight Belles, and it brought back the pain of Barbaro's suffering and death. I'm an animal lover and find no pleasure in watching animals compete in racing. I live near a well-known horse racing track in Boston, and a greyhound race track. I never support any of their activities. It's the horses who suffer. It isn't right. And the plight of the greyhound is the same, perhaps worse, because once they can't run they are abandoned. Luckily many people adopt the retired greyhounds. These are despicable sports and demand much closer investigation into their practices, methods, and purposes. I agree with the ASPCA's statement included at this blog site. I lit candles for Eight Belles. What a shame.
The death of Eight Belles has saddened me and angered me at the same time. Enough of using animals for sport. Horse racing, dog racing, dog fighting, cock fighting and any other use of animals in an inhumane way should be banned. These great creatures are part of this world, a world we should share with them not torture them with our greed. I hope that this tragic event will put a stop to horse racing or at the very least stop the injustice of trying to make them faster. And while on the topic, jockeys should not be hitting the horses to go faster, what a crime!!!
I have always been against horse racing and any other kind of racing concerning animals. I think it is really tragic for a jockey to keep hitting Eight Belles when quickly the horse was backing off. Horses were born to be wild and rode with love. I personally would love to see this sport banned for good.
Eight Bells did not die of a coronary as the racing industry is claiming. There is a video taken by someone at Churchill Downs and she was clearly running on her broken ankles far before she crossed the finish line. She was able to do this because she was doped and did not feel the pain.
This industry could, and should, be shut down using the RICO Act. All racehorses, including Quarterhorses and Standardbreds are doped. The owners and trainers lie about it, and the vets stay silent.
There is no way to tell how many horses of the different racing breeds break down like this each year. There is no central database, and like the Walking Horses if you tell, your life is in jeopardy.
I rescue off track Thoroughbreds and Quarterhorses. The Thoroughbreds are skeletons covered with poor coats, confused and suffer the most awful withdrawal. They do not have an appetite, and they run their stalls when they are inside. I put my rescues with my senior Quarterhore gelding and he acts as the babysitter. These horses have to learn how to BE horses. They are isolated because what if they are injured in the pasture with other horses?
They have no life, and most are incredibly slow gainers. I was in LeRoy Jolleys box with my dad when Ruffian went down and I have never gotten over that. I was a kid and have not watched a live horse race since. I only watched the Eight Bells video because I did not believe the dribble that was being fed to us.
The Triple Crown is now the Cripple Crown and who knows how many lesser horses suffer the same fate each race day in the US. It is not the surfaces on the tracks, it is the line breeding and the drugs.
Drugs interfere with gambling - which is the only reason the majority of people go to any track - and that is why the RICO Act can be used to shut the entire sorry industry down.
Elle
For over 50 years I have given riding lessons to folks from 2 to 82 doing everything from trail riding to showing. Disabled have learned there is nothing they can't do as have everyone else. Horses are wonderful and kind and love people. They do (most of them!) enjoy being around people and being ridden kindly. Like people, some are competive and love to show,jump or race .Others just like to take it easy and trail ride.
We don't live in a perfect world but we can all work to make it that way! When I was on our local board of the SPCA,I was outraged with the animals we had to put to sleep and started an education program aimed at adults to stop breeding and abuse. Then I stipped realizing that so many children were almost in just as bad shape. If folks won't take care of their childern,how to get them to care for their pets? I started a very successful traveling zoo aimed at children to get the next generation on board!
For over 30 years I have been a race horse trainer. It is a good sport with problems and greed,like everything else. I had a nine year break the track record at Laurel Race Track in MD. I do not race my horses until they are well in their 3nd year and not much until 4 & 5. I keep my horses on the farm,they get out to play every day in fields and go to the track for workouts and races. I train a lot on the farm. When they are finished racing, they become show horses or just back yard pets.
Horses like to race--not all--but many,just like we do with our bikes,skates,feet or cars. Horses know when they win or loose and it is fun for them IF done right.
The real problem with racing is allowing 2 years olds to run. Before the good de-worming products,horses didn't live as long or weren't as able. Now there is no excuse for not waiting and letting horses mature. Thoroughbreds are not mature until they are 6. The Triple Crown should not be run by 3 years olds but 4 year olds. No drugs should be allowed. The boys aren't allowed to run against the girls and the girls should not be allowed to run against the girls! If the above were put into effect, racing would be much different and for the better.
Horseracing is at once the most beautiful sport and the ugliest.
Yes, worry about the horses in the lower rungs, running at small tracks.
Do not ever think that all or even most of the people around racing do not care deeply about the horses. They do. They are damned by those who don't.
I watched this filly's father win the Florida Derby, I watched her grandfather win the Florida Derby.
They were both amazing athletes.
I've been in racing barns and show barns.
This was a tragedy. This horse wasn't abused in anyway. Neither was Ruffian, Barbaro, Spanish Riddle, Lamb Chop or countless others.
Seattle Slew lived well into his late 20's.
John Henry lived his retirement at the Ky. HOrse Park and lived to be 32 - a gelding with no value as a stallion - but truly loved by his owners, trainer and jockey - all who would detour to see him.
If you did away with racing ... what would you do with the thousands of thoroughbreds?
Think it all of the way through.
As a Kentuckian, I have always been proud of the KY Derby, not understanding the real hazards to the horses. I had been to the race tracks maybe 4 times in my life, when this year I recieved free bench seat tickets. Mostly there for the atmosphere and just to say I'd been there, I only watched the Derby race and had bet $5 on Big Brown to win and $5 on Eight Belles. I was nervous watching the horses race around, though I couldn't see much of the race. When the ambulance and VET truck/trailor raced around rumors went through the crowd and within 5minutes it got back to us that it was Eight Belles and they had already put her down. The crowd changed.It was not a beautiful day anymore. I saw it affect people and realized how awful racing is. I tried not to cry there in my dress and hat, but my heart was so sad and the guilt for betting $5 on her was too much. I didn't sleep that night, cried all day Sunday and dedicated my myspace page to Eight Belles, but want to do more. I never want to go to a horse race again. Hopefully, due to Eight Belles tragedy on a world wide televised event, things will change and people will view horse racing differently. What else can I do personally to help these race horses?
There is always great media attention when another tragedy occurs, but it is forgotten within days. The Thoroughbred racing industry must be held accountable for these alleged "accidents". In Europe, horses are not run so young, and are not pressed into intense gaits, as they are here, but are trained over longer periods at easier paces to help develop bones, joints, and muscle adequately, so these injuries are almost non-existent.
How about the ASPCA adding an online petition to go to the TB industry, as well as a fund to run ads, as media attention and criticism may change things. Legislation would be important also. We need animal rights organizations to help us all mobilize our energies against this brutal industry. For every famous horse that is maimed or killed, there are thousands we never hear about, and many horses are doomed to a life of pain and suffering.
I feel there are areas that people from ASPCA, PETA, etc should become more educated about. Some people sound sooooo naive!! I support racing, the jockeys owners and trainers wholeheartedly. These horses have bred and have been bred by humans for centuries to become what they are and that is what they enjoy doing!!!
I Cried my eyes out when i saw what happened to that poor beautiful horse. It truely is a sad thing when we as a country are willing to spend money on these in-humane sports,when I believe that all this money that exchanges hands could be put to such better causes. Especially, these MILLIONARES, and celebrities whom have nothing better to do with all that money than to keep these barberic sports alive, while these beautiful animals are suffering so much. It makes me sick, these people should be ashamed of themselves, as well as the owners ect. I must include that not all wealthy people participate in these "betting" sports, ther are lots whome donate lots of time and money to great causes and God Bless them. If only i had all that money, I would and could make such a difference in so many lives. I do what i can. In closing, the only way I want to see these beautiful horses running, is out free in the wild on our massive, majestic plains. The way they were intended to be.
If anyone is really reviewing the running of the Derby, they should pay attention to the announcer who said Eight Belles was dropping back and out of the race....only after the brutal beating did she make an amazing return to place 2nd...I firmly believe that when she first slowed she had sustained her first injury and could have been pulled up and saved at that point...lets not forget the deaths of the two magnificent horses at the Rolex competition as well...and to anyone who believes these owners, trainer, jockeys really love their animals...check out the showjumping scandal involving the Sandman a few years ago...
The average person who watches horse racing has no idea what goes on back in the barn. Generally, horses are well cared for, BUT then comes the tapping of joints, the legal and illegal drugs, the breaking of yearlings, the running of 2 yr. olds, and running horses until they can't make it to the paddock. Drug testing is difficult-trainers and vets keep coming up with drugs that won't test or are gone from the system by the time they are tested. There are also some exercise riders at 200lbs.+ galloping these young horses with immature bones. I'm not saying horse racing should be outlawed, just regulated like the old days-NO DRUGS, NO RACING of 2yr.olds. This is expensive, so breed fewer horses of better quality. Not to mention what happens to these horses that have been injured or run into the ground, the 2 yr. olds that don't make it, the old class horses with big knees and ankles, the mares not worth breeding? No slaughter in the U.S. which is great, but horses are still being shipped to Mexico and Canada from what I understand. There are not enough horse rescues to go around-it is expensive, labor intensive, and takes alot of space-what can we do about this? More prisons could get involved to start with. Though not on the subject, what about all those Premarin babies LADIES? I could go on forever-but...
I find this absolutely heart wrenching. I don't understand pushing an animal so hard. And the sad fact is, the animal does it because it knows if it refuses, pain comes [in most circumstances]. It bothers me so much. I wish that we could top horse racing. It's so sad.
-Caitlin
Why is it everyone gets worked up only about race horses? What about eventing horses? The pre-show for the Rolex Cup had several horses had to be put down from injury.Is it only because eventing is an Olympic Sport and people view horse racing as a money maker? Horses were bred to run and enjoy it, but when people push them too far thats the problem.
The thoroughbred racing industry is here to stay, like it or not. The best we can do is push for regulation of this industry -- no drugs, no whipping, minimum racing ages, standards for the track, etc. We all should be writing to our legislatures.
I agree that it will take a HUGE amount of pressure on the horseracing industry to change things. I also agree that that industry is not going away. So let's put some huge pressure on! I've never gotten involved in a "cause" before, so I'm not quite sure how to do it, but here's a few ideas that I've come up with:
1) write to your state legislators to have CONGRESSIONAL HEARINGS
2) write to all of your public representatives. Deluge them with letters. Start a letter-writing campaign.
3) write to people in the public eye. Chelsea Clinton, for example, attended the Derby. Don't condemn her, educate her. Ask for her help!
Ask for help from hollywood types, anyone who can influence the public.
4) write letters to the Editor
5) ever hear of the website "meetup.com"? You can start a small meetup group in your city and discuss what can be done with other people who feel the way you do.
6) our museum held a Derby Day this year with food, drink, "betting", the proceeds of which went to the museum. Next year I am going to ask that part of the proceeds go to ads, public relations, etc. to educate the public.
7) As always EDUCATION is the key. There are alot of kind people out there, just like there are a lot of selfish, stupid people out there. Let those of us who know better DO SOMETHING. It doesnt have to be grandiose, just get started. Get advise from people who know how to organize. How about all those political organizers whose candidates are finished? Maybe they can offer advice to those of us who know what we want to do, but don't know HOW.
We should work towards promoting showing horses only (like dog shows) instead of racing them. The traditions surrounding racing could be expressed at horse showings and in this way we have recreated what passes as a sport into something that celebrates the majesty of the thoroughbred.
I agree and we should start a vigorous and sustained campaign to our representatives to conduct congressional hearings.
If you are a horse lover, go to auction and buy an off-the-track race horse. They are usually sold at auction. You can purchase a wonderful companion for a song. My friend bought her lovely thoroughbred for $200.00. DO get a pre-purchase exam with x-rays, though. Quite a few of these babies have hidden injuries. Use your vet!...Many of these animals are headed for slaughter-houses in Canada and Mexico. Take the horse home and turn him out. Let the drugs wear off. This takes time. Let them be horses, and show them you are their "person". Just remember that these horses sometimes have difficulty gaining weight. Consult with your vet on this. Most are quite high-strung...after all, they come from a sport that is both mentally and physically abusive.
There is nothing "barbaric" about horse racing in general. Anyone that has ever ridden, owned, trained or otherwise been in close involvement in this sport recognize that the horses, when properly cared for and handled, get as much of a thrill out of running as we do watching them. Running is a natural response for them and it is only the "shortcuts" that poor trainers and handlers take and sometimes random tragedy that put these tremendous athletes at risk.
Unfortunately I cannot afford/do not have a place where I can adopt a former thoroughbred. I am looking for a way to impact (even in some small way) on the industry. And the only way I know how to do that is thru educating the public and putting pressure on legilators.
I totally agree
I can't afford/dont have the facilities to adopt a former racing horse - I am looking for a way to help thru educating the public and petitioning our legislators to take action.
Obviously, everyone cannot afford to adopt an ex-racehorse. Actually, it is best if you are an experienced rider/owner/or trainer. However, We can all write letters to our Congress-person and our Senators. Other animal rights groups such as the ASPCA can help. I am a PETA member. I've already written Michigan lawmakers about this issue. I will follow up with phone calls today. Make a phone app't to speak DIRECTLY to your to your Representatives and Senators. But, above all, you've got to be persistent! One call or e-mail is not going to do it. Call people EVERYDAY! Send bulletins to your friends on myspace, or other networking sites. Talk about the issue with co-workers, your family, your town representatives, the schools...especially the schools. See if you can get your school system's Biology teachers to speak about it. Call your state's Moo-U Equine Medicine Dept. Talk to your vet. Never, ever shut up about it. Today.
There is so much here on all these post that I agree with that I cant point them all out, For One, I agree with the horse trainer who posted,these horses should not be allowed to race until over the age of 4 years or older,I also agree that Yes, Horses love to run free,at one time they DID RUN FREE on these lands like buffalo.That is one of the most beautiful things I love about them,That was all over for them after MAN decided their fate. Im sure that they never thought that one day they would be captured,locked up in cages, drugged,bred and whipped just to serve human purposes. Horses are very loyal,they never forget,and they would never INTENTIONALLY harm anyone.BUT humans,Well,It seems,We harm THEM everyday intentionally. Im sure the Horses raced in these races would rather be doing something else then getting whipped running down a track. People say this is what they like doing, To bad WE cant ASK THE HORSE if this is how they choose for their life to be. What do they do sign an application that explains what their outcome could be Winner or Loser? I personally cant stand to watch horse races and I sure wouldnt spend my money on one. I think its Cruel and Inhumane. all horse races should be banned and the horses given back their Freedom. How much worse can america be towards a defenseless animal that cant tell you whats wrong. Oh! Wait, Its all in who wins. But the question is, Who is really winning this race? Anyone who buys those tickets for horse racing or any other races like this is all contributing to watching an ANIMAL suffer. Who gets JOY from that? From What I read,Belle never made it off of the track, alive. They found it easier to put a needle in Belle and be done with it. That makes me ANGRY!.Just like Oh Well,that HORSE wasnt ANYONE. No loss of life there. That horse could have been helped, maybe not ever raced again, But My God, they could have done more for Belle, and put her in a retirement place to live out the remainder of her life, that probably would have been enough to show THANKS for the life she gave trying to make someone a winner. Well,she sure lost this one didnt she? It has me flooded up in tears just thinking about it.I also have to agree with the post about the celebrities who have more money then they know what to do with, and considering how many celebrities who are out there, A very small percentage help or even get involved. They leave it up to us(their fans who made them who they are)to do all the petitioning. I think their should be a petition to stop horse raceing all together and let them return to the land that they once ran FREE on. That was when they were the most beautiful creatures you could have ever layed eyes on.Watching one run in circles being whipped and ran hard is not something I call beautiful.Sure Horses Love to be Free just like we do,We go over seas and fight for our Freedom, Where are they suppose to go to fight for their Freedom? People can be so PATHETIC!
People responsible for animal cruelty, should have the same done to them. As for the situation with Eight Bells, it was an accident. Horse Racing is nothing like bull fighting or dog fighting.. with "Fight" being the key word. Race horses in general are some of the best cared for animals in the entire world. They have personal trainers, groomers, handlers, 24 hour on call vet services, and living conditions that some people would dream of. The Derby itself is a total of 1 and 1/4 mile, and takes about 2 minutes to run. Two minutes racing for a thoroughbred horse is like us walking to the end of the driveway to get the mail. The call of "Ban whatever (horse racing)" is a knee-jerk reaction all to common in todays society.
Heath Ledger died from an accidental overdose of sleeping aids because he was working too many hours on the set. Are we going to start the chant up of "Ban Acting and Movies", or are we just going to bubble wrap everything and live in a steril environment.
These horses are generally well-cared for. However, the abuse comes in that the horses are still too young. They are BABIES! Their bones and tendons are not completely developed or hardened. All they need do is raise the racing and heavy training until they are AT LEAST 4 (5 being preferable. I know the behind the barn scene quite well, as I was once an exercise rider for a major stable. I saw horses who were having pain and almost lame being injected with cortico-steroids right before a race. It is an ugly thing.
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