Published: May 04, 2008 11:30 pm            

ADAM VANKIRK: Horse racing: It’s not for me

Saturday’s Kentucky Derby cleared something up for me when it comes to horse racing. I just don’t care for it.

I’m sure I am in the minority around here when I say that, but after watching another horse go down on the track in such excruciating pain that she had to be euthanized almost immediately, I think I have had enough of the sport.

Growing up in an Ohio city, horse racing wasn’t that big a deal for anyone around me. Nobody knew about it and nobody cared much about it. I didn’t either.

That said, in the past several years, I’ve tried my best to take to horse racing, particularly the Triple Crown events.

It never really worked though.

I never got much into it and any time I felt myself gravitating more toward it, something like the death of filly Eight Belles made me question the whole proceed of the thoroughbred industry.

I’ll admit, I’m not the most knowledgeable person when it comes to the industry. What I do know, though, is how I hate — truly hate — to see any animal die in such a way as Eight Belles did.

A whole slew of questions went through my head on Saturday. And it’s not the first time either — everyone remembers the Barbaro ordeal two years ago; the Derby winner shattered his right rear leg during the Preakness with 100,000 people watching in horror at the sight of the colt being led into an equine ambulance. He was euthanized eight months later as a result of the injuries.

What’s the thrill, other than the rush of the bet? None.

Do these horses lead “pampered” lifestyles, as I am told? I don’t think so.

Should any one, or any animal be forced into training and competition that could cost them their lives? No.

Do most people feel the same way I do? I can only hope.

And now another one euthanized after I watched her lay on the ground in pain.

And another who suffered a life-threatening injury on Friday in the Alysheba Stakes at Churchill Downs in Louisville. The injured Chelokee was set for surgery today to fuse an ankle, but has been given a 50-50 chance at a complete recovery.

A coin flip’s odds? Seems a bit of said irony to me in a sport that thrives on oddsmaking for its races.

Now, in the aftermath of Saturday, horse racing is facing an image crisis, to say the least. All kinds of questions, ones much more probing to the industry than I posed, are popping up about the sport.

The most forefront animal rights group in the country, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), issued a statement Sunday calling for the suspension of Eight Belles jockey Gabriel Saez; and criticized the jockey for whipping the horse.

Saez was riding Eight Belles when she broke both front ankles while galloping out a quarter-mile past the finish line of the race. She went down on the track and was euthanized minutes later. Clearly distraught in his television interview, veterinarian Dr. Larry Bramlage said there was no possible way to save Eight Belles.

I'm sure issues surrounding Saturday's Kentucky Derby and Eight Belles' death will not soon fade. The questioning will continue, and should.

After the Derby, jockey Kent Desormeaux, who rode Big Brown to victory in the first leg of the Triple Crown, was quoted: “This horse showed you his heart and Eight Belles showed you her life for our enjoyment today.”

Well, that doesn’t work for me.

I don’t enjoy the thought of a horse who I’m sure gave 100 percent loyalty to her owner, trainers and riders, only to be ultimately whipped and rode so hard she broke both her ankles.

That’s not fun!

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying everyone in the horse racing industry have their priorities amuck. I’m sure there are some who love the horses with all their hearts.

I am saying, though, it’s not for me. I just don’t like it.

In no other sport do I have to see something I hated as much as seeing Eight Belles collapse to her death on Saturday.

I’m done with it.

ADAM VANKIRK can be reached at avankirk@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2664.

        

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