I think Rome did a good job addressing the issue on his TV show...true, he said nothing new to those of us who love this sport, particularly those who have actually worked on the backstretch, but more does need to be done to demonstrate the love horsepeople have for their horses and the lengths most of us go to protect them. The public can't be allowed to judge racing on the tragic event of the Derby (as pointed out on another show, this was the first on-track fatality in the history of the race)...this requires, as Rome said, a close look at the event and how to possibly prevent future tragedies.

I agree with what I said too

Barbaro was a pretty damn good national example of what the people of horse racing and the fans generally feel about the horses, and how they treat them.

Perhaps a reminder. I did like that NBC grabbed Dr. Dean Richardson for his comments - he has been in the national eye, has stellar credibility with the general public regarding horse racing. He and Dr. Bramlage are both excellent faces.

Agreed! It has been stated on various sports talk shows today that racing injuries have statistically remained the same for the 40 years research has been done, about 1.6 out of 1000 entries. Certainly treatment has drastically improved (Dr Richardson's heroic efforts with Barbaro a good example). I do think breeding needs to be examined along with track surfaces and use of whip...lets not forget the med issues as well. Randy Moss gave an interview today where he recommended a ban on the whip and close examination of breeding practices, and race-day use of meds. I agree and think we must avoid hysteria and unwarranted accusations while taking a close look at these issues. As a footnote, Dr Bramlage said today that Eight Belles, broke three bones in her right front and two steps later broke down in her left front penetrating the skin. See was put down within 4 minutes thank god. This is what I thought and hopefully will answer accusations that she was hurt during the race...the jock appears 100% blameless here!

rick porter said just after that there would be a necropsy, and then the filly was to be cremated.

Somer,

I've read a lot of what you've said, and you seem kinda like an even-keeled guy that could throw realistic solutions out there for the problems PETA exposes. Raising hell is actually ok, if the message behind is somewhat realisitic and makes sense... even you must've rolled your eyes when they started pointing fingers at Saez...

I did...that's why I sent them a letter expressing my frustration with their response to this tragedy!

they won't care somer, as long as you keep sending them money.

a little vent...
 

not sure if this has been addressed, but..
I've been getting beat up by almost everybody because I'm a horse racing fan. 'How can you condone that, Hope you're happy with the money you made on the poor horse, etc.'.
Well, how about the scumbag media outlets that are milking pictures of the poor filly in her last few moments?
These bas tards will do anything to sell ad space and profit from someone else's misery and then use the other side of their mouth to condemn all those associated, (however little) to hell.
The hypocrisy of the almighty dollar!
I will do my best to avoid the following:
kentucky.com, foxsports, and the cincinnati enquirer (barely clinging to life anyway), among others....
thanks, I feel better now....

Total opportunistic phonies... Where were they last Monday after 2 horses died at the Rolex Three-Day Event?

60 competed and 2 died. And nary a peep from these frauds. If they were so concerned about ethical treatment, why no outcry then?

PETA is a cult and like all cults the first goal is to enrich those directing the operation. I have acquaintances that are former members who have quit because the leadership has become radical almost terroristic... They don't even have the intelligence to research before they spew their pablum.

Two interesting links that really show what they are about...

http://www.consumerfreedom.com/downl...7_petakids.pdf

http://www.petakillsanimals.com/petaTrial2.cfm

PETA is not an animal-helping organization. PETA does no direct work with animals whatsoever. They contribute zero money to shelters or animal rescue or animal protection (read their tax forms, this is public knowledge). They do not lobby for good law change to protect animals in research, livestock on farms, etc.

PETA's stated mission has always been to finance and support complete, 100% elimination of use or ownership of all animals by humans, and they support and encourage violent opposition (including murder and arson) and civil disobedience to do so.

PETA was created to fund and funnel money to ALF, the extremely violent terrorist organization the Animal Liberation Front. PETA also gives money to ELF (an eco-terrorist organization)

The above has been extremely well-documented both in the press and courts of law over the past 27+ years.

Thus, every time there is a tragedy involving animals, PETA is suddenly there with their hands out exploiting the situation, being center in the public eye, screaming for "change" and "protection" for the animals - and trying to get money from those that want to "help those poor animals" in the immediate situation.

PETA doesn't give a damn about racehorses, other than they want all ownership, use and possession of horses by humans eliminated. PETA sees an opportunity to get money. Who do you think pays for the lifestyle of Ingrid Newkirk and her friends in PETA? Why is the IRS taking away PETA's "charitable organization" 501c status? (because it ISN'T a charitable organization that helps animals)

PETA has a very well-organized and well-financed publicity machine, including flying in chosen demonstrators - do you guys think things like demonstrations at the Horse Park today happen by chance? <g>

To support PETA is to chose to financially contribute to violent civil disobedience, including murder and arson, with the goal of ending any and all association with or use of animals by man.

That is all and only what PETA is. That is what they are proud to be - they make no secret of it.

Or, yeah, what he said <vbg>

I tell people that death/euthanasia occurs to less than two-tenths of one percent of the horses that race. That the horses are well-cared for and loved by their caretakers. I speak about Dr. Dean Richardson/Barbaro/New Bolton as a demonstration of what horse people will do for their horses - and how about Chelokee this past weekend? I mention Grayson-Jockey Club research foundation, Old Friends retirement, etc.

You can lead a brain to knowledge, but you can't make it think. You can hope so, though!

Yeah, that's what racing needs...violence against a PETA official, either real or fictional. I understand folk's anger but the reality is that PETA is NOT the problem...PETA has influence and power but hardly to the degree that we are seeing things intensify here. The general public is reacting...of course they are uninformed or downright misinformed, but there is a reaction here that extends way beyond the influence of PETA. Folks today make up their minds quickly and then shut off any debate...racing has a huge problem, and the only way to address it is through education and total openness...even then, many have already decided that racing is evil. I suspect this is more than an isolated incident...Barbaro's death, especially after so much hope and so many prayers followed by Vick probably plays a big role in how folks have responded...the only solution I see is a very public and thorough investigation of this tragedy utilizing folks like DR Richardson and other highly respected folks followed by development of an overall plan to address all of racing's issues and, most importantly, public action. Even then, many folks will never embrace racing again...all this is of course unfair but then public perception often is. I agree with Coach Pants here...battling with PETA only enhances their position in the public eye...we should avoid angry responses and concentrate on the big picture.

When an organization with a history of violence and terrorism against animals and people bursts upon the national stage and attempts to dictate and incite what happens in horse racing, despite their obvious complete ignorance of animals and the sport, I see them as a problem.

Don't let these status quo zealots push you around Somer. These folks on this board make excuses for anything and everything so long as "anything goes " remains their modus operendi in horse racing. They just want unfettered exploitation of horses to remain in effect.

Post of the year.