I didn't have to watch replays we slo-mo'd it on the DVR when it happened.
Frankly I found it disturbing from as seasoned a rider as Russel Baze. The horse stumbles and then he does right himself but in slo-mo it is obvious something has gone very wrong.
I might have felt a little differently if he hand rode him to the wire to get him out of the oncoming horses in order to offset further catastrophe. And it was obvious the horse was going to go down in the gallop out.
I feel strongly there should be some accountability for this mis-judgement by a jockey that has rode as many mounts as Russel Baze.
Although I think the animal cruelty is a bit much certainly there is conduct unprofessional and misuse of the whip.
However, I don't think Russel Baze should be crucified for bad judgement at 35 mph when you have seconds to make a decision, but something should happen.
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