It took less than 24 hours for the nuts to become vocal

[HaloWishingwell]

Hopefully this B.S. by PETA is put to good use. Like a murderous Law and Order episode of a PETA official at a racetrack.

[somerfrost]

Originally Posted by HaloWishingwell

Hopefully this B.S. by PETA is put to good use. Like a murderous Law and Order episode of a PETA official at a racetrack.

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.

[HaloWishingwell]

Cool down guy. I just mentioned it since the show likes to make little twists to plots involving real life stories to make it look good for t.v.

[Riot]

I understand folk's anger but the reality is that PETA is NOT the problem...

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.

[sumitas]

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.

[Riot]

Originally Posted by sumitas

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.

[sumitas]

There's a lot that can be done. How about a nice "welcome home" stretch of surface that is nice and soft and safe after a race. On the side of the track for galloping out purposes only.

But status quo rules because as Steve pointed out, there is a lot of money being generated as is.

[Riot]

There's a lot that can be done. How about a nice "welcome home" stretch of surface that is nice and soft and safe after a race. On the side of the track for galloping out purposes only.

I am ... speechless.

(simply because I have a fondness for surfaces that are safe DURING the race, too )

[Kasept]

Originally Posted by sumitas

But status quo rules because as Steve pointed out, there is a lot of money being generated as is.

First, the money being generated that I quoted is to demonstrate the breadth of the industry and the enormity of its' contribution to society at large.

Secondly, if you can't see that proactive forces are working on a constant basis to improve safety on the track, and further forces working dilligently to provide for horses after their racing careers end, then you're blind without a cane.

[Mike]

They're several threads going here regarding racehorse welfare, so forgive me if I'm repeating something already stated. I'd like to see the "use of the whip" a thing of the past. How can one ever justifying 'whipping" an animal and then justify that we care

Perhaps something else could be used as a substitute, something like a glove that is around the jockeys hand, something to get the horse's attention, but we have to get rid of the whip

Secondly, make the Kentucky Derby the big race, not for 3 y.o.'s, but 4 y.o.'s
Have their 3 year old season be their juvenile campaign, and do away with racing as 2 year olds. This will allow greater physical development prior to placing racing and workout type stress on their fragile bodies.

[paisjpq]

Originally Posted by sumitas

There's a lot that can be done. How about a nice "welcome home" stretch of surface that is nice and soft and safe after a race. On the side of the track for galloping out purposes only.

But status quo rules because as Steve pointed out, there is a lot of money being generated as is.

question for you....do you ride?

transitioning a "tired" animal from a hard surface onto a deep "cushioned" surface is about one of the worst ideas I can think of....when you are on a horse and all of a sudden they get into a deep part of the ring or track or trail or whatever place you are riding they have to work A LOT harder to get through it....in fact the first thing most of them do is trip up in front due to suddenly having to pick up their feet more....i've had a horse go down under me in a similar situation, I was lucky neither of us were seriously hurt.

not what I would consider an ideal situation....in fact one of the more dangerous ideas I have heard.

Well what if he's been ridden? We might have to ask Golden Missile. Maybe he'll spill the beans on what happened that sweet, sweet afternoon so long ago.

[Danzig]

Originally Posted by sumitas

There's a lot that can be done. How about a nice "welcome home" stretch of surface that is nice and soft and safe after a race. On the side of the track for galloping out purposes only.

But status quo rules because as Steve pointed out, there is a lot of money being generated as is.

hey, i know...we'll put parachutes on the horses ass, like with funny cars and top fuel dragsters-that'll stop them in a hurry.

about as good of an idea, really.

[geeker2]

Originally Posted by DaHoss9698

What would the "welcome home" surface be? And where would you put it?

Kind of like a runaway truck exit?

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