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

[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.

[Kasept]

Originally Posted by Mike

These 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.

Not to be dismissive, but you're off base here, and suggesting this plays into the hands of those seeking attention for themselves. Horses need MORE work and racing at a young age to ensure proper development and maximum bone density.. NOT LESS. Tons of physiological studies back that up. And whip use can be addressed through the stewards enforcing 'excessive use' rules already in place.

DON'T PLAY THEIR GAME. The sport needs no instruction from people who know nothing about it.

[Mike]

Well, Steve, I'll certainly demurr to your educated opinion then my off the cuff speculation

[Kasept]

Originally Posted by Mike

Well, Steve, I'll certainly demurr to your educated opinion then my off the cuff speculation

Mike.. Didn''t want to come off as lecturing, but I can recall being party to this same discussion 5 years or so ago and I had the same initial, logical, view as you. But when I researched the views of raising young horses, the opinions and studies turn out to be pretty uniform: rigorous training and regular racing STRENGTHENS skeletal-muscular systems and generally provides the best opportunity for maximum bone density. Horses treated with kid gloves, under-trained and under-raced, are the ones that typically will react negatively to stress when they perform to their physical limits.

[Riot]

http://news.bloodhorse.com/article/45074.htm

A spokeswoman for People for the Equitable Treatment of Animals, which staged a peaceful demonstration May 6 in front of the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority office near Lexington, said similar demonstrations are planned for upcoming Triple Crown events. Meanwhile, the organization said it may attempt to get cruelty charges filed against the connections of Eight Belles, who was euthanized after the May 3 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I).

[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]

didn't respect him in the morning...

[paisjpq]

Originally Posted by Danzig

didn't respect him in the morning...

promised to call....never did

[3kings]

Originally Posted by paisjpq

promised to call....never did

Is this about the time Golden Missile chose on his own to wear blinkers?

I just got off the phone with GM and he said sumitas is yesterday's news. He said it took awhile to get over him, butt he found a new power bottom that puts him to shame.

[Danzig]

lol

why don't he write?

[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?

Attachment 740