Chicken or Egg
Abolishing horse racing would abolish the Thoroughbred whose purpose as a racehorse dominates any reason that it might otherwise exist.
I’ve read a couple articles about how horse racing has turned off some fans. I’ve yet to talk to anyone actually invested in the industry who has turned away from it. The breeding sheds were still open on May 4, the tellers took bets on the day’s races, and Fasig-Tipton didn’t cancel any of its upcoming sales.
The thing that astonishes me is that the whole situation seems to have surprised people. Barbaro’s accident was only two years ago, and all the stats about horses breaking down were made available then.
While horse racing isn’t as popular as it used to be, it’s not a secret either. Anyone who really cares about the welfare of animals could have gotten involved in a number of ways before Eight Belles’ demise. Sadly, many groups just see this as a chance for publicity.
