We Get It, Now Shut Up
Forget history, forget science. Just cherry pick a few high-profile examples, make a few specious connections, ignore evidence to the contrary. We get it: In certain testosterone-addled minds, fillies and mares can’t compete against males without risking death or a barren womb:
“That’s just the way this planet is.”
Say that about Makybe Diva, Ouija Board, Gorella, Soviet Song, Intercontinental, Azeri, Serena’s Song, Sharp Cat, Dahlia, Personal Ensign, Lady’s Secret, Miesque, Imp, Regret, Busher, Gallorette, and Beldame.
And then shut up.
Of all the debates that have arisen following Eight Belles’ tragic post-Derby accident, the one over whether fillies should race colts is the most ridiculous, the most baseless, the most groundless. It’s a bizarre superimposition of human sexism over equine abilities, and it’s tiresome and distracting, especially when there are more significant issues to address — like drugs in racing, track surfaces, and breeding.
Really care about protecting horses? Then worry about the matters that actually affect their safety. Hint: None have anything to do with gender.
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