JC / Railbird

Horses Archive

A Terrible Accident

According to the final necropsy results (PDF) released today by the KHRA, there was no “catastrophic event,” no heart attack or pulmonary aneurysm that felled Eight Belles as she galloped out after finishing second in the Derby, causing her leg injuries. The report concluded that the filly suffered compound fractures in both front legs at the fetlock joints, for which she was euthanized on track, and noted that “no pre-existing bone pathology was observed.” In other words: She was sound and what happened was a terrible accident.

5/16 Update: KHRA reports that Eight Belles tested negative for steroids and other substances.

Posted in Horses on May 15, 2008

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.

Posted in Horses on May 6, 2008

Rags to Riches Retired

Disappointing, but hardly unexpected: Rags to Riches has been retired. The hairline fracture that sidelined the champion filly in 2007 reappeared following a recent gallop at Palm Beach Downs. “We took some additional X-rays,” said trainer Todd Pletcher, “and after discussing the situation with Mr. Tabor, we agreed it wasn’t worth the risk of continuing on with her” (DRF). Rags to Riches will be bred to Giant’s Causeway this spring. She exits with a record of 6-5-1-0, earnings of $1.3 million, and a place in racing history as the first filly to win the Belmont in 102 years:

Posted in Horses on March 24, 2008