Another interesting blog/article in today's New York Times' The Rail, titled Injured Horses You Didn't See, by T.D. Thornton. Thornton questions whether a televised fatality will in fact impact positive change on the track, especially in light of "...15 horses at 39 North American tracks who failed to finish a race Saturday," the same day that Eight Belles was euthanized on the Kentucky Derby track. Speaking of another horse, Thornton says, "Unlike Eight Belles, whose tale will be told for decades to come, the only historical record of the gelding’s misstep will be a cryptic footnote, a dozen-year thoroughbred career distilled into a single line of agate type that reads nothing more than “trailed, pulled up ½.”
You really must read the article to better understand the frequency, severity, and sadness of the demise of many horses on the racetrack. It really draws into focus the "out of sight, out of mind" mentality of which most of us humans are prone to, and a trait which leaves many of us unaware of the same and equally distressing plight of racing greyhounds.
Read my May 3 post about Eight Belles euthanized on the track (and photos), and my May 4 post about ethics and morals of horse racing, with many links to outside stories and opinions.
Hey DD, I have always had mixed feelings about horse-racing. I love to see the magnificence of a horse in stride, but am aware that many horses are ill-treated and constantly question, "Does the horse actually enjoy the race, or is it an infliction on a beast that would choose not to do it?"
ReplyDeleteAs for greyhound racing - I've read so many things about the mal-treatment of those dogs, that I shudder when I hear of it. The Brits are particularly keen on the "dogs" and as I'm sure you're aware, some of those old-school farmers have nought in mind but to make a few quid and then kick them to the curb.
Having said that, there's a quite hilarious film out of Australia that features a number of grey hounds - who do race, but are in fine form. The story does not centre around them, but it is well worth your time if you like quirky, offbeat and unique. It's called "The Castle".
Kat