August 15, 2008
In a disturbing snapshot taken immediately after last spring's Kentucky Derby, Eight Belles, the second-place filly, struggles to her feet while the men around her desperately try to push her back to the ground. One of her two fractured front legs is traumatically crooked. In the background are dozens of spectators, heads turned from the proud victory horse to the collapsing runner-up, who had stood on her four powerful legs for the last time.
In a society fascinated by the extraordinary athleticism of horses, how have we allowed the sport of horse racing to stray so far from the celebration of horses' natural capabilities?
An Associated Press study in June 2008 revealed that 5,000 horse deaths have occurred on racetracks in the United States in the past five years. This discovery reminds us that it's not just the notable fatalities like Barbaro (Preakness Stakes 2006), George Washington (2007 Breeder's Cup), and Eight Belles that define racing's brutal reputation.
Due in part to the sequence of horse fatalities, this summer marks a critical time in horse racing. Changes in industry and government standards concerning horse safety will have a major effect on the sport's future.
As a horse owner, you're likely compassionate about the treatment of all horses. Read on for our special report on the state of horse racing today, and decide for yourself where the welfare of racehorses fits into the sport's priorities.
Congress Steps In
After the Kentucky Derby's tragic finish, the U.S. House of Representatives stepped in to voice concern regarding the racing industry. The Committee on Energy and Commerce, which oversees interstate sports-related matters, sent letters to key players in the horse industry. These players included The Jockey Club (the registry of U.S. Thoroughbreds), owners of major racetracks, and Racing Commissioners International.
We've all heard the hype surrounding problems with racing, but the committee's letters pinpointed the pressing issue at hand. "The thoroughbred breed has become increasingly fragile and incapable of withstanding previously acceptable rigors of dirt racing on the track."
The letters went on to say that two problems were at hand:
1. Breeders may be at fault for opting to produce horses that run fast at a young age but are less durable as they get older.
2. The use of performance-enhancing drugs is "warping the breed," because horses normally considered unsound are able to compete successfully on steroids. As a result, they're seen as desirable candidates for breeding, but their genetic weaknesses are overlooked.
On June 19, 2008, the committee held a hearing with letter recipients, as well as prominent racehorse owners. Both issues were discussed, as well as another important question: Does the horse racing industry need a central governing body?
The Doping Factor
You might assume that horse racing, like other national sports, is organized by a national league or association. But this isn't the case. Instead, each state is authorized to decide on important issues, such as whether or not certain steroids can be used during races.
Of the 38 states where racing is legal, 28 allow the use of steroids. This number includes the states where the Triple Crown races are held: Kentucky, Maryland, and New York.
In 2008, Big Brown captured the Kentucky Derby, beating second-place finisher Eight Belles by five lengths. Big Brown raced while on a steroid called Stanozolol (brand-name Winstrol). His trainer, Rick Dutrow, claimed that he used Winstrol on all his horses. The horse's veterinarian explained in an interview for the New York Times that the idea behind injecting race horses consistently is to enhance their appetite and keep them in top shape for competing every three to four weeks. Meanwhile, Eight Belles ran the Derby clean.
