I sat there stunned with tears running down my face on Saturday evening, with the images of Eight Belles crossing the finish line and flashbacks in my mind to Barbaro's Preakness injury, my aunt (also a horsewoman) called me - we'd spoken 2 hours before the race since we always talk on Derby Day.
She said "I was going to watch and about 45 minutes before, I turned it off because I felt something was going to happen" --- she then said "She was a good looking filly, but had no chest and her legs were toothpicks"
I love horse racing - mainly for the athleticism and beauty of the animals (I used to compete in 3 day events which is not a dainty sport either)
I do want to commend NBC for not airing the moment she went down - especially like the footage of Barbaro that was shown over and over. But there have been photos today that just made my stomach lurch. It made me sick.
I do not think that the sport of horse racing should be banned like some folks are asking for. The surface materials should be changed and there should be more preventative measures taken.
Coincidentally, Ruffian's trainer, Frank Whiteley Jr, passed away on Friday. Maybe he's up there welcoming Eight Belles ---- hopefully not for a Ruffian/Eight Belles match race though.
Welcome to the YapFest (6 yapped)
very sad. i too am glad the actual euthanasia wasn't aired.
8w4zu6
Beautiful site!
If you have to do it, you might as well do it right.
Incredible site!
If you have to do it, you might as well do it right.