Worried about Big Brown
After the Kentucky Derby and Eight Belles, and really after Barbaro, I've kind of seen horse racing in a whole new light.
Now, my horse racing education is from movies and the books I read as a child. I know nothing about the business, the care, the cost, nothing. I only know about sitting in the sidelines and watching.
Barbaro was such a sad story. He won the Kentucky Derby, and fell at the Preakness, breaking a leg. For a horse, there is no greater injury. He died January of last year, because his injuries just could not heal.
Eight Belles made me sick to my stomach. And I attempted to blog about it, but I didn't have the stomach to write so quickly after it happened, and then I didn't have the right words.
Sometimes I do censor myself.
We watched the Belmont on Saturday, after the baby shower. Sitting in my in-laws living room, Matt and Lewis joked about who would win. Lewis took Brown for 1st, listed off some of the others for 2nd and third. I can't remember who Matt picked for 1st. Someone other than Brown. He's contrary like that.
But my whole heart was for Brown. With a hurt hoof, I had visions of a terrible fall, and later the vets on the field. I really, really, really did not want to see that.
Because if I did, horse racing becomes tantamount to Pit Bull fighting and Cock fights. Extremely dangerous for the animals involved and blood sport only entertaining for Las Vegas betters.
Horse racing has a rich, rich history, I would struggle to come away with this idea that it should be banned. Or at least have more stringent regulations.
I tend to think that drugs - as with almost all things - are to blame. Steroids, the quick putty used to seal his foot ... these things give his vets and his owners a false sense that he can run, and run fast. Race horses are made to train viciously, and with the advent of these drugs, they can be made to do so at the expense of their life and limbs.
I'm glad Big Brown finished last, or near last (I think it was 9th). I'm glad his jockey realized that "it" wasn't there, that his horse wasn't in it, and so he pulled back and slowed down rather than hurt him. I don't know if the owner told him to do that, if they'd rather a last place finish then risk the abhorrent PR of an on-track euthanasia. But from the way that the owner was sweating, I'd imagine he owes someone a great deal of money for not performing. I'd wager a guess only people that owe the mob money sweat that much. Even in 90 degree heat.
Still, I am now worried about what will become of Big Brown. Horses and especially racing horses are not treated kindly after they stop performing at their task. I hope that he is uninjured, and that he lives a life filled with oats, hay, cold water, and brisk runs if he wants them.
Now, my horse racing education is from movies and the books I read as a child. I know nothing about the business, the care, the cost, nothing. I only know about sitting in the sidelines and watching.
Barbaro was such a sad story. He won the Kentucky Derby, and fell at the Preakness, breaking a leg. For a horse, there is no greater injury. He died January of last year, because his injuries just could not heal.
Eight Belles made me sick to my stomach. And I attempted to blog about it, but I didn't have the stomach to write so quickly after it happened, and then I didn't have the right words.
Sometimes I do censor myself.
We watched the Belmont on Saturday, after the baby shower. Sitting in my in-laws living room, Matt and Lewis joked about who would win. Lewis took Brown for 1st, listed off some of the others for 2nd and third. I can't remember who Matt picked for 1st. Someone other than Brown. He's contrary like that.
But my whole heart was for Brown. With a hurt hoof, I had visions of a terrible fall, and later the vets on the field. I really, really, really did not want to see that.
Because if I did, horse racing becomes tantamount to Pit Bull fighting and Cock fights. Extremely dangerous for the animals involved and blood sport only entertaining for Las Vegas betters.
Horse racing has a rich, rich history, I would struggle to come away with this idea that it should be banned. Or at least have more stringent regulations.
I tend to think that drugs - as with almost all things - are to blame. Steroids, the quick putty used to seal his foot ... these things give his vets and his owners a false sense that he can run, and run fast. Race horses are made to train viciously, and with the advent of these drugs, they can be made to do so at the expense of their life and limbs.
I'm glad Big Brown finished last, or near last (I think it was 9th). I'm glad his jockey realized that "it" wasn't there, that his horse wasn't in it, and so he pulled back and slowed down rather than hurt him. I don't know if the owner told him to do that, if they'd rather a last place finish then risk the abhorrent PR of an on-track euthanasia. But from the way that the owner was sweating, I'd imagine he owes someone a great deal of money for not performing. I'd wager a guess only people that owe the mob money sweat that much. Even in 90 degree heat.
Still, I am now worried about what will become of Big Brown. Horses and especially racing horses are not treated kindly after they stop performing at their task. I hope that he is uninjured, and that he lives a life filled with oats, hay, cold water, and brisk runs if he wants them.
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