For Whom the Belles Toll

As you have probably heard, there was tragedy amidst the triumph at the Kentucky Derby yesterday. While Big Brown was celebrated, tragedy and loss was occuring right on the track.

Eight Belles, the only filly in a field of 19 colts, had placed second behind Big Brown. Coverage on TV rightly focused on the winner, while just paces away, Eight Belles had fallen to the track with two broken front ankles. She ran the race of her life, but in the process her body failed her. Her owner, Larry Jones, has commented that he knows he will be "criticized and second-guessed", but he defends his decision to run her with the "boys". (She was an odds-on favorite to win the Kentucky Oaks - female only race only days before the Derby.)

All over blog-land today, I've read calls to reform horse-racing, to boycott it, etc. I can't say that I actually know enough about it to take a really strong position on this. I have watched some racing on TV, here and there.... The beauty of a running horse is something to behold. I am glad I wasn't watching yesterday when this tragedy happened. I don't think I will watch again because the death of this beautiful girl has upset me. It seems unnecessary and so sad to have lost her lovely life so soon.

I think what I would like to say mostly is a farewell and rest in peace to Miss Eight Belles. She was a strong and beautiful creature, who only gave what was asked of her. She didn't have the say whether to run or not - she obeyed, and paid for that with her life. We are given a unique duty with domesticated animals - they depend on us for their care and well-being. I know that her trainers, and owners, did not intend for her to die this way, however, their choices (in my opinion only) may not have been the best for this young filly.

Rest Well Eight Belles.

(AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Comments

[Lindsay]

Yeah, hearing that story made me really sad too, and I have never owned a horse. I am totally against dog racing because of the way the dogs are worked so hard for a few years and then either killed or given up because they aren't "useful" anymore if they can't race. Horse racing is not necessarily the same, but I have mixed feelings about it too.