The Kentucky Derby, horse racing's premier event, ended in tragedy last Saturday. The filly Eight Belles had crossed the finish line in second place and was galloping out when she collapsed, both front ankles broken. Without a good front leg to stand on, the horse was immediately euthanized.
The death of Eight Belles again raised questions about the safety of horse racing and whether the sport is abusive to animals. It was the second death of a thoroughbred from injury in a Triple Crown race in two years. In 2006, Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro sustained an injury in the Preakness and was put down eight months later, after failing to recover.
Some have raised questions about the safety of track surfaces and whether horses should be raced at two and three years old, when their bones have yet to achieve full adult strength.
Here, columnists Jay Ambrose and Bonnie Erbe discuss the sport and whether it can be changed to improve safety for horses.
