Tracking the Safety of Thoroughbred Racing - by Jessica Bahl

"This paper has been written as a Special Project for the 6th Term Ethics and Jurisprudence Course. The views and opinions of the author do not necessarily represent those of the School of Veterinary Medicine or of St. Georges University."

In photo: Jessica and pet

For years, many people have regarded thoroughbred racing as a harmless sport in which the animals are willing participants who thoroughly enjoy the thrill of racing. Currently, it has been contemplated that thoroughbreds are raced to their death by running on the wrong type of track, racing too young, breeding for speed with brittle bones for short-term gains, or even from giving analgesics while being forced to race. Andrew Bayer, one of the US's most respected turf commentators, wrote in the Washington Post that the US breeding industry was, "producing increasingly fragile thoroughbreds . . . going to stud to beget even more fragile offspring.” Recent controversy regarding the horse racing fatalities has grown since the highly publicized deaths of Barbaro in 2007 and Eight Belles in 2008. These deaths are just a couple of examples that led to the uproar in ethical debate relating to thoroughbred racing.

Barbaro won the Kentucky Derby on May 6, 2006, and then just fourteen days later he shattered three bones in his right rear limb (above and below his ankle) at the Preakness, ending his fight for the Triple Crown (first place at the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont Stakes). A series of ailments, including laminitis in the left rear hoof, an abscess in the right rear hoof, as well as laminitis in both front feet, proved too much for the colt. Barbaro had nearly 2 dozen surgeries to try to repair his injury. Many people felt a stake in Barbaro’s recovery. They imagined his pain, grimaced each time he faltered, took heart as each day passed and he was still alive, making painfully slow progress.  The 2006 Kentucky Derby winner’s fight for survival was their fight, a symbol of strength, courage and comfort, more than anything else, a source of inspiration. He was euthanized after an eight month struggle post injury. Some say he suffered too long, but most were hopeful and watched religiously for updates in his health. Was the hope worth the pain that he had to suffer during his 8 month struggle? ...Read More...