Horse Racing

Eight Belles' injuries were nothing similar to those of Ruffian in 1975. In her match race with Foolish Pleasure, Ruffian shattered her right leg and kept running. Eight Belles' cause of collapse is yet undetermined. Both front legs broke beneath her. She went down immediately. What caused the fall? Nothing like this has been seen before. Falling forward and breaking two legs is not something that happens to a horse in normal stride.

All Thoroughbred foals born in the Northern Hemisphere have the same birthday, Jan. 1, each year so that their racing registry may be kept accurate. Example: only three-year-olds race in the Kentucky Derby, etc.

Sharing a Barbaro, or an Eight Belles moment is a good thing. The Sport of Kings should not come to a halt because of Eight Belles' freak accident. Yes, let's take an intelligent, closer look at safety.

Never watching (a race) again would be like never driving your car again because a car accident killed members of your family.

According to Larry Bramlage, D.V.M., growth and development of the bones of young horses partially depends on their active use. Race horses must practice their game, and practice makes stronger bodies.

The jury is still out on the subject of synthetic surfaces. Is it more, or less safe?

Bloggers responded to the "Safety First" blog presented by NTRA president and CEO Alex Waldrop. All fans of horse racing may converse about Eight Belles' tragedy. An accident of this nature on the biggest stage of American Thoroughbred racing should be discussed. That's healthy. Accusations surrounding something no one could possibly alter are not.