Equine Fractures Are Difficult
Bone Density, Lack of Blood, Muscle Prevent Speedy Healing
PETA wants to halt Thoroughbred race track breakdowns by changing the standards of the Sport of Kings. Authorities say concerns are unfounded; most race horses thrive.
PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) has accused the Thoroughbred racing industry of maintaining risky and unsafe standards, even cruel practices that lead to injury to its horses. PET also had harsh criticism for jockey Gabriel Saez, 20, who rode Eight Belles to a second place finish in this year's fatal Kentucky Derby (May 3).
Veterinarian On-Call Explains Equine Fractures
Larry Bramlage, D.V.M., on-call veterinarian for the American Association of Equine Practitioners, has told television network audiences about many injuries, including those to Charismatic (1999), and Barbaro (2006), as well as Eight Belles. He explained why equine fractures are so difficult and why PETA's proposals for changes in Thoroughbred racing standards would not be a cure for unfortunate fatal race track breakdowns.
Dr. Bramlage said bone density in a young horse is encouraged by a training regimen. Letting horses under the age of 3 remain idle would allow the bone forming apparatus to atrophy, which would require growth to start over again. Horse bone heals slowly because of its density.
PETA's President Rides Kentucky Horse Racing Authority
Ingrid Newkirk, PETA's current president, and the author of a demanding letter to the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority, believes that Saez was guilty of excessive whipping of his mount during the Derby. She called for a ban on the use of whips. Racing authorities countered with a defense of Saez, claiming a review of the race's action gives no credence to such charges.
Newkirk's letter also proposed Thoroughbreds under the age of 3 should not be raced, and synthetic surfaces, or turf should be used in all races because that is an option for more accident free racing.
Although synthetic surfaces have been mandated for major tracks in California, not enough data has been collected to draw concrete conclusions about its level of safety as compared to natural dirt.
Charges Have No Merit, Says Former Jockey
Former jockey Chris McCarron, who currently serves as an analyst for TVG racing network, said the PETA demands "don't have merit". They would not change how racing is performed, he claimed. He pointed out that most race horses are well cared for.
Gross contamination in compound fractures (when bone protrudes through the skin), such as those suffered by Eight Belles, and loss of blood supply are the two most prevalent reasons that a race horse would be euthanized on the track. Instant infection takes place in horse bone exposed to the dirt of a race track. Massive compound fractures crippled both of Eight Belles' front legs. She couldn't get up.
It is unlikely that any of PETA's complaints will prompt changes in Thoroughbred racing.
