R.I.P. Eight Belles

If you watched the Kentucky Derby today as I did, you witnessed tragedy.

The only filly in the contest, runner up Eight Belles was best in show finishing behind Big Brown who had a 4 3/4 length victory. After crossing the finish line, jockey Gabriel Saez knew the horse was having problems. "When we passed the wire I stood up. She started galloping funny. I tried to pull her up. That's when she went down," said her distraught jockey."

Dr. Larry Bramlage, the Derby's on-call veterinarian, said the filly's injuries were too severe to even attempt to move her off the track. "She didn't have a front leg to stand on to be splinted and hauled off in the ambulance, so she was euthanized," Bramlage said.

I have heard complaints before about horse racing being cruel to the animals as it pads the pockets of those who watch and bet on the outcomes. I have dismissed this talk in the past as typical bleeding heart liberal propaganda.

Not so much today.

Watching a beautiful animal crumble to the dirt with two broken legs left a sickening feeling in my gut. It took me back to Barabaro's similar injury a couple of years ago. Was it worth the $10.60 (per $1 bet) for her impressive 2nd place finish? I don't think so.

I will quit now. I am not going to beat this dead horse.