Thoroughbred Horse Racing Controversy

They call it the Sport of Gentleman. But, many would say otherwise. Thoroughbred Horse Racing, as popular a sport as it is, is ripe with controversy. Is it cruel to make a horse run in such a manner or are they bred to do so? Are race horses run at too young an age, causing too much strain on not yet developed bones and tendons? Are race horse owners only in it for money and race horses only a means to pad their pockets? Are the tracks safe for horses to run on? Should fillies and colts be allowed to race against one another? (this one sparked great pains back in the 1970s when a match race was formed between the filly, Ruffian against colt Foolish Pleasure. Ruffian, who was in the lead, broke down and was later euthanized)

There is so much criticism of the sport, those against it would make one wonder how anyone could even think of doing it! But, is it as bad as all that? Let’s take a peek at some facts and statistics first. Horse racing began with prehistoric nomadic tribes of central Asia. It is an old sport, and only second in popularity to baseball. One on one horse racing has its roots way back near the 12^th century when knights returning from the Crusades brought back fast Arabians and eventually bred Arab stallions to English mares to produce horses with speed and stamina. In the 1700’s multiple horses racing against one another became popular, and race tracks sprang up all over England with each offering bigger and bigger purses to bring in the fastest horses. This is where racing became a professional sport. By the early 1800s the only horses that could be called "Thoroughbreds" and allowed to race were those descended from horses listed in the General Stud Book. Thoroughbreds are so inbred that the pedigree of every single animal can be traced back father-to-father to one of three stallions, called the "foundation sires." These stallions were the Byerley Turk, foaled c.1679; the Darley Arabian, foaled c.1700; and the Godolphin Arabian, foaled c.1724.

In any event, it is Thoroughbreds who now take the brunt of the racing world and sit at the center of racing controversy. Is this sport cruel and manipulative or is it fair and humane? The answer will depend on who you ask. Perhaps Barbaro’s owner will have an explanation as to why his colt broke down, and though that horse fought an amazing battle, in the end it was lost. More recently, Eight Belles broke both her front ankles when pulling up at the end of a race. She had to be euthanized right on the track. Those opposed to Thoroughbred racing will ask, if so many great and wonderful horses keep breaking legs, why then do people still continue to partake of this activity? The answer they say is greed and money. But what do those involved in the sport say? Do the owners of these great horses have a legit answer or do they simply walk away, not wanting to answer because there is not one?

It’s a lot to think about. I read one article not long ago on a veterinarian who is trying to prevent breakdowns by studying the horse’s heart before races. According to certain researchers the stress levels can vastly effect how the horse’s body responds to the constant day to day pounding of hoof on track. Others take into account the type of turf the horses need to run on and which turf horses are trained on as opposed to that which they race upon. Others claim it is simply a matter of starting them too darn young! Making a horse run such paces at such distances before bones have completely fused can have devastating effects.

Personally, I have only spent a marginal amount of time around Standardbreds (sulky/cart trotters and pacers). These horses don’t seem to have the same break down issues as Thoroughbreds. Perhaps because they never gallop? Because there is no weight on their back?

It is a lot to think about. I put the thought, the questions, out there. I would love to hear what you have to say as to an answer or two.