Should horse racing be banned? PETA pounces on Kentucky Derby tragedy

Anybody who watched the Kentucky Derby on Saturday saw horse racing’s opposite extremes play out within seconds.

There was elation, as the undefeated Big Brown romped to victory with astonishing ease, stamping himself a possible super horse and Triple Crown winner.

And there was devastation, as the filly Eight Belles freakishly broke both front ankles galloping out past the finish line after running a surprising second. She was euthanized immediately on the track.

In perhaps the most poignant moment of the day, Big Brown spooked at the sight of the stiff and lifeless filly as he jogged back to the winner’s circle, throwing jockey Kent Desormeaux from his back.

Unfortunately, Eight Belles’ demise wasn’t an aberration. Too many times, we’ve seen racing’s biggest days marred by tragedy.

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Tags: Animals, Big Brown, Eight Belles, Euthanasia, Horse Racing, Horses, Kentucky Derby, PETA