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Safety Remains in the Spotlight

By M. Morris,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 30, 2009 3:40 PM CDT

(Newser) – A year after second-place finisher Eight Belles had to be euthanized following the Kentucky Derby, safety has improved—but the inherent dangers of horse racing remain immutable, MSNBC reports. The industry has altered the rules regarding steroids, whips, and horseshoes, "but the bottom line is, not a lot of change," said a congressman critical of the sport's decentralized structure.

A prominent owner says that's missing the point, and the sport has come a long way since Eight Belles, a popular filly, broke both ankles in last year's Run for the Roses. "I think it was very important that the industry demonstrate to itself that it could get … on a winning path,” said Stuart Janney III. “It has done so in the past year."

Track personnel try to hold down Eight Belles after the 134th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, May 3, 2008. Eight Belles was euthanized after breaking both front ankles.
Track personnel try to hold down Eight Belles after the 134th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, May 3, 2008. Eight Belles was euthanized after breaking both front ankles.   (AP Photo)
Barbaro is held by jockey Edgar Prado after injuring his leg at the start of the 131st running of the Preakness Stakes, May 20, 2006.
Barbaro is held by jockey Edgar Prado after injuring his leg at the start of the 131st running of the Preakness Stakes, May 20, 2006.   (AP Photo)
David Lanzman, part owner of Kentucky Derby entrant I Want Revenge, hangs the silks in gate No. 13 during yesterdays' post-position draw.
David Lanzman, part owner of Kentucky Derby entrant I Want Revenge, hangs the silks in gate No. 13 during yesterdays' post-position draw.   (AP Photo)
Trainer Bob Baffert, left, gives son Bode a hand in hanging the colors of Zayat Stables and Kentucky Derby entrant Pioneerof the Nile in the No. 16 post during yesterday's post-position draw.
Trainer Bob Baffert, left, gives son Bode a hand in hanging the colors of Zayat Stables and Kentucky Derby entrant Pioneerof the Nile in the No. 16 post during yesterday's post-position draw.   (AP Photo)
Eight Belles is examined on the track after the 134th Kentucky Derby, May 3, 2008. Eight Belles was euthanized after breaking both front ankles.
Eight Belles is examined on the track after the 134th Kentucky Derby, May 3, 2008. Eight Belles was euthanized after breaking both front ankles.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
Derni
May 1, 2009 12:46 PM CDT
And people get to satisfy another addiction-gambling.
AnnieChrist
Apr 30, 2009 8:58 AM CDT
As far as treatment of the animals is concerned, the only difference today between horse racing and dog or cock fighting is the spectators at the track are better dressed and well tonsured.

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