tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21166659.post653274524288512657..comments2008-05-11T17:29:40.418-04:00Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801414754458604594noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21166659.post-15220158776805539322008-05-11T17:29:00.000-04:002008-05-11T17:29:00.000-04:00It is unfortunate that Larry Jones has to endure the criticism of the Eight Belles breakdown. He seems honest and ethical as a trainer, and wants to do the best by the horses in his charge, and seems very likeable, personable, and giving to the media as well.<BR/>As a lifelong racing fan, I think that medications and possibly whips should be done away with in America, and should be addressed by the owners and the industry at the top level, before racing attendance drops to a point where it can't be supported any longer.<BR/>The breeders as well need to slow down,re-evaluate methods and motives, and absorb a profit drop for the welfare of the horse, or else risk a longer term loss from changes prompted by animal rights groups. It may mean money or job loss in the short run, but I would hate to see forced changes come down that would cause track closures altogether. Racing has got to evolve, or risk being winnowed out.<BR/>In the meanwhile, Larry Jones and jockey Saez are being criticized by people who may or may not fully understand the racing process. Neither one could control the end result of the Derby, and we are still big fans of them and wish them all the best in the future.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21166659.post-22064553349843319042008-05-05T19:57:00.000-04:002008-05-05T19:57:00.000-04:00Once again, this event brings up the hard issues we must deal with in horse racing. As one commenter mentioned, we must increase the age these horses are allowed to race. We must also curb the abuse of pain killers along with other drugs that these horses are allowed to take prior to races. The US is one of the only countries that still allow this practice. If a horse does not feel pain, there is less likelihood of a problem being diagnosed by the rider or trainer. Eight Belles was a beautiful animal. Her life was lost so that we as a society can wake up from our dream in thinking that horse racing is being conducted as a safe and animal friendly sport.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21166659.post-78374316993499115592008-05-05T09:37:00.000-04:002008-05-05T09:37:00.000-04:00It breaks my heart to see things happen like this. Eight Belles ran a great race and she ran it strong. She was a big strong filly and sometime this just happens. Larry Jones is a great trainer and obviously loved that horse and I cant imagine the pain that he is feeling now. I will keep Larry Jones and all the staff who cared and loved this filly everyday in my prayers and hope that time will heal your pain soon. Eight Belles you will be missed but never forgotten in our hearts and memories. I still cry about you today but I am so glad I got to see you run like a champion thank you Larry and owners for sharing this beautiful horse with us. Eight Belles RIPDiana Harrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21166659.post-41014985700305435782008-05-05T00:47:00.000-04:002008-05-05T00:47:00.000-04:00When are jockeys/trainers going to stop running the *&^% out of horses that are not yet fully mature? And then to act like this injury has never happened before or is rare?!?!<BR/>Running horses under 3 yrs old = tragedy! How many more are going to be maimed, perm disabled and euthinized, most before they even get to racing! This has got to STOP! Don't run them until they are 3 and fewer horses will break down.jyvn8http://www.blogger.com/profile/17148909485422924330noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21166659.post-25488647597622013572008-05-04T22:59:00.000-04:002008-05-04T22:59:00.000-04:00I was so proud to see the filly, Eight Belles, place in the Derby. She ran a magnificent race and I thought she might give "Big Brown" a challenge in the Preakness. Sadly, we will never know. I hate it when these beautiful animals are hurt so badly. I cried my eyes out and still grieve today for this magnificent filly lost too soon and too young. My deepest condolences to Larry Jones, Richard Porter, and all those connected to Eight Belles.Eleanornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21166659.post-83857947091288335532008-05-04T20:32:00.000-04:002008-05-04T20:32:00.000-04:00Our hearts are with Larry Jones and the family. She was a special girl, and will be remembered. Please pass our heartfelt condolences on to all her loved ones. We're praying for y'all.Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11647963577924924452noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21166659.post-34602689839124990342008-05-04T20:18:00.000-04:002008-05-04T20:18:00.000-04:00Dean Richardson, who operated on and cared for Barbaro at New Bolton, said on CBS Evening News Sunday night that the size of Eight Belles might have been a contributing factor...too much weight on too fragile legs.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21166659.post-67259061750499881732008-05-04T10:15:00.000-04:002008-05-04T10:15:00.000-04:00Jones apparently galloped Eight Belles himself at times. He's not a small man from what I can see. Certainly not as small as the average exercise rider. Could that have contributed to the horse's fragility and subsequent breakdown?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com