As reported here, 3-year-old Just Jack “broke down” in the 5th at Laurel New Year’s Eve – just another sentient being sacrificed for gambling, and for me, yet another name to record. And the beat goes on. But every so often I receive a comment or an email that heartens, buoys – helps to keep me going day after deadly day. What follows is progress, and for that, I thank you.
“I was at Laurel Park on December 31st, placed a bet on Just Jack, and watched the race at the rail. Not only was I shocked and heartbroken when he fell and died, but something in me changed forever. I’d seen horses fall before but had continued to enthusiastically ‘follow’ (wager on) thoroughbreds, visiting tracks from Saratoga to Santa Anita, living under the rationalizations that ‘horses live to compete’ and that since we eat cows that betting on horse racing is somehow ethical.
That’s all behind me. I will never wager on horse racing again. I used to soothe my guilt with donations to equine rescues, but I was working at cross purposes. Just Jack was whipped mercilessly in the stretch and he died as a result. It is one thing to kill an animal for food, but it is quite another to kill one for entertainment. I could not believe the patrons at Laurel quietly went back to the buffet after the race and then prepared their bets for the next race.
Those in the industry will say that better regulation can prevent these events. They are completely wrong. I have followed this industry for 40 years and it has not really improved. The only way to prevent such hideous cruelty is to stop wagering on horse racing, just as we stopped wagering on greyhound racing in most states. And let’s stop supporting Saudi tyrants in the process.
I still feel sick about my presence at Laurel, and in fact I have always felt somehow ashamed of my wagering. I can now look forward to a clearer life and limit my involvement with horses to supporting them in the most positive ways.”
To the person who wrote thie post about never betting or supporting this barbaric entertainment. There is so much you could do, if you could make others aware of how these horses are whipped for the game of kings. Thankyou
Brian, the long-time bettor, thank you again for your comment and sharing.
An inspiration, indeed.