The Scoop

• May 6, 2008 10:54 pm US/Pacific
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  Scoop: Horse Racing Dangerous For The Animals

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Scoop: Horse Racing Dangerous For The Animals

Americans witnessed a tragedy last Saturday at the Kentucky Derby. Now the question is, is Cal Expo setting itself up for similar tragedies at the State Fair? The State Fair is bringing back thoroughbreds this summer, but the odds are at least two horses will be crippled or killed during the meeting. Do you really want to be a part of that?

Thoroughbred racing industry stats show between one and two horses break down every 1,000 starts. If they have 1,000 starts at the State Fair, those numbers have to hold up, which means some tragedies will take place here at Cal Expo.

To make it clear, I'm not talking about harness racing. These horses rarely break down. I'm talking about thoroughbreds with jockeys on their backs. I've been a racing fan for 30 years, but I'm not coming to the State Fair meet unless Cal Expo and the industry can promise me they won't kill any more horses. If this is a blood sport, why do we need it?