Many of you have heard about the tradgedy at the Kentucky Derby last weakend. Eight Belles, the only filly to run in 9 years, took a fall at the end of the race and injured both front legs, so was euthinized.

I, who love horses like crazy, do not see horse racing as a wrong or terrible sport. Yes, nearly 800 horses do die from this sport each year, but death and injuries can happen to a horse that is in it's stall.
Thoroughbreds love to run. They were bred to. Keeping one of this horses from running would be wrong and would drive the horse crazy, as everyone knows. But this seems to be what people who oppose horse racing are suggesting, because letting a horse run in a field carries just as high off risk of injury as racing them does.

While I hate that so many horses die due to racing, it is a sport that is okay with me, providing it is done correctly. After a horse finishes it's racing career, it should be kept by the owner or sent to a retired race horse sancturary. This way, no former race horse ends up at a slaughter house. Three years olds should be the starting age for racing, by that time the horse has a better build and can be trained longer. And horse should not be pushed beyond thier abilities, and should not be severly whipped or hit. I have no problem with someone using a crop, I do often. It keeps the horse inline, listening, and safe.

Question:
So what is you opinion on horse racing? Should it be stopped, or is it OK?

Choices:
It's flat out wrong in any circumstance...
It's fine, let the horses run, but caution should be taken...
It's great! Who cares how many horses die, I just want to bet on the fastest one!