10 Videos Showing Cruelty and Abuse at the Kentucky Derby – One Green Planet

Known as “the most exciting two minutes in sports,” the Kentucky Derby conjures up images of elegance, tradition and the pinnacle of horse racing. However, beneath the big hats and ‘upper class’ atmosphere lies a darker reality: the pervasive cruelty endured by the horses forced to participate. While spectators don their finest clothes and sip mint juleps, countless horses face grueling conditions, putting them at risk of injury or death for the sake of entertainment and profit. Last year, 12 horses died at Churchill Downs, prompting an investigation.

1. Jockey hits horse

Source: VidVulture/Youtube

The 2022 Kentucky Derby winner, Rich Strike ridden by Sonny Leon, was struck after the race. It started with two horses being brought too close together and becoming scared. The horses began to bump into each other. Instead of taking the horses somewhere to calm down, the outrider decided to punch the horse in the face over and over again.

2. Fatal fall

Source: PETA/YouTube

This exclusive footage from PETA shows a horse, sad and overwhelmed, falling to the ground during the Kentucky Derby. The horse begins to breathe heavily, clearly gasping for air. The jockey tries to help, but it is too late. The racehorse, named Lost in Limbo, was euthanized shortly after these images were captured.

3. Demolition derby

Source: PETA/YouTube

PETA’s James Cromwell called for help before the 2023 Kentucky Derby. The footage, which shows broken feet, falls and other abuse, shows the true horrific impact of this sporting event. Cromwell reveals that more than 1,000 horses die every year on racetracks in the United States. The footage not only reveals the abuse, but also shows how the horse racing industry covers up the deaths and injuries of the animals they depend on.

4. Trainer suspended

Source: CBS Avondnieuws/Youtube

Just before the 2023 Kentucky Derby, a trainer was suspended and his horses removed from the race. Saffie Joseph Jr. had two horses die within a week prior to the famous event, but the unexplained deaths of the horses were called “highly unusual” by officials.

5. Pre-derby euthanasia

Source: KRQE/Youtube

Wild On Ice, a horse being prepared for the Kentucky Derby, suffered an injury and was euthanized. This tragedy struck shortly after winning another race. While training for the Kentucky Derby, the horse’s left hind leg was injured. Instead of caring for the horse (or putting him in this terrible position at all), Wild On Ice was euthanized.

6. Jockey suspended for abuse

Source: Think like a horse/Youtube

Shortly after winning the 148th, Rich Strike was seen being punched by his jockey. But instead of the jockey being charged with animal cruelty, he was only suspended for four days! During the investigation, officials found other welts on the horse.

7. Second horse killed by the same trainer

Source: Direct Action Everywhere/YouTube

Barbaro, a racehorse, died during the Kentucky Derby when his trainers raced him to death. Not long after, the same people ran to their deaths with another horse named Pramedya. In the video above you can see how his ankle gets injured because he can barely walk.

8. Eight Belles Death

Source: MCGEE1115/Youtbe

During the 134th Kentucky Derby in 2008, the horses are shown quickly herding together as they are forced to race against each other. Eight Belles seems to be doing well during the race, until disaster strikes. Suddenly, Eight Belles falls. Immediately after crossing the finish line, she broke both her front ankles and was immediately euthanized.

9. Seven horses died before the event

Source: PETA/YouTube

As PETA says in the caption, “Real sports don’t have a body count.” This mini video, released shortly after the 2023 Kentucky Derby, reveals that seven horses died before the event even started.

10. Drugs and death

Source: PETA/YouTube

PETA investigated the Kentucky Derby’s leading Thoroughbred trainer, Steve Asmussen. Through their investigation, they discovered that he was using drugs to enhance horses’ performance and mask their injuries. The PETA investigator revealed the terrible ways in which the horses were spoken about and to. The horses were (and are) constantly receiving performance-enhancing drugs.

As the Kentucky Derby continues to captivate millions with its allure, it is essential to confront the uncomfortable truths that lurk within its gates. In the pursuit of tradition, the exploitation and abuse of horses should not be overlooked. As society evolves, so must our treatment of animals. Only by tackling the cruelty inherent in events like the Derby can we strive for a future where sport and entertainment do not come at the expense of sentient beings. Although this event is known as “the most exciting two minutes in sport” for horses, the reality is completely different.

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