She was put in a race with a distance that she had never run! Why isn't that a factor?
--Anne Tartaul, La Jolla, Calif.

It's genetics. Race horses are bred for speed not strength and this requires thin narrow light legs. After hours of pounding during races, the legs sometimes break - no surprise here. Did you ever see a Clydesdale break a leg?
--Charles R. Gaush, Hagerstown, Md.

I was and still am very heartbroken over the tragic ending of Eight Belles and was hoping that all of the horses and the jockeys would come out of the Kentucky Derby race unhurt. It is so sad as I was rooting for Eight Belles since she seemed to have a good chance and proved herself by coming in second place. It brought back memories of Barbaro's injury at the Preakness in 2006. I will pray for the trainer, Larry Jones and the owner and everyone who loved and cared for this special horse. God Bless you Eight Belles.
--Lorraine Ulissi, Mantua, N.J.

Is PETA serious. It's the biggest horse race in the world and the jockey is in the front coming into the home stretch. When the horse seems to be running just fine and not slowing down, the jockey is not going to stop just even if the horse seems to running a little diifferent. It always sad to see a horse be euthanized, but this is a unfortanate situation where no fingers need to be pointed. PETA does not need to involve themselves every time a horse is injured its making them look stupid that they want to suspend a jockey for something like this.
--Tosh, Louisville, Ky.

Absolutely heartbroken. This sort of tragedy causes me to seriously question my participation in this noble, wonderful and extraordinary sport. These animals give their hearts, souls and too often their lives for our entertainment.
--Kimberly Weir, Alexandria, Va.

I think looking to track surface as a possible cause for the tragic death of Eight Belles in today's Kentucky Derby, or any of the other recent fatal accidents for high profile horses in this sport is ludicrous. It misses the obvious point that these horses are started too early and raced too hard. Until you can change that, everything else is just a band-aid on a broken ankle.
--Sarah Vecchi, Syracuse, N.Y.

I don't understand why such a quick decision was mad to put the horse down. Couldn't they had medicated her and taken to a vet. hospital and cast her ankles? Maybe kept in a "swing holder" of some kind? With water therapy etc? At least given her a chance at surviving? Then a brood mare or "just a loving pet?" My heart just aches for her owners and others who worked and trained her.
--Marjorie Kamps, Livingston, Mont.

Oh God! (gasp)...let's not blame or try to figure everything out at once. Let us all learn the message she sent...after pausing...and give her a legacy, first! She raced to the finish, with all her heart and soul. (Fitting for Ruffian and Frank Whiteley, Jr.'s honor)...and proved her ability with 19 fellow peers with an honorable 2nd place and the gift of her life for equine medicine for all of us, -who want to make a difference in the world - for good! I loved her spirit before her end.
-- Laura House, Norfolk, Va.

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