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| The death of George Washington aka Gorgeous George
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I am so angry this morning. So angry that a beautiful animal like George Washington had to be shot following an injury in the Breeder's Cup. As I watched the races leading up to the big event, I questioned why an Irish horse, used to racing on soft Irish turf, could possibly be asked to compete on a wet, swampy dirt track. The commentators from both sides of the Atlantic made the same remarks. You didn't need a degree in Brain Surgery or Science to work it out. But race him they did, even though everyone knew he hadn't much of a chance. Unsuccessful in the stud farm of Coolmore they decided to race him again, his first race this year.
The thing that maddens me most is the only ones who will grieve real tears today will be the grooms who looked after that magnificent animal they re named 'Gorgeous George'. They must be asking why did it happen. The trainer and the owners will already be looking at the next race. Why did they race him? So they could have a presence in the Breeder's Cup? In the name of sport? What egos these people have. And the thing is, the questions will never be answered. Makes me ashamed to be Irish!
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| Blog Comments
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Dear over the hill,
You should be angry because in reality there is absolutely no reason to put any racing horse down for a broken leg.
The reason the owners do this is because they are not willing to put a big chunk of money to fix a horse's leg that is not going to get them any money in the future.
I had a friend, Bobby back in 1962 who was 14 years old and his horse; (Babe) was eleven years old. babe had stumbled one day and broke her ankle.
The vet said it was a bad break and because Babe was so old even if they could fix the ankle she could never be riden again. Plus it would be a very expensive operation to do and she would need constant care because she would have pins in her leg and she wouldn't even be able to put weight on it for maybe a couple of months.
Well there was just no-way Bobby was going to let them put his best friend down, so he convinced his parents to lend him the money for Babe's surgery.
He worked his butt off to repay his parents and he spent night and day with his horse.
I visited him and Babe everyday all summer long because he quit hanging around with everyone so he could be with Babe.
He nursed her back to health and though he couldn't ride her anymore she was still included in Bobby's daily life until she died seven years later.
Now these racing animal owners are not real animal lovers and if that horse was not a multi-million dollar champion, then to them there is no reason to keep a horse that has broken a leg around even as a stud.
If you get angry with that, then you should take the time to see what greyhound racing dog owners do with a dog that isn't even hurt, but doesn't win races.
It is my opinion that it should be against the law to invovle animals in any kind of sporting event, because owners of sporting animals have no- real concern for an animals health unless it is making money for them.
If you are a mistreater of animals and the animal gets hurt because of your indifference then you should be put down along with the animal.
God gave us dominion over all the animals but he didn't say anything about using them for are amusement!
Love & Peace
jwcj
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Posted by jwcj
on 2007-10-28 07:31:24
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I totally agree. We have a horse in training at the moment which we share with two other friends. The trainer informed us that his back was injured and it might be best to put him down. Meanwhile, his groom asked if he could take him home and let him rest for a year. Two of us agreed immediately and the horse went out to grass. He is perfectly restored to robust health and enjoys a very happy life with the groom's family. We have another horse in training who is loved so much by his trainer he is utterly spoilt and has only run once in the last two seasons. Neither horses are jumpers as I couldn't bear that, but they have good lives. What annoys me about the big breeders is that they pretend to put the horse's welfare first and foremost and have the very best vets money can buy but when it comes to the crunch the insurance is more valuable. I am just angry because it all could have been avoided. The same stable had a horse put down at the Breeders Cup in Chicago four years ago and that was with reasonable weather conditions and a good track. Yesterday was madness. I know also about the greyhounds and would adopt one tomorrow but I already have 3 dogs and I believe ex racing dogs needs individual attention and are not great with small dogs and two of mine are just that. Good to hear from you and thanks for taking the time and for sharing Babe's story. Best, E
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Posted by overthehillandfar...
on 2007-10-28 10:25:58
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| Views: 123
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