This is very true, but even when their bones are fully developed you have to realize these horses weigh anywhere from 1000 to 1300 lbs, and their ankles are no bigger around than your wrists. When these guys are running at full stride their entire body weight is supported at any time by only one ankle. The steroids hinder a horses pain sensors, and keep it from realizing how hurt it is. Therefore they continue to push themselves and do the fatal damage. This was a freak thing, I have never seen anything like it in my 20 years of watching and being around horse racing. I have seen plenty win and break their legs two steps past the wire, but she was half way around the track and was slowed to a jog.
I see about the pain sensors. So its not that the steriods are CAUSING the injuries, they just make the injuries worse because the horse does not immediatly feel the pain and stop.
By no means do I have my head in the sand about horse racing. Steriods should be banned. I agree. I was simply keeping the discussion going. I love the sport, and will continue to do so. I am, however, very troubled by recent events. My feelings are similar to those of Jeremy Plonk of ESPN.com. If you want to read more go to the following link: ESPN - Plonk: Derby drugs - Horse Racing
Del Mar in San Diego changed to a new surface in order to cut down on the number of fatalities. SignOnSanDiego.com > Sports Del Mar Races 2007 -- A surface issue Maybe it's not much in racing circles but 18 horses put down in just 7 weeks is terrible.
Substitute Eight Belles for Reggie Bush and Owner/trainer for USC here......it sure enough held water then eh? :hihi:
Here's a link to the ESPN story: ESPN - Euthanized Kentucky Derby runner-up tests negative for steroids - Horse Racing
While its probably good for racing that the reports "showed" that result, all it means is they didn't stick a needle in the horse within 48 hours of the race. Nobody does though, so it doesn't really prove anything.
