In re: this letter to TFL:

Dear Nancy,

I appreciate your opinion on the matter. I agree that many involved in the sport do take great pride and care toward the horse. Let me also add that my wife and I are horse owners. Yes, we are your typical horse owners that spend untold sums of money, as if it easy to come by, and risk our lives on a daily basis when riding and still love every second of it. With that being said, I will also add that we do know many in the tri-state area of horse racing. We understand that there are some wonderful people out there that do see the horse as more then a tool.

With all of the above said, there is a bigger picture. I personally am against this sport. Too many horses are injured and often “put down” right on the track. That needs to stop. Let’s be honest – there are thousands of horses in this sport that have not earned “Barbaro money” and they suffer greatly. It is rare to see a racehorse with a major injury spared. Perhaps some cannot afford the cost of near $500 a day to have the horse sent to a large an animal hospital – I’ll give the benefit of the doubt.

Anyone who knows horses understands that a 2-3 year old horse has yet to mature physically and mentally. The racehorse is made for speed, I agree however; they do not choose to participate in a sport that could end their young life at any given stride. The only reason this sport exists is for profit. Profit of the owners – profit for the advertisers and so on.

I am not so romantic that I believe this sport will stop all together but it is my hope that improvements will be made to ensure the safety of the animal. After all, without them, there is nothing to “bet on” and the “millions made” would disappear… and there is the true definition of this “Sport of Kings!”

Francis Belardino
Bela D Media.com