Protest over Eight Belles’ death draws both sides of debate

Published 10:44 am Tuesday, May 6, 2008

LEXINGTON, Ky. — A protest over the loss of filly Eight Belles drew nearly as many defenders of horse racing as it did protesters.

About 30 people from both sides held signs outside the offices of the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority on Tuesday.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals contend horse racing is cruel. Their signs read, “Stop racing horses to the grave” and “Racing horses beaten and broken.”

Horse racing supporters stood alongside them defending the industry from the attack with signs that read “I love horses” and “I support the sport.”

Eight Belles was euthanized after breaking both front ankles following her second-place finish in the Kentucky Derby on Saturday.