Saving the Thoroughbred Track Star

Posted by BarbaraAnne Helberg May 6, 2008

Saving Thoroughbreds from catastrophic injuries has been going on for quite some time. Owners get walloped with unearned pans when they make life-altering decisions for their horses. Early retirements are criticized as greedy gallops to the breeding shed, while screams go forth for more performances from favorites like Smarty Jones.

Now, rants and raves over the tragedy at the Kentucky Derby. The racing industry is cruel, it's said. Do something! The reality is that Thoroughbreds weigh in at about 1,000 pounds and run, racing, or not, on four thin sticks that have a suspect blood supply and no muscle below the knee and hock. Unfortunately, they do, at times, break without warning.

The Chapmans, who owned Smarty Jones and smilingly absorbed the public's brief adoration gained from their dual classic champion's two-year career, were harshly criticized for their decision to retire Mr. Jones to stud while he was hot.

Did we want his safety more than his next performance? After his fantastic Triple Crown effort, Smarty was diagnosed with bruised canon bones on all four legs. It wasn't life-threatening. But the Chapmans had one horse to support their retirement. So they chose to collect stud fees. So we could look forward to more Smarties.

Did we really want to see Smarty run himself into the ground, risking permanent, or fatal injury? The Chapmans were wise.

Charismatic, Lion Heart, Invasor, Rags to Riches, Teuflesberg, and War Pass, all champions, all had their careers shortened by fractures that may have healed well enough for them to race again. Their owners retired them.

Why risk it?