Oahu Pet Photographer-Hawaii Pet Photos

After last year’s tragic Kentucky Derby, I vowed never again to watch.

Being married to a Kentuckian, Hawaiipetphotos.com had attended the Derby, I had enjoyed the pageantry, and I had loved the beautiful horses.  I knew that these beauties loved to run, but I did not fully appreciate the danger.  ”Eight Belles” changed things.

With the deaths of “Barbaro” and “Eight Belles,” the sport of Horse Racing is changing.  Admissions of doping of last year’s champion “Big Ben” have led to better testing procedures.  Shoeing changes were mandated.  A more flexible whip that reduces the punishment to the horse has been adapted.  Keeneland, a renowned Kentucky track, has begun using a synthetic track.

Still, more work needs to be done.  During the pre-race discussions, NBC commentator Tom Hammond called for a central commissioner.  Mr. Hammond who majored in Animal Science at the University of Kentucky in the heart of Bluegrass Horse Country passionately advocated for the move.  He believed that the centralized control would eliminate the divergent penalties that the myriad of racing commissions impose.  Hawaiipetphotos.com hopes that Mr. Hammond gets his wish.

And about the feel good story of the sporting year…

This year’s winner, the 50-1 longshot “Mine That Bird,” pulled off the second biggest upset in Kentucky Derby history (the first was “Donerail” in 1913).  ”Mine That Bird” rode in a trailer to the Derby.  The more favored horses on the track came by air, so they would be rested for the week of preparation.  The jockey, Calvin Borel, had just met his mount.  ”Mine That Bird” was the only mount he could get despite having won the 2007 Derby.  The 6 3/4 length victory was the largest since 1946.  This margin despite being dead last at the quarter, dead last at the half, and dead last at the three quarter.

Still, with all this euphoria after this unbelievable run, Hawaiipetphotos.com hopes that we will not forget “Eight Belles.”  In the Naval Service, the tolling of eight bells signals the “end of the watch.”  To “Eight Belles” may we never forget.  For her sake, I hope the moves to reform the sport continue.