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10 Videos Showing Cruelty and Abuse at the Kentucky Derby

Race horses with jockeys on the home straight

The Kentucky Derby, known as “the most exciting two minutes in sports,” conjures images of elegance, tradition, and the pinnacle of horse racing. However, beneath the big hats and “upper class” vibes lies a darker reality: the pervasive cruelty endured by the horses who are forced to participate. As spectators don their finest attire and sip mint juleps, countless horses face grueling conditions, risking injury and death for the sake of entertainment and profit. In fact, last year, twelve horses died at the Churchill Downs, prompting an investigation.

1. Jockey Punches Horse

Source: VidVulture/Youtube

The 2022 Kentucky Derby Winner, Rich Strike ridden by Sonny Leon, was punched after the race. It started with two horses being brought too close together and getting spooked. The horses began to butt into each other. Instead of taking the horses somewhere to calm down, the outrider decided to punch the horse in the face over and over again.

2. Fatal Fall

Source: PETA/Youtube

This exclusive footage from PETA shows a horse, distressed and overwhelmed, flipping to the ground during the Kentucky Derby. The horse begins to breathe heavily, obviously gasping for air. The jockey attempts to help, but it is too late. The racehorse, named Lost in Limbo, was euthanized shortly after this footage was taken.

3. Demolition Derby

Source: PETA/Youtube

James Cromwell, for PETA, called out before the 2023 Kentucky Derby for help. The footage, depicting broken feet, falling, and other abuse, reveals the true heinous impact of this sporting event. Cromwell reveals that each year more than 1,000 horses die on race tracks across the United States. Not only does the footage reveal the abuse, but it also shows how the horse racing industry covers up the deaths and injuries of the animals that they rely on.

4. Trainer Suspended

Source: CBS Evening News/Youtube

Just before the 2023 Kentucky Derby, a trainer was suspended and his horses were pulled out of the race. Saffie Joseph Jr had two horses die within a week leading up to the famous event, but the unexplained deaths of the horses were called “highly unusual” by officials.

5. Pre-Derby Euthanization

Source: KRQE/Youtube

Wild On Ice, a horse that was being prepared for the Kentucky Derby, suffered an injury and was euthanized. This tragedy struck shortly after winning another race. While training for the Kentucky Derby, the horse’s back left leg was injured. Instead of taking care of the horse (or not putting him in this terrible position at all), Wild On Ice was euthanized.

6. Jockey Suspended For Abuse

Source: Think Like A Horse/Youtube

Shortly after winning the 148th, Rich Strike was seen getting punched by his jockey. However, instead of jockey getting charged with animal abuse he was suspended for just four days! During the investigation, officials found other welts on the horse.

7. Second Horse Killed By Same Trainer

Source: Direct Action Everywhere/Youtube

Barbaro, a racehorse, died at the Kentucky Derby when his trainers raced him to death. Not long after, these same people raced another horse, named Pramedya, to death. In the video above you can see his ankle injured as he can barely walk.

8. Eight Belles Death

Source: MCGEE1115/Youtbe

At the 134th Kentucky Derby in 2008, the horses are shown quickly herding together as they are forced to race against each other. Eight Belles seems to do well during the race, until tragedy strikes. Suddenly, Eight Belles drops. Right after crossing the finish line, she broke both of her front ankles and was euthanized immediately.

9. Seven Horses Died Before Event

Source: PETA/Youtube

As PETA says in the caption, “Real sports don’t have body counts.” Released shortly after the 2023 Kentucky Derby, this mini-video reveals that 7 horses died before the event even began.

10. Drugs and Death

Source: PETA/Youtube

PETA investigated the leading thoroughbred trainer of the Kentucky Derby, Steve Asmussen. Through their research, they found that he uses drugs to enhance horse performance and mask their injuries. The PETA investigator revealed the terrible ways in which the horses were spoken about and to. The horses were (and are) constantly given performance-enhancing drugs.

While the Kentucky Derby continues to captivate millions with its allure, it’s essential to confront the uncomfortable truths lurking within its gates. The exploitation and mistreatment of horses cannot be overlooked in the pursuit of tradition. As society evolves, so too must our treatment of animals. Only by addressing the cruelty embedded in events like the Derby can we strive for a future where sport and entertainment do not come at the expense of sentient beings. While this event might be known as “the most exciting two minutes in sports” for horses the reality is completely different.