Written by PETA
While billboard companies in Louisville may want to keep Kentucky Derby fans in the dark about the racing industry's appalling abuses, which lead to breakdown and death, The Onion makes them front-page news.
In making their predictions for the upcoming Kentucky Derby, The Onion's "Steam Room" commentators reveal just how shockingly* far "horse beaters" (their words) will go in forcing their beleaguered, drugged thoroughbreds to race (or hobble) toward the finish line, including whippings and more. As one of the sportscasters notes, "As far as I know, there are no rules in horse racing. You just procure a horse and get [him or her] across the finish line by any means necessary." Folks, you won't want to miss this video:
The last time "America's Finest News Source" shed light on "expendable athletes," some readers didn't make the connection to the horse-racing industry—but this time, there can be no denying it. Thanks, Onion!
Written by Karin Bennett
*and satirically
Yes, PETA is aware that The Onion is a satirical website. That is part of what makes this video great – it blatantly talks about the horrific abuse that racehorses endure.
You guys do know The Onion is a spoofing website, right?
Personally, as a trainer I won`t allow jockeys to use the crop on my horses. Though it doesn`t hurt the horse if used properly (remember, horses have MUCH thicker skin than humans), it can be used improperly and cause welts. Also, whipping a horse, contrary to popular beleif, distracts and slows the horse down. Also, I won`t be racing horses till they`re 3 years old. I will use the Monty Roberts method (using their own language) to train, and I will ensure they have good homes after their racing careers. My own horses I will either keep or sell/give away (if necessary) to good homes.
Not everyone in racing is bad. Mine That Bird`s owners retired him this year and bringing him home to a good life when he did not want to race any longer. Barbaro`s owners made every attempt to save him and before that saved Last Best Place (an unproven horse with practically no stud value) when he was injured. Barbaro`s jockey pulled up as soon as he misteped and helped Barbaro support his weight after the incident. Zenyatta LOVES to race and shows it, you can`t tell me that she doesn`t, anyone who knows horses can watch her and tell. I beleive that racing age limits should start at 4 and up personally. Steroids and other performance inhancing drugs are beyond bad. I wish they wouldn`t breed as many horses as they do, just as many as necessary to support your farm. Racing has improved a lot in recent years and is continueing to do so. I say help the sport clean up, not ban it entirely.
FYI: many of these horses LOVE running and racing, its in their hearts. I will admit, some trainers can get out of hand, and abuse happens, but dont go around bs'ing the whole sport...
The Onion is not a REAL news reporting website. It's a website based off oF SATIRE. It's all a joke!
Um....The Onion is completely 100% a satire. Everything they post is severely exaggerated on purpose for HUMOR. While "beating horses" is not funny, it's a SATIRE!!! THIS IS NOT REAL NEWS!!!
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