‘The Onion’ Predicts Identity of ‘Horse Torturer of the Year’

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:

Jockey Liam Hollins The Favorite To Brutally Whip Horse To Kentucky Derby Win

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