Of Course it’s Sad; However, Racing and Other Horse-Related Competitions are Vital!

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by

Contributor
in

19 October 2026

Screenshot: News.com.au (2025 Melbourne Cup)

Dear Editor,

It’s always a tragedy when a beautiful horse dies during a horse race…it goes without saying.

That said, there would be far fewer horses on the planet if not for those who breed, tend, train and ride such beautiful creatures, which are loved by far in main by those involved!

Will all those protesting now rush out and buy a horse and then spend the time and money to keep them alive and contented, as most race horses are?

And yes, some end up in the knackery where they are humanely put down after at least having had a life in which they were well cared for.

Yours,


Howard Hutchins
Victoria, Australia

Comments

One response to “Of Course it’s Sad; However, Racing and Other Horse-Related Competitions are Vital!”

  1. Raymond Core

    Having worked in the thorobred horse racing industry, including time at the track, I will tell you that you can’t make a horse run if it doesn’t want to. Those horses go on to be hunters and jumpers. Track horses LOVE to run and are very competitive some hate to be passed so strongly it’s nearly impossible for the jockey to pace them. Horses are very expensive to buy and expensive to own so they are very well treated with top veterinary care and diets to match their activity. Horses have wildly varied personalities and it’s fun to get to know them; they quickly let you know what they like and don’t like. Some people believe the use of any animal other than as non-working pets is exploitation. Not me.

    Reply

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