The Last Lap.

A filly's tragic end casts a grim spotlight on the sport of kings

Eight Belles died on the altar of the quick buck. About that, even the most stalwart horse-racing fans can agree. Andrew Beyer, dean of America's racing writers, explained the death of the Kentucky Derby runner-up by noting that thoroughbreds are, in fact, overbred. They are no longer created with robust careers in mind; their life goal is a couple of quick wins in Triple Crown races, followed by retirement to a stud farm. "Modern commercial breeders produce horses in order to sell them, and if those horses are unsound, they become somebody else's problem," Beyer wrote for the Washington Post. "Because...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!