PETA Wants Eight Belles Jockey Suspended

Friday, May 9, 2008

People for the Ethical Treatment of Anilmals (PETA) is calling for the jockey Gabriel Saez to be suspended. Saez was riding Eight Belles in the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, where she placed second. She was the first filly to run since 1999.

Roughly a quarter mile past the wire Eight Belles broke both of her front ankles and had to be euthanized on the track just minutes after the end of the race.

PETA says the jockey should be suspended, and claimed the horse was "doubtlessly injured before the finish," in a fax to the Kentucky Racing Authority. If the jockey is found at fault, PETA wants the 2nd place prize of $400,000 to be revoked.

Source: Foxsports.com