It turns out that it is actually safer to race our horses than it is to drive our children on the roads.
But if we leave the story-telling of this subject to extremist groups such as PETA and sensationalist media sources seeking to exploit anyone’s suffering, anyone’s loss, any negative tidbit that can be found in order to increase their ratings, views, clicks and hits, then those who know very little about horseracing would be led to believe the loudest voice: extremist organizations like PETA and known, sensationalist news outlets that in the end, are also deeply profiting from this gambit.
Former leading jockey, and now media personality for NBC Sports and NBCSN, Donna Brothers (pictured above), has penned a provocative, but illuminating, article on her website.
In an age of political correctness where many industry leaders are walking on egg shells to appease warranted welfare concerns, the popular presenter has put together a thought-provoking look at PETA’s operations, and has labelled them as a straight out bully.
Click here for an absolute must read
Donna rode from 1987 to 1998 and retired in 1998 as the second leading female jockey in the United States by money earned. She holds that title still, with a record 1,130 wins. 1998 was also the year she married Frank Brothers, the well-known Thoroughbred trainer (since retired), conformation expert, and Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame inductee.
Though retired from race-riding, she was by no means ready to call it quits from her beloved horses and the sport that had been so good to her. In 1999 she began dabbling in television, providing coverage for several networks including TVG and several of the top tracks in the country. Over the years, she has covered everything from horse racing, show jumping, dressage, eventing, and bull riding, to other national and international level equestrian events for NBC and NBCSN.
Since 2000, she has been a sports analyst and commentator for the Breeder’s Cup Championships, World Equestrian Games, PBR World Championships, Kentucky Land Rover (Rolex) Three Day Event, the Triple Crown races and more, for NBC and NBC Sports Network.
To date, she has covered 19 Kentucky Derbies, including the historic victories that took place in 2015 when American Pharaoh won the Triple Crown for the first time in 37 years, followed three years later by Justify’s domination of the Triple Crown races in 2018.
Ed – PETA is People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals – they can be found here
