 |
On July 14, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission voted unanimously to limit toe grabs on the front horseshoes of all Thoroughbreds in training or in competition on Kentucky racetracks. A toe grab is a stud on a horseshoe that serves to improve traction for racehorses. Under the new rules, a toe grab stud–or any other traction device–that’s higher than two millimeters would be banned. The rule change still needs to go through the legislative rules process and a public comment period, but if finally approved, it could go into effect this fall.
According to news reports, Eight Belles, the 2008 Kentucky Derby runner-up who broke both front legs in that fateful race and was consequently euthanized on the track, was shod with toe grabs. It’s unclear whether the toe grabs led to her catastrophic injuries.
Interesting!
At least they’re doing something to make the sport safer. Interesting.
Thats great that they’re banning toe grabs in many states, i hope they ban larger ones everywehrer,
Toe grabs are treacherous and definitely contributed to the death of Eight Belles. Why did it take such a tragedy to bring this to attention? There were SEVEN fatalities at Churchill Downs in the spring meet. How many can be attributed to toe grabs, whips, steroids. Clean up this profligate industry!! “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” Mahatma Gandhi
Any rules that would help prevent injury are welcome.