Horse Illustrated Magazine

The controversy over Thoroughbred racing has reached the federal level after it was announced earlier this week that Congress expects to hold a hearing in June regarding the sport’s safety record.

According to the Associated Press, the U.S. House Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection sent letters last week to several industry leaders, asking for their views on the sport.

The report went on to quote Subcommittee chairman Rep. Bobby Rush, D-Ill.: The death at Churchill Downs “raises serious questions about the care and treatment of Eight Belles, and other young fillies like her, and whether adequate preventive measures are in place to prevent similar incidents in the future.”

Eight Belles broke down shortly after finishing second in the Kentucky Derby earlier this month. The filly was euthanized on the track.