Horrifying Kentucky Derby News

Friend and colleague Peter Sikowitz alerted me to the fact that one of the horses in last Saturday's Kentucky Derby, Eight Belles, sustained two snapped front ankles after crossing the finish line and was euthanized as she lay there in the dirt. According to the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals, the tragedy signifies a disturbing trend in the sport—racing horses before their bones have properly formed. The track at Churchill Downs is also quite hard, PETA says, compounding the risk to the horses.

You can sign a petition to help make sure other horses like Eight Belles don't suffer similar fates. I just signed it and urge you to do the same. Please find the petition by clicking here.

A number of tributes to Eight Belles have been going up on the net. Below is just one of many.