Letter: Race horses need to be treated better

Wednesday, May 24, 2006 | 7:07 a.m.

Regarding the leg fracture that Barbaro suffered during the Preakness Stakes:

I wish thoroughbred racing, and the decision makers who regulate the sport (if they exist), would wise up already. How many young athletic horses need to be destroyed or retired because of injuries? Racing needs to appoint a commission, launch an investigation and allocate dollars toward research and development but, first, here is my best advice (I have owned horses since 1972 and still own horses):

When they are 3 years old, their bones have not solidified. Just like a human child, the bones continue to grow well into their late teens. My Arab gelding did not mature and stop growing until he was 8. Racing horses should be at least 5 years old, and that might solve the problems that exist.

Micki Jay, Las Vegas

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