[Veto!]

After Barbaro and Eight Belles, then the 21 polo ponies who died in Palm Beach last week, I’ve sworn off horse sports forever. Wish they could all be released into the wild and run as far and as fast as they wish.

No, not a PETA member, just don’t want any more heartbreaking horse scenarios.

The hats, though! They’re something else. Derby could easily be about derbies and still draw thousands of viewers.

[lewisglad]

Matt Ravers of Ledgewood, NJ, cheers during the first race at the 135th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs Saturday, May 2, 2009

[ml/nj]

After Barbaro and Eight Belles

Hey, Pea Brain.

Barbaro and Eight Belles wouldn't have existed at all were it not for Thoroughbred Racing. They led pampered lives for as long as they lived. Other horse died too. I know some of their names, but I'm guessing that you only know about the ones the tear jerk media tells you about. Last night some cattle died for me, and maybe for you too. I killed a mosquito that annoyed me this morning. If you want to weep for her too, maybe I could send you a picture.

ML/NJ