Regarding David Von Drehle’s May 6 op-ed, “Can horse racing be saved?”:
Ahead of the Kentucky Derby, seven horses died at Churchill Downs — a tragic series of events that Louisville racetrack officials called “highly unusual.” In fact, hundreds of racehorses die each year in the United States: Between 2009 and 2021, more than 7,200 thoroughbreds died on tracks across the nation, according to the Jockey Club’s database.
Whether horse racing is finally ushering in a new era (amid increasing public disapproval) remains to be seen. Meanwhile, these equine athletes must be spared from some of the worst abuses plaguing the industry.
Joanna Grossman, Washington
The writer is equine program director for the Animal Welfare Institute.
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