By Terri Carr Muran
Galloping into the spotlight this weekend, the iconic Belmont Stakes, a thoroughbred racing spectacle, took center stage in Saratoga Springs, NY. Traditionally hosted in Elmont, NY, this year’s race was relocated Upstate, due to a monumental $455 million reconstruction project at Belmont Park.
Amidst the grandeur of such race meets, large crowds of enthusiasts gather dressed in their fanciest attire. Eager for a day of competition and excitement, spectators celebrate and savor favorite drinks, while eagerly wagering bets on notable horses. It is easy to overlook the profound implications of gambling on horses during an adrenaline-filled, glamorous day at the prestigious races. However, beyond the shimmering facade of the racetrack lies a sobering truth: for every jubilant racehorse champion applauded in the winner’s circle, there are countless horses whose journey ends in obscurity and even tragedy.
Acharya Tulsi Ji (Photo provided by: Arvind Vora)
Last year, the horse Excursionniste was devastatingly euthanized on the race track after records proved he suffered a shattered sesamoid bone and ruptured cartilage and ligaments. His sad fate is a strong reminder of the risks these exceptional animals are presented with when their owners and trainers pursue glorified entertainment plus substantial financial gain. Our hearts go out to Excursionniste, as we remember him a year later.
In the face of mounting concerns for horses in this industry, the call for reform has amplified. Trainers, owners, and equine veterinarians must be ethical and held accountable. Horse advocates vehemently insist that stricter regulations across the board be implemented, especially an increase in transparency regarding horse injuries and fatalities, on and off the track. These 3-4-year-old horses are pushed to their physical capabilities, enduring arduous regimes of rigorous training. The pressure to compete and win fuels an industry of prestige and profit where horses are treated like commodities. Consequences for the horses that don’t live up to standard can be ominous.
Taking the reins, John Di Leonardo, executive director of Humane Long Island, is a defender of the rights of horses. He opposed the state loan for the new Belmont facility and filed a lawsuit alleging that it was unconstitutional because public money was used to benefit corporations. The lawsuit was dismissed by State Supreme Court Justice Peter Lynch of Albany County. John Di Leonardo, and activist Janette Patterson, are appealing and are featured in a new Newsday investigation about the rising number of deaths at Belmont.
Ultimately, the ethical implications of the horse-racing sport extend further than the racetrack. It speaks volumes about our society's priorities and values and how humans regard animals. Through the Jain ethical lens, the exploitation of animals for human entertainment and profit is deeply troubling, especially if animals are suffering emotional and physical trauma. By aligning with the principle of non-violence (Ahimsa) and compassion, we can be a voice and speak out, for the dignity and welfare of racehorses. As we uphold and protect them, we not only respect the spirit of Jainism but in truth, our shared humanity. For this week’s Anuvrat, I invite you to pledge never to bet on the lives of horses and to share the plight of horses like Excursionniste with your friends and family.
Born in England, Terri Carr Muran currently resides in New York with her husband and children. Sharing her life with horses, dogs, and birds; animals are her greatest passion. She has served on several boards and committees including Save the Children, Leadership Council of Long Island; Kids and Cars; North Shore Rotary; Gold Coast Film Festival, and currently Humane Long Island. (Photo provided by Terri Carr Muran)
