The death of filly Eight Belles in the Kentucky Derby has hit the horse racing industry hard this year. Animal rights activists have been up in arms over the cruelty that horses endure to become racers. This is not a new thing; animal lovers have been putting pressure on the racing industry for years. Horse racing has attempted to correct and improve whatever they can, but the dangerous Sport of Kings still has to improve a great deal if it’s going to continue to be accepted in mainstream society.

Improvements have been made to running to surfaces, although this technology is only in its infancy with only a handful of tracks now running synthetic surfaces. But that’s only one aspect of the industry that needs to be addressed. More concern is arising over the breeding practices in thoroughbred racing. Many believe they are leading to degenerative problems in new offspring.

If you’re up to the challenge, Big Brown is attempting to make history at the Belmont Stakes by becoming only the 12th horse in the history of American thoroughbred racing to win the Triple Crown. Bet on Big Brown to win.