Fanfare: Readers sound off on Kentucky Derby tragedy

Once again, the American public is shocked and amazed when a 3-year-old filly breaks her ankles but keeps running. One only needed to watch the 1975 race in which Ruffian, a 3-year-old filly, continued to run her heart out despite being mortally injured. Thoroughbreds are bred to run and often don't have the sense to stop before they injure themselves.

Horse racing is big business, and that likely won't change. But one way to make it safer is to stop racing 2- and 3-year-olds (which is analogous to entering a human adolescent in a triathlon). Give these youngsters time to mature, and they might be better equipped to handle the stress of racing. The downside is that it will be more costly for the owner to keep a horse off the track for the extra years. But it would be worth it if we could save some of these horses from crippling injuries.

– Lisa Hutchin, Wilton

A call for change

The "sport" of horse racing has claimed another life. To say that Eight Belles was euthanized is a nice way of saying that she was killed while being forced to run herself into the turf by money-grubbing elitists. How many horses must die as a result of this ridiculous mayhem before we become outraged enough to stop it? These inhumane idiots need to think twice before jeopardizing a horse's life.

– Pat Howle, Lincoln

Photo hard to stomach

The picture on Tuesday's Sports front page of Eight Belles was unnecessary. We know what happened in the Kentucky Derby. Did The Bee really have to show the horrible photo? I love The Bee's Sports page, but running that shot was in bad taste.

– Mike Magana, South Lake Tahoe

Horse racing heartbreak

I used to love going to the racetrack – Aqueduct and Belmont Park in New York, Santa Anita and Del Mar in California. Not so much anymore. In her May 4 commentary ("Expectations are breeding trouble in modern horses"), Washington Post writer Sally Jenkins was right in describing the heartbreak of watching too many beautiful horses breaking down, having to be put down.

– William J. Hughes, Sacramento

De La Hoya an inspiration

I read Paul Gutierrez's article about Oscar De La Hoya ("Still hard to handle," May 4) with interest. With few Latino role models, it is refreshing to see De La Hoya's success. It also is interesting that he hasn't forgotten where he came from and is giving back to his community, even though some within seem to think that he has sold out. The people whom he touches are the ones that matter. The Latinos who shun him do nothing for their community and resent his success. I always looked at someone successful as an inspiration, especially if he or she was Latino, instead of resenting that person.

It is easy to criticize but much more difficult to get off your couch and make changes in this world. De La Hoya is a role model, and Gutierrez's article very eloquently expressed that.

– Abel Barrientes

Conflicting reports

First, it's reported Sacramento State women's tennis coach Dima Hrynashka was named the Big Sky Conference Coach of the Year. Next, it's reported Sac State has seven athletic programs – the most of any Division I school – subject to NCAA penalties. The programs in question include women's tennis, and the areas of concern include eligibility, retention and graduation. Do we assume if you're not eligible, you're not retained and don't graduate?

What's that saying? "Out with the old, in with the new" … as long as they can play tennis.

– Mark Giannini, Jackson

LETTERS WELCOME: Fanfare letters should be typed and must include the writer's name, address and phone number (e-mail submissions, also) for verification. Letters of fewer than 100 words are given preference, and all letters may be edited and republished in any format. All letters submitted become the property of The Bee. Send letters to Fanfare, The Bee Sports Department, P.O. Box 15779, Sacramento, 95852, or e-mail to fanfare@sacbee.com or fax to (916) 326-5503.