Rolex Three Day Kentucky Derby Equestrian Tribute

Rolex Three Day Kentucky Derby Equestrian Tribute
UpDated April 25th 2009:
Another Rolex Cross Country Equestrian Death

Details are still sketchy regarding the cause of the death of Kingpin, ridden by Mike Winter, who fell while competing at the Rolex Kentucky on May 25th 2009. Kingpin died at the scene. Rider Mike Winter was treated and released from the University of Kentucky Hospital. This marks three equestrian deaths in two years. Considering that the cross country portion of the Rolex is a one day affair, an amazing three horses have died in only two days of cross counrty competing at the Kentucky Horse Park. Granted those two days were seperated by one year.

I open discussion here for you to express your sympathies & regards as well as any concerns you may wish to discuss regarding this on going story.

RELATED VIDEO:
I will post an interview held with the course designer only 48 hours earlier regarding the course.

Ping's Equestrian Portal
http://WeShootHorses.com/

Dedicated to all of the equestrian heros we love so dearly which are no longer with us.
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ORIGINAL STORY - 2008 Season
The mood here in Kentucky is somber following three equestrian deaths during two high profile events. This has been an especially sad and terrible week in Kentucky equestrian sports. Two horses were killed at the Rolex Three Day Event last weekend. Today, the second place winner of the Kentucky Derby collapsed on the track after completeing the race. Having scratched the Oaks in order to be in the Kentucky Derby, Eight Belles, the only filly in this years race was put down after both of her front ankles were broken in her 5 length defeat to Big Brown.

The season in general has been plagued with deadly accidents. Public reaction here in Lexington has been supportive but concerned. It was not immediately clear what had happened to the fallen horse but typical post derby celebration was cut short and Churchhill Downs cleared quickly after word spread that Eight Belles was dead. When Eight Belles collapsed on the track many thoughts returned to the Preakness when Babaro fractured an ankle. Sadly after having taken second place in the 134th Kentucky Derby, Eight Belles suffered a rare event in which both front ankles were injured forcing officials to euthanize the three year old immediately while she still lay on the track.

As with any sport there is risk. It seems that for now, Kentucky is at the focus of concerns regarding safety in equestrian sports. I invite your discussion and words of support.

Ping =^.^=

R.I.P. - Quiet Man, Frodo Baggins & Eight Belles

I was at the Rolex and I shot this video which I offer now in memory of the horses killed at this years Rolex Three Day Event & The Kentucky Derby.

Earth Day Dawn for Peace - Kentucky
Earth Day 2008
Dawn for Peace
Kentucky Horse Park
Rolex Three Day Event
Churchill Downs
Kentucky Derby
Equestrian Sunrise

Video Free Lexington
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Category:

Sports

Tags:

• rolex
• three
• day
• kentucky
• derby
• horse
• park
• equestrian
• eight
• belles
• quiet
• man
• frodo
• baggins

[Flippytheturtle1]

OOOO this was the duck video...Nice Ducks!!! lol

[KentuckyGiant]

I kept wondering what you meant by duck video and then I figured it out. Be sure to tell me when you post more videos ok?

Ping =^.^=

[ingridgott]

sad and beautifull tribute *****

[KentuckyGiant]

Thank you Ingrid

[Flippytheturtle1]

It's so sad when races horse die =[. But those were some cute horses from 2:35-2:46

[KentuckyGiant]

Yeah flippy those two horses are on the park website. They are an attraction there and know by many. For what I can't remember. haha

Ping =^.^=

[karos9]

PETA IS SICK every one of you should be ashamed of yourselves! Leave that poor Jockey alone,hasn't he suffered enough? 15thousand people just died in a typhoon do you PETA ASSHOLES know that?

[fishmarc]

Obviously, the people posting here have their own self interests as a priority. No coverage of the deaths of horses in eventing is a travesty. People who compete in this sport (as in racing) have only their egos and money as a priority. Eventing by it's very nature is extremely dangerous for horses and THEY DON'T HAVE A CHOICE IN WHETHER THEY COMPETE. I've owned horses for 30 years. I stopped competing when I realized that I was putting my ambitions ahead of what was best for the horse.

[StormValleyStables]

@Eventer13 they wouldn't have shown Teddy... he was already dead..... :(

[StormValleyStables]

@fishmarc some horses HATE not competing and having a job. Those horses would NOT jump those jumps if they didn't want to. Trust me, these horses wouldn't. And the riders wouldn't push them too. And the same with horse racing. Those horses wouldn't do it if they didn't want to

[jumper4always]

i LOVE the kentucky horse park!!!

[soccerisroyle]

i go there every year amazing to watch