The tragic tale of Eight Belles immediately hit a chord with NBCSports.com users. We asked for your thoughts, and more than 1,000 responded, with the vast majority calling for horse racing to be abolished or at least suspended.

We're printing selected responses.

Saddened beyond belief. But I know this: Big Brown WILL WIN THE TRIPLE CROWN - for Eight Belles. He was very agitated after the race - not just fired up from it - he was upset - Kent D. couldn't calm him down; threw him off. Devastated by this.
--TheRankOutsider

This kind of exploitation of animals should be made illegal! I find it reprehensible that people find so much pleasure and "fun" in this kind of crap!! Get a life you guys!
--John

Wild horses don't have these problems even when running on rough terrain. When will horse people realize that shoes are the cause of the leg and hoof problems that these horses experience.
--John Milliman, Poway, Calif.

Absolutely, heartbreaking! Whether it was jockey error, human-greed, and/or ignorance, it doesn't change the outcome. A senseless death and poor taste (NBC's lack of respect ) will be my lasting memory of this event. The Kentucky Derby Officials and its affiliate sponsors can kiss my ---! To brag about the wonderful "Commonwealth - Kentucky" and the terrific sponsor - YUM in the real-world reality of what just occured only perpetuates ignorance and the lack of virtue BIG business exemplifies! My apologies for digressing in anger. The bottom line for me is and will be my very sincere condolences to everyone/anyone associated with the care and treatment of Eight Belles — she was beautiful!
--Kelly, Akron, Ohio

Great race. Congrats to Big Brown, prayers to Eight Belles' owners and all involved with her.
--Beth Ann Conrad, Ashland, Ohio

Gee, do you think that racing demands too much on a young horses legs? It is really what nature intended? Could it be about the money, or can racing "people" really claim that they love horses and abuse them at the same time? I wonder.
--Joanne Jackson

PETA is crazy!!! They know nothing about horses . These horses are atheltes and there is risk of injury in all sports. The only thing is that when horses get injuried they usually have to be put down. If it is anyones fault it is the owners, for putting her in a race two days straight. As a three year old her bones have not finished growing and are not strong enough to stand this kind of stress.
--Roy L. Zabel, Tiptonville, Tenn.

If they say comment on how they love horses then why euthanize them? I think these type of suggestions from doctors should be thought over twice! Its extremely distrubing watching these horses be put to sleep because they break a bone. Studies need to be done in order to prevent situations like these to occur and automatically assuming the horse won't be able to walk or run again.
--Marco, Miami

Animal rights people will use this incident as an excuse to call for no more racing. As a horse owner, I understand that accidents will happen, but many of the Thoroughbred racing accidents are related to the young age at which these horses start training and competing. Thoroughbreds appear to mature quickly, but in reality they are still youngsters physically — their bones are not "set". No matter how much caution is taken, there will continue to be too many career and life ending injuries when the athletes are still "babies". When I heard that Eight Belles was 17 hands tall at 3 yrs old, I was concerned that she could not have had time to grow into her body. Unfortunately, the demand for a return on the investment in a horse will prevent the common sense solution of waiting until the horse is more physically mature before competition.
--Barbara Steever, Barto, Penn.

I had hoped Ruffian hadn't died in vain ... and I hope I won't see another filly in the Kentucky Derby. Owners and trainers should curb their greed and their lust for glory and err on the conservative side of this issue.
--Kathi, New York

Special feature Track tragedy Looking back at Eight Belles' race, tragic demise at the Kentucky Derby.

Eight Belles showed us all just what makes people love thoroughbreds. She had the heart, drive, and determination of a champion. She ran a beautiful race and she gave us all a thrill. This was a freak accident, not the result of any conspiracy, act of cruelty or stupidity. This filly was doing what she loved. Rather than make accusations let's all remember Eight Belles and what made her so special. And if anyone really wants to try to do something about preventing injuries, donate to research organizations who are trying so hard to improve upon safety for all horses. I think that would be a very fitting memorial for Eight Belles. Finally, my condolences go out to all of her connections. She was a very, very special filly who will be missed. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers.
--Liz Larson, Jefferson City, Mont.

I love watching the Derby and every time I see a horse go down for any reason it hurts me as if I was there also. I was injured in a riding accident 18 yrs ago and am still recovering and will for the rest of my life. So to read commits from Bramlage, who sounded heartless hurts everyone in the horse world. Thats my story and I'm sticking to it.
--Denise Brown, Exmore, Va.

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