And the recent publicity of the slaughter of retired racehorses who have outlived their usefulness has further damaged the reputation of the sport. Unlike other forms of betting, horseracing must try to preserve its family-friendly image to some extent, given that many parents take their children to the track. Poor sportsmanship and a lack of sensitivity to the suffering of animals will turn the next generation of fans away. Conclusion

Churchill Downs must honor the legacy of its treasured past, and promote prominent ethical spokespersons for the sport, like the multiple Kentucky Derby winner jockey Calvin Borel. More stringent standards must be imposed industry-wide regarding the treatment of both horses and jockeys, but until then, Churchill Downs must lead the way in ensuring the guidelines that do exist are rigorously enforced. In terms of profit-making, horseracing can never compete with Internet wagering, but as a compelling spectacle and entertainment it can continue to draw crowds, provided it honors the concerns of its true fans.

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