Polo Deaths Video: Did ESPN's Investigation Tell Us Anything We Didn't Already Know?

by Fran Jurga | 7 May 2009 | The Jurga Report



ESPN's E-60 investigation of the Palm Beach polo pony death debacle aired Tuesday night. In case you missed it, I've posted it for you to watch and share.

Maybe there's nothing new here, but at least it's more elegantly presented than what we have been seeing. I expected something much edgier but this comes across quite sympathetic to the polo community, as befitting a sports network production.

The trouble is, I don't think that this story is over yet. Far from it, is my prediction. You'll be seeing these faces again; this is a nice ending to chapter one.

Once again, ESPN has impressed me with their willingness to take on a horse-related story from a fringe, non-televised sport outside their for-profit realm; they have also made it possible to share the entire segment with The Jurga Report readers. Thank you!

Please check the April 2009 archives of The Jurga Report for additional posts on the tragic polo pony deaths.

2008: Eventing's Year of Tragic Deaths Compares Only with Racing's Catastrophic On-Track Breakdowns

This video from ESPN shows how the sport of eventing was criticized by the media and even its own competitors and horse owners as horse after horse went down on the cross-country phase at events all over the world. ESPN's harsh treatment is part of an outcry heard round the world.

The loss of so many horses in a single year can only be compared to the horror of the public who watched as the filly Eight Belles broke both front legs just strides after the finish of the 2008 Kentucky Derby. Eventers should be happy that their sport is not as much in the public eye.

When I started this blog, I imagined all the good news stories I would write about research and new cures for horse diseases and lameness. Instead, I have written a dozen stories this year about horses killed while performing and riders riding ambulances instead of their horses. Someone switched the script; I became the death reporter in 2008.

Think safe thoughts for all the eventers and all the racehorses for 2009. Send me back to writing good news.