Animal Athletes, Eight Belles, Barbaro

Maybe the time has come to rethink horse racing. If the losing Superbowl team died on the field, would this be accepted? (Only in the case of the Cowboys)

Humans can articulate their wishes, desires, pain, and joy. Another Kentucky Derby, another tragedy. 

I have more question, than answers. I'm not a member of PETA, but there is something fundamentally wrong when a horse is ridden to death.