Letters to the Editor: Ukranian Racing Tries to Survive

TOM HYLAND:
Bill Finley's article At Ukranian Racetrack, Just Trying to Survive in Tuesday's Thoroughbred Daily News, was one of the most timely and moving articles I've read in the publication in several years. What impressed me most about the article was, of course, the work that Olga Bondar is doing to take care of the horses, while at the same time, having to look after her mother. She is doing this despite the dangers of traveling back and forth between the racetrack and her home. God bless this woman!

I was also greatly impressed with how Finley handled this article, reporting the facts in Bondar's life, without ever falling into sentimentality in his writing. Very well done and another reminder that there are good people all over the world who make the racing industry so special.

ELIZABETH GILLESPIE:
After reading Bill Finley's incredible article on the plight of the Kyiv Hippodrome and their horses in Ukraine I was hoping to find out of there is any information or way to donate to them. Bill's thoughtful, yet heartbreaking article really highlights how good our sport has it here in the United States, despite our many shortcomings and petty grievances. Perhaps this is something we could all get behind as a collective force for the sake of this facility, the dedicated workers there, and of course, the horses entrusted to their care.

Please let me know if there will be a fund set-up or a way to donate. Thank you for the excellent editorial!