At Cheltenham jockeys must carry whips
to frighten their charges
on their winning trips
snap, behind their ears
as they gallop away
fighting their corner
the horses all pay
legs stretched and heaving
hearts beating too
suffering badly
thats what we do
expect them to run
the gold cup and more
every long race is
Is like nothing before
glyphosates weakening
sinews each day
horse racings
cruel
at the end of the day
passport’s for racers
exchanged for the place
where meat pies are likely
lost without trace
Hundreds end up this way
shot through the head
packed in a curry
altogether DEAD.
Rex Tyler is a Poet, Campaigner, former owner of an organic shop of 30 years, and Public Speaker living in Berkhamsted, UK.