Be sure to watch my special report Thursday at 11pm on WHAS11. I talked to those on both sides of the issue of whipping race horses. After Eight Belles death at the Derby and a steroid-free Big Brown running so poorly, the sport is very much under the microscope. Congress got involved with a hearing on Capitol Hill and PETA has new ammunition. I think most of the focus right now is on getting rid of drugs in the sport. But I decided to explore another subject.

Why is it necessary to whip a race horse? It's been done since the beginning of man, so I think we are all just so used to it. I never gave it a second thought until very recently. What if none of the jockeys used whips, wouldn't it still be ok? The horses would still run and no one would have an advantage right?

Those involved in horse racing say the whip is needed as a safety issue. They say it's used to guide the horse, to make sure he doesn't veer of course, where he could hurt himself or others.

But the PETA representative I interviewed says she's heard the same logic from circus trainers who also whip animals in the name of "safety".

I'm sure there will be strong opinions on both sides, so please let me know what you think.

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