Oscar nominated actor James Cromwell has written an open letter to the president of America's Jockey Club, calling on the sporting boss to pledge his support to a Peta campaign to care for retired racehorses.
Organisers at the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) have proposed the Thoroughbred 360 Lifecycle Retirement Fund, which raises money to help look after racehorses no longer in their prime and save them from slaughter.
And, on the eve (06May11) of the U.S. Kentucky Derby, one of the industry's most anticipated races, Cromwell is urging The Jockey Club president James Gagliano to give his backing to the cause.
In the letter, issued to WENN, Cromwell writes, "These magnificent animals should not end up on a meat hook after a terrifying journey to a terrifying death.
"I urge the Jockey Club, as the only official body that deals with every thoroughbred owner in every racing state, to implement Peta's Thoroughbred 360 Lifecycle Retirement Fund without delay."