I would imagine they would at least show it on the news. I mean it's only 2 minutes!
That's weird you say your horse died. Last year, my horse died. Started a big controversy about animal cruelty and selective breeding and the like. Yeah, she came in 2nd in the Derby, then broke both her forelegs. They put her down right there on the track. Weird.
The betting makes it more fun. Even when you lose. I'm not a big gambler, so I can go to the track and have a great time for 20-30 bucks. And if you win, well.......... ain't complaining there either.