Money talks, I get it.
In a game steeped in tradition and the virtues of sportsmanship, the default to the lowest common denominator is a sobering reminder of the new era we are in. I am not so naive to think that money has never played a part in the decision of where to run; after all, the best races are supposed to be the ones with the richest stakes but the path of least resistance should not lead to year end honors.
There are a myriad things that we, as Americans, do better than anyone else. Thoroughbred racing is not one of them.
Our provincial and often jingoistic attitude does not serve us well outside of the "lower forty-eight" and instead of looking to the continentals for some guidance, we sneer at their pedigrees and quaint drug free ideals.
Why is it that, except for Dubai, we shun all international racing meets? The rest of the world never hesitates to bring their best across the pond for the Breeder's Cup but there is nary a Star Spangled Banner to be seen at Epsom or Longchamp? It is too easy to dismiss the breeding bent towards dirt. We hold the bloody BC Turf here and can usually find an apple-pie eating runner or two.
When did we, as a society, decide that it was a good idea to try to win easy? Breed the best to the best and hope for the best? I don't think so; not unless our best is the horse that had the fastest time to the breeding shed. Who is fighting the good fight? What happened to Manifest Destiny and 'One small step..'? Damascus and Dr. Fager, Affirmed and Alydar, Affirmed and Seattle Slew, New Approach and Henrythenavigator? Anyone? Bueller?
Jess Jackson, as much of a sportsman as he claims to be, pulled Curlin from l'Arc when he ran second in the GI Man O' War. SECOND! I know we live in a world where trophies are awarded for just showing up but come on. It is telling that the French are willing to enter this fight when we are not. The French!
Casino Drive has not raced since his Peter Pan score and while I don't know if his schedule is the best approach entering the Classic, his connections are right back on the horse. O'Brien Inc. is a good bet for a strong showing and New Approach is rumored to be in the mix.
We need horses to run and we need them to run often. We have it within us to take the best of this game and make it worthy of those noble beasts we ask everything of.
We at least owe them, and ourselves, that.
17 September 2008
Those cheeky Socialists are dead game.
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The Bid
Greatest horse ever to look through a bridle
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2 comments:
WNR... yer just cranky these last couple of days!
Gotta disagree on Curlin - yes, he ran second in the Man o' War... but the horse he ran second to, Red Rocks, was non-competitive in G1 company abroad. Jackson can do the math, that running second to RR here roughly equates to seventh, beat eight lengths, there. No reason to beat your head against the wall - you have a great dirt horse, you run him on dirt...
Frank-Your point is well taken but as you know, Curlin's run in the Haskell was worse and they still brought him back.
Henrythenavigator was beaten last week and his connections aren't shying away from anyone.
I'm just saying that we have been blinded by the bling and lost taste for the fight. The fight is what it is supposed to be about.
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