The Breeders' Cup World Championships were held this weekend at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California.
There was a time - not that long ago - when I would have spent all day Friday and Saturday watching the races. This year, I went camping instead.
When we got home, I looked at the clock and realized it was nearly post time for the Breeders' Cup Classic. I turned on the tv, and sure enough, the horses were loading into the gate. Then I watched silently as the favorite, White Abarrio, got a good stalking trip and raced to a convincing, one length victory. The race was fine, no one got hurt, and the winner is beautiful. But also, he's trained by Rick Dutrow, who was just reinstated after serving a ten year suspension for multiple drug offenses.
Which is to say, I didn't enjoy it very much.
To be honest, it's been a long time since I really, truly enjoyed horse racing.
It's everything.
It also makes me mad.
I want to think it's fixable, that horse racing can somehow be made to work in a manner that isn't detrimental to all involved.
I don't really believe that, however. I think the powers that be are happy with the status quo and talk about change is just lip service.
It's hard to say goodbye, but it feels necessary. I hope racing can get its act together, but in the meantime, I'll be finding other ways to spend my big race weekends.
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Same. I used to love racing. I still follow it sometimes, but I will never watch another race in person or live on TV. I've just seen too many breakdowns and the industry can't stop shooting itself in the foot and refuses to acknowledge most of the issues.
ReplyDeleteChanges are happening: https://hisaus.org/
ReplyDeleteI have been in the business all of my life. My family is loaded with Veterinarians, trainers etc. I LOVE the sport and especially the horse but I am afraid that the deep pockets of the rich owners and shady trainers and the thirst for that notoriety of a big win and huge purse the horse will continue to be expendable. They can just whip out the check book and go buy the next champion. I hope we get better in protecting these wonderful animals that literally die for our pleasure. Too much emphasis is on breeding a fast 2 yo old to bring top dollar at the sales for owners/buyers trying to have a top 3 yo on the first Saturday in May.
ReplyDeleteI am in agreement with what you said. Trainers found to be guilty of unsavory practices should not be welcomed back.
ReplyDeleteIf anyone is interested in knowing the truth of horse racing, check out Horse Racing Wrongs. Since 2014 there have been 9919 confirmed deaths at American tracks, and that does not include stall or training deaths that are often not recorded. Please, keep an open mind about the abuse that horse suffer daily on the tracks.
ReplyDelete