Last year the triple crown hopeful's owner made a huge to do over your last point. He was angry how a horse who hadn't run the other two races beat his horse, really angry.
Which is why he is a douche. The three races are all different lengths and categories. They're not something your typical horse who is good at one or two things would be able to win all three of. In order to win all three, the horse has got to be effing great, which can really only happen if the horse is running against horses that are good at that distance. Putting a horse that is fast but really needs the extra space to finish that way in the Kentucky Derby would be a waste of money.
It is 100% true that horses that have been rested have an advantage. Not racing for 2 months puts you in a better position to win than having raced 3 weeks before, period. Yes, Belmont is a long race and needs to be run differently, but a triple crown winner has to both run it the way 1.5 miles needs to be run AND overcome not being as well rested as many competitors.
Which is why he is a douche. The three races are all different lengths and categories. They're not something your typical horse who is good at one or two things would be able to win all three of. In order to win all three, the horse has got to be effing great, which can really only happen if the horse is running against horses that are good at that distance. Putting a horse that is fast but really needs the extra space to finish that way in the Kentucky Derby would be a waste of money.
It is 100% true that horses that have been rested have an advantage. Not racing for 2 months puts you in a better position to win than having raced 3 weeks before, period. Yes, Belmont is a long race and needs to be run differently, but a triple crown winner has to both run it the way 1.5 miles needs to be run AND overcome not being as well rested as many competitors.
Right. Which is part of the allure of winning all three and the reason any horse that can do it is one Hell of an athelete. To suggest that another horse shouldn't be entered because it has had rest is ridiculous.
I'm so happy. California Chrome's owner really rubbed me the wrong way, so I was glad that horse didn't win. Everyone associated with thus horse is much more likeable, so I'm really happy for the win
Is this the guy who gave an interview after the race and was all pissed off? He came across as the worst sport ever. And then I think he went on to give more interviews bitching and finally had to go on a GMA and say sorry or something.
I had no idea they beat the horses like that near the finish. I'd never seen a horse race before. I don't think I'm overly sensitive, but when I watched last year, I was pretty horrified.
Don't get me wrong, I think it's totally awesome and exciting to have a Triple Crown, I just can't watch it.
It looks brutal if you are not familiar with it but as a general rule they are really not hitting them hard. If they were hitting them as hard as it looks to someone unfamiliar they would have marks all over them, and a racehorse never does.
It's more to let the horses know how much faster they need to be going--a horse can't see behind them so won't see a competitor coming up until they are next to them and if they are loafing, it's too late. It's the same reason why in some jumping shows you will see the riders tap the horse with the crop right before a big jump, horses have very little depth perception so it helps them to know how big they need to jump. It also helps to steer them and keep them going straight. there are going to be some new rules implemented soon in CA, and I think it's a good idea, but overall if used correctly the "stick" should not be abusive..
Sadly yes some of the horses get hurt and have to be put down and it's horrifically sad when that happens. However--horses as a rule are fragile animals and can get hurt playing in the pasture, standing in a trailer, or doing all sorts of "normal" horsey things.
I do wish that they would push back the age/training schedule for them and give them more time to mature. You don't see many older horses racing anymore because owners don't want to lose out on breeding fees--due either to injury or poor zlate racing.
Racing as a whole doesn't bother me but the amount of stress on their legs at such a young age is terrible. I just picked up a beautiful thoroughbred off the track 3 weeks ago on his way to a kill pen because he has a bone chip in his leg and won't be fit for a performance career. This poor horse turned 6 years old at the end of April And was a winner of thousands of dollars over his career yet he was dumped through no fault of his own.
He has been an absolute puppy dog though. Such a thrill to run on such an athlete.
I guess I really am one of the oldz. I remember Secretariat's Triple Crown run.
Me too. I still get teary thinking about his win at the Belmont--he just blew everyone else out of the water. The only horse whose time got FASTER every quarter mile of the race.
I was also at the Derby to see both Seattle Slew and Affirmed win.